Deliverable 1: Professional Ethics And Liability Protections

Deliverable 1 Professional Ethics And Liability Protectionscompetenc

Evaluate public health policies and practices as they relate to legal and ethical implications for individuals and populations.

You have recently been promoted to Health Services Manager at Three Mountains Regional Hospital, a small hospital located in a mid-size city in the Midwest. Three Mountains is a general medical and surgical facility with 400 beds. Last year there were approximately 62,000 emergency visits and 15,000 admissions. More than 6,000 outpatient and 10,000 inpatient surgeries were performed.

On your first day in the position, the CEO requested that you design a short in-service training session for employees on the importance of professional ethics and liability protections. You will need to develop an information sheet that explains the similarities and differences between laws and ethics, and the impact of unethical practices on healthcare. An information sheet provides brief and clear information on the required subject. Often, bullet points are utilized in an information sheet; however, since employees will be expected to know and understand the material thoroughly, your information sheet should be more detailed and offer supporting evidence, including a reference list. The information sheet should give your employees enough information to understand the differences and similarities between ethics and laws, the impact of unethical practices on healthcare, and the importance of professional ethics.

Make sure to use audience-specific language and tone in your information sheet. Remember, you are writing this information sheet for your co-workers; however, the CEO and the Board of Directors may attend. Be creative, and make your information sheet fun, yet still clearly organized. NOTE - APA formatting for the reference list, and proper grammar, punctuation, and form are required.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the Role of Ethics and Laws in Healthcare: A Guide for Hospital Staff

In the fast-paced environment of healthcare, professional ethics and legal frameworks work together to protect patients, healthcare providers, and the broader community. While they often overlap, understanding their unique roles is crucial to ensuring ethical, legal, and high-quality care in our hospital.

Differences and Similarities Between Laws and Ethics

Laws are formal rules established by government authorities. They are legally binding, enforceable through sanctions, and designed to maintain order and protect citizens’ rights (Gunsalus, 2012). In healthcare, laws address issues like patient safety standards, confidentiality, and malpractice.

Ethics refer to moral principles that govern individual and professional behavior. Unlike laws, ethics are not legally enforceable but guide healthcare professionals in making morally sound decisions that uphold the integrity of the profession (Gert, 2010).

While laws set the minimum standards for acceptable conduct, ethics often go beyond legal mandates to promote what is morally right. For example, confidentiality is protected by law (HIPAA), but ethically, healthcare staff are expected to respect patient privacy even beyond legal obligations.

Impact of Unethical Practices in Healthcare

Unethical behavior can have severe consequences, including harm to patients, legal penalties, damage to professional reputations, and loss of trust within the community. For example, breaches of patient confidentiality can lead to psychological harm and loss of trust in the healthcare system (Mazur & Lee, 2014).

Furthermore, unethical practices such as misrepresentation of care or patient neglect not only violate ethical standards but can also lead to legal actions against the providers and the institution (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

The Importance of Professional Ethics

Professional ethics serve as the moral backbone of healthcare. They help foster a culture of respect, trust, and accountability among staff and patients. Ethical guidelines guide healthcare workers to make decisions that prioritize patient well-being, autonomy, and informed consent (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

Adherence to ethical principles safeguards both patients and healthcare providers. It encourages transparency, promotes morale, and enhances the overall quality of care, which aligns with the hospital’s mission to serve the community ethically and responsibly.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction and connection between laws and ethics in healthcare is vital. Laws provide a legal structure to protect rights and maintain order, while ethics promote moral integrity beyond legal requirements. Upholding both is essential for maintaining trust, ensuring high-quality care, and protecting patients and staff alike.

References

• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Gert, B. (2010). The definition of ethics. In M. L. S. (Ed.), Ethical reasoning in medicine & biomedical sciences (pp. 1-15). Boston: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Gunsalus, C. C. (2012). The ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals. Journal of Healthcare Compliance, 20(3), 21-27.
• Mazur, D., & Lee, S. (2014). Patient rights and confidentiality. Journal of Medical Ethics, 40(2), 123-128.