5.2 Ethics Ethics are a set of principles dealing with what is morally right or wrong Provide a standard of conduct or code of behavior Allow a health care provider to analyze information and make decisions based on what people believe is right and good conduct Modern health care advances have created many ethical dilemmas

Basic rules of ethics Put saving lives and the promotion of health above all else Treat all patients equally Avoid bias, prejudice, social, or economical discrimination Respect patient right to die peacefully Be honest, sincere, and caring

Patients Rights Patients rights are factors of care that patients can expect to receive Federal and state legislation require agencies to have written policies Patients Bill of Rights Considerate and respectful care Obtain complete current information concerning their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis Have advanced directive Confidential treatment of records Obtain information regarding any relationship of the hospital to other health care and educational institutions

Long Term Care Bill of Rights Residents in long term care facilities are guaranteed certain rights under federal law Established by OBRA Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 All residents must be informed of their rights Unlimited access to family members or relative and to share a room with a spouse if both are residents

Advanced Directive Legal documents that allow individuals to state what medical treatment they want or do not want in the event they become incapacitated and unable to express their wishes Two main directive include a Living Will and a Designation of Health Care Surrogate( also called Power of Attorney)

Living Will States what measures should be taken or not taken to prolong life when their condition is terminal Must be signed when individual is competent and witnessed by two adults who cannot benefit from the death DNR- Do Not Resuscitate- order for a terminally ill individual Patient is allowed to die with peace and dignity

Health Care Surrogate- Durable Power of Attorney Permits an individual (known as the principal) to appoint another person (known as the agent) to make any decisions regarding health care if the principal is unable to do so Usually given to spouse or adult children, but they can be any qualified adult Must be signed by the principal, agent, and one or two adult witnesses

Patient Self Determination Act Requires health care facilities receiving federal aid to comply Inform in writing and orally the right to refuse treatment and right to die options Provide assistance in preparing advanced directives Educate the staff on medical and legal issues of advanced directive ARE NOT required to pay for a patients advanced directive