Ethics and Legal Principles Analyze Ethical Principles (2) Examine Patient’s Rights (3)

CODE OF ETHICS Guidelines for professionals Standards apply to relationships The basis of ethical behavior in health care is the respect for the needs and rights of others. Health care workers should adhere to legal responsibilities, ethics and patient’s rights to protect themselves, their employer and the patient. Ethical codes are guidelines for the actions of people in a profession.

Code of Ethics continued Ethics are principles and values that determine appropriate behavior. Respecting cultural differences in patients is an ethical practice. The healthcare code of ethics requires the healthcare worker to pursue continuing education and participate in professional activities. The healthcare code of ethics covers the professional and private lives of healthcare workers. Ethical codes may differ from one profession to another.

MORALS Ethical and moral standards are very similar standards.

HEALTHCARE AND THE INTERNET Doctors are using computers more and more for patient records This allows doctors from other departments, clinics, and other health care systems to see a patient’s records What ethical questions could arise by this ability to “share”? Is this a good advancement?

EUTHANASIA Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross is the leading expert on the topic of death and dying. Been many moral and ethical debates on it. When you have a patient who is terminally ill, without a good quality of life, and in pain everyday, is it okay to help with an assisted-death? Should it be legal? If so, how could it be controlled?

PATIENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS Adopted from the American Hospital Association The Patient’s Bill of Rights says: A patient is entitled to the most effective care that the hospital can provide. Has the right to refuse a recommended treatment or plan of care. Has the right to review records pertaining to his/her care. Patient’s personal possessions must be cared for and secured while care is being given.

Patients also have the: Rights of citizenship Right to voice grievances Right to protection of personal possessions What do you think each means?