1. Evaluate ethical behavior in a health care setting
Ethical and Legal
Evaluate ethical behavior in a health care setting

2. Ethics
Definition: set of principles relating to what is morally right or wrong
Provide a standard of conduct or code of behavior
Many ethical dilemmas d/t modern health care advances
In book on page 111.

3. Ethical Code
Most national organizations affiliated with health care occupations have established codes for personnel
Contain basic principles:
Saving life #1
Keep pt comfortable
Treat all pts equally
More listed on pages

4. Confidentiality MAINTAIN Ethical code
Definition: Information about the pt MUST remain private and can be shared only with other members of the pt’s health care team
Legal violation if pt suffers personal or financial damage if shared with others, including family members
Gossiping about patients is ethically wrong

5. Patients’ Rights
Federal and state legislation requires health care agencies to have written policies concerning patients’ rights, or the factors of care that a pt can expect to receive
All personnel are expected to respect and honor these rights

6. Patient’s Bill of Rights
Talked about in previous presentation
Affirmed by the American Hospital Association
Recognized and honored by many health care facilities

7. OBRA Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987
Led to the development of many regulations regarding long-term care and home health care
Requires states to establish training and competency evaluation programs for nursing and geriatric assistants
Regulations serve to ensure certain standards of care

8. Resident’s Bill of Rights
Every long-term care facility must inform residents or their guardians of rights covered under OBRA and a copy must be posted in each facility
List of rights on pages
Health care workers can face job loss, fines, and even imprisonment if they do not follow and grant established rights

9. Professional Standards
Legal responsibilities, ethics, patients’ rights, and advance directives all help determine the type of care provided by health care workers
By following certain standards at all times, you can protect yourself, your employer, and the patient

10. Basic Professional Standards
Perform only those procedures for which you have been trained
Use approved, correct methods while performing any procedure
Obtain proper authorization before performing any procedure
Identify the patient
Pages

11. Continued…
Obtain the patient’s consent before performing any procedure
Observe all safety precautions
Keep all information confidential
Think before you speak and carefully consider everything you say

12. Still more… Treat all patients equally
Accept no tips or bribes for the care you provide
If any error occurs or you make a mistake, report it immediately to your supervisor
Behave professionally in dress, language, manners, and actions

13. More info about Standards
Even when standards are followed, errors leading to legal action sometimes still occur
Liability insurance constitutes an additional form of protection
It is YOUR responsibility to understand the legal and ethical implications of your particular health career