1. Ethics/Legal
6.03 Evaluate ethical and professional standards in a health care setting.

2. Ethics Set of principles relating to what is morally right or wrong
Provide a standard of conduct or code of behavior
Allows people to analyze information and make decision on what people believe is right/good conduct.

3. Ethical Dilemma
A situation in which it is not easy to decide what is right or wrong based on circumstances.
Created by modern health care
Addressed by ethical boards
Common factor for health care providers

4. Examples of ethical dilemmas
Euthanasia (assisted death)
HIV/AIDS identification
Abortion/research
Life support
Refusal of parents for life saving measures for children based on religion
Organ transplant
Animal research
Genetic research
Cloning
Drugs??? Legal or not ???

5. Ethical code
Codes differ slightly but most contain the same basic principles:
Saving of life and promotion of health above all else.
Preserve life when possible and keep pt. as comfortable as possible.
Respect pt.’s right to die peacefully and with dignity in respect to family and advance directives.
Treat everyone equally
Provide care to the best of your ability to all individuals.

6. Ethical code
6. Maintain a competent level of skill consistent with your job.
7. Stay informed and up to date and pursue CEUs as necessary.

7. Confidentiality
Information must remain private and can only be shared with other members of the patient’s health care team.

8. Patients’ Rights The factors of care that pt.’s can expect to receive.
All personnel must respect and honor these rights.
Written policies in health care agencies
Patients Bill of Rights (American Hospital Association) pg. 123

9. Long Term Care OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) 1987
All facilities must inform residents/guardians of these rights and they must be posted.
Residents Bill of Rights pg. 124

10. Quality Care
Health care workers can face job loss, fines and imprisonment if they do not grant or follow pt.’s/residents’ rights.
By following the rights this ensures the pt.’s safety, privacy, and well-being and provides quality care at all times.

11. Advance Directives Legal directives
Legal document that allow people to state what medical tx they want or don’t want in the event that they become incapacitated and are unable to express their wishes regarding their medical care.
Two main types
Living will
Durable Power of Attorney

12. Living Wills
Legal document that allow individuals to state what measures should or shouldn’t be taken to prolong life in terminal situations.
Must be signed when individual is competent and witnessed by 2 adults who can’t benefit from the death.
DNR

13. Durable Power of Attorney (POA)
Document that permits an individual to appoint another person to make any decisions regarding health care if they aren’t capable to.
Can be given to any qualified adult
Must be signed by the principal, agent, and 1-2 adult witnesses.

14. Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA) 1990
Ensures that pt.’s are informed of their rights and have the opportunity to determine the care they will receive.

15. Professional Standards
Perform procedures you are trained and legally permitted
Follow step-by-step methods for tasks
Obtain proper identification authorization
Observe all safety precautions
Confidential information

16. Professional Standards
Think before you speak
Treat all patients equally
Accept no bribes or tips
Report and error or mistake immediately
Behave professionally in dress, language, manners, and actions

17. Learning is the key. Is your keyhole accessible?