Chapter 1 - Introduction to Law and Ethics

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LEARNING OUTCOMES Explain why knowledge of law and ethics is important to health

care providers. Recognize the importance of professional codes of ethics. Distinguish among law, ethics, bioethics, etiquette, and protocol. Define moral values and explain how they relate to law, ethics,

and etiquette. Describe at least three bioethical issues of concern for your

chosen profession.

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Two main reasons: Help you to perform at a professional level. Help you to avoid law suits.

Other reasons: Learn about rights, responsibilities, and concerns of

health care consumers. Learn about legal and ethical issues facing society,

patients, and health care providers. Learn about the impact of rising costs on law and

ethics of health care delivery.

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Law Set of governing rules Minimum standards

established to protect the public

Punishable by fines, imprisonment, revocation of license

Ethics Principles, standards, a

guide of conduct Elevates standards of

competence, builds values and ideals

Punishable by suspension or eviction from medical associations

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Ethics Standards of

behavior that reflect right or wrong

May be over and above that which is legal

Are derived from moral values

Etiquette Standards of

behavior that reflect good manners

Protocols are the standards of etiquette in your place of employment

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Most health care professions have a professional association that has developed a code of ethics.

These codes of ethics govern the behavior of members and increase the level of competence and standards of care within the group.

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•The study of the ethical implications of biological research methods and results, especially in medicine.•Examples include organ transplant, reproductive technologies, and animal research.•No simple answers to the ethical questions posed in bioethics.

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Hospitals and other health care organizations have ethics committees.

Members include doctors, nurses, social workers, and a bioethicist.

Help to clarify the difficult issues and look at possible alternatives.

May help with conflict resolution. Are not policy making committees.

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The three “C’s” of success Courtesy-good manners. Compassion-identifying with and

understanding of another’s situation, feelings, and motives (not sympathy).

Common Sense-sound practical judgment.

But, it also takes people skills, technical skills, and critical thinking skills.

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Relaxed attitude when meeting people. An understanding of and empathy for others. Good communication skills-writing, speaking, and

especially listening. Patience in dealing with others. Ability to work as a member of the team. Tact. The ability to impart information clearly and accurately. The ability to leave private concerns at home. Trustworthiness and a sense of responsibility.

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Proficiency in English, science, and math.

Willingness to learn new skills. Computer literacy. Aptitude for working with the hands. Able to document well.

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The ability to solve problems. Steps for successful critical thinking.

Identify and clarify the problem. Gather information. Evaluate the evidence. Consider alternatives and implications. Choose and implement the best alternative.

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If you are a student who has not been in the workplace yet, what do you think will be your biggest ethical issue when you do start working?

If you have been in the workplace, what ethical issues have you dealt with?

What if you are asked to do something unethical, or illegal, what will you do? For example, what if you learn that the office you work in is billing for unnecessary procedures?

You get fired from your health care job because you won’t do something unethical. How will you explain the problem when you go looking for another job?

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