Complete Your Required Reading In A 3-4 Page Paper

Complete Your Required Readingin A 3 4 Page Paper Address The Follow

Complete your required reading. In a 3-4 page paper, address the following: Critique the ACHE Code of Ethics with the Code of Medical Ethics put forth by the American Medical Association. Develop a list of similarities and differences between the two codes. Choose any one of the cases listed in Chapter 10 that involves physician and distinguish how the list of ethical code similarities and differences are present in the case. Make sure to include several similarities and differences you observe. Using the Code of Medical Ethics and the case you have chosen, create a brief outline of key medical ethics principles you would build upon by meeting with the physician in the case. Links to reading material: Boston University Law students offer various opinions on a potential "Death with Dignity" law in the state of Massachusetts:

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The ethical standards guiding physicians and healthcare executives are crucial in directing conduct that aligns with professional integrity and patient welfare. Two prominent codes, the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Code of Ethics and the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Code of Medical Ethics, serve as foundational ethical frameworks. Analyzing these codes' similarities and differences offers insight into their roles in guiding ethical decision-making in healthcare, particularly in complex cases where moral dilemmas are prevalent.

Comparison of the ACHE and AMA Codes of Ethics

The ACHE Code of Ethics emphasizes the responsibilities of healthcare executives to uphold integrity, foster a culture of ethical behavior, and promote organizational values that prioritize patient safety and quality care. It underscores leadership commitment, transparency, and accountability as core principles (ACHE, 2020). Conversely, the AMA’s Code of Medical Ethics focuses on the duties of physicians toward their patients, emphasizing principles such as beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice (AMA, 2021).

Both codes share several core principles, including a commitment to beneficence — acting in the best interest of patients — and honesty in communication. They also emphasize the importance of maintaining professional competence and integrity. However, differences arise in their scope: while the AMA code is primarily concerned with the doctor-patient relationship and individual patient welfare, the ACHE code extends to organizational leadership and systemic ethical responsibilities within healthcare institutions.

For example, the AMA emphasizes patient autonomy and the physician’s role in informed consent, whereas the ACHE underscores organizational accountability and ethical leadership in decision-making processes that influence patient outcomes on a broader system level (Ginsburg & Phillips, 2018). Additionally, the AMA’s code explicitly addresses issues like confidentiality, end-of-life decisions, and physician conflicts of interest, which are less emphasized explicitly in the ACHE code but are implicitly covered under leadership ethical responsibilities.

Application to a Case Study from Chapter 10

Choosing a case from Chapter 10 involving a physician’s ethical dilemma—such as a critically ill patient requesting assisted death—allows us to explore these similarities and differences practically. In this scenario, the physician’s obligation to respect patient autonomy conflicts with the duty to do no harm (nonmaleficence). The AMA’s code explicitly discusses the ethical considerations around physician-assisted death, advocating for respect for patient autonomy when legal and ethical standards permit (AMA, 2021).

The ACHE code, while not directly addressing assisted death, emphasizes organizational integrity and policies promoting ethical decision-making. It encourages leaders to support clinicians facing complex ethical dilemmas by providing appropriate policies and fostering a culture of ethical awareness (ACHE, 2020). Both codes advocate for respect, transparency, and compassionate care, although their emphasis differs: the AMA concentrates on the direct patient-physician relationship, while the ACHE emphasizes organizational responsibility.

Several commonalities include the importance of respecting patient autonomy, maintaining confidentiality, and acting in the best interest of the patient. Differences include the scope of ethical responsibilities: the AMA focuses on individual autonomy and clinical decision-making; the ACHE underscores leadership roles in establishing ethical standards at the organizational level.

Key Medical Ethics Principles for Physician Engagement

Building upon the above insights, key principles to discuss with the physician in the case include:

1. Respect for Autonomy: Ensuring that patient choices are informed and voluntary, particularly regarding end-of-life decisions.

2. Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: Balancing the desire to alleviate suffering with the obligation to do no harm, aligning with legal standards.

3. Justice and Fairness: Guaranteeing equitable access and treatment, especially when resource allocation impacts decision-making.

4. Informed Consent: Solidifying the importance of transparent communication and understanding patient wishes.

5. Organizational Responsibility: Recognizing the influence of healthcare policies, support structures, and institutional ethics in guiding clinical practice.

In engaging with the physician, it is critical to address these principles comprehensively, emphasizing legal considerations, the importance of patient-centered care, and organizational support, especially in sensitive areas such as assisted death.

Conclusion

The comparison of the ACHE and AMA codes reveals complementary responsibilities aimed at maintaining ethical standards within healthcare. Understanding their similarities and differences enables healthcare leaders and physicians to navigate complex ethical issues effectively. Applying these principles to real-world cases, such as end-of-life decisions explored in Chapter 10, emphasizes the importance of ethical clarity, multidisciplinary dialogue, and organizational support in ensuring patient-centered, ethically sound care delivery.

References

American College of Healthcare Executives. (2020). Code of Ethics.

American Medical Association. (2021). Code of Medical Ethics.

Ginsburg, A., & Phillips, R. (2018). Ethical issues in healthcare leadership.

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics.

Boston University Law School on End-of-Life Ethics.

Sulmasy, D. P., & Puchalski, C. M. (2018). Family-centered care and the ethics of caring.

World Health Organization. (2016). Ethical considerations in health policy.

Childress, J. F. (2014). Ethical Frameworks for Healthcare Decision-Making.

American College of Physicians. (2022). Ethical standards in practice.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2019). Healthcare ethics and policy.