In This Unit, You Will Identify And Evaluate The Political H
In this unit, you will identify and evaluate the political health care
In this unit, you will identify and evaluate the political health care issue facing healthcare administrators. In a 1-page summary, you will identify political issues in the scenario below and discuss how you would effectively and ethically handle the situation. Include two (2) academic references and submit your assignment in APA format.
Scenario: You are the healthcare administrator of a nursing home. You are informed by your Admissions Director that a new memory-impaired resident has been admitted into your long-term care unit. The staff is concerned about the involvement of family with your resident. Family members from out-of-town arrived and expressed concern about your resident’s do not resuscitate (DNR) orders which were authorized by the Power of Attorney of another family member. A quarrel erupts in the nursing home with family members voicing their opinions loudly. You arrive on the scene and are immediately told by the visiting family member, “Do you know who I am? I am a supervisor for the Department of Health and Human Services and will not hesitate to have your facility surveyed for noncompliance.” What do you do?
Paper For Above instruction
The scenario presented illustrates a complex intersection of political influence, ethical responsibilities, and legal considerations in healthcare administration. As a healthcare administrator in a nursing home, responding to threats from a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) supervisor and navigating family conflicts over a resident’s DNR orders requires a nuanced understanding of political issues and ethical standards. The primary political issues include regulatory compliance pressures, influence of external political authority, and safeguarding patient rights amid family disputes. Addressing these issues effectively necessitates a balanced approach rooted in ethical principles and legal compliance.
One of the key political issues in this scenario is the influence of governmental regulation and oversight. Healthcare administrators operate within a framework of federal and state regulations aimed at protecting patient rights, ensuring quality care, and maintaining compliance. The threat made by the HHS supervisor underscores the political power agencies wield over nursing homes. Threats of inspection and noncompliance surveys serve as tools for ensuring accountability but can also be misused or invoked improperly to exert undue pressure or influence.
Another significant political issue pertains to the rights of residents and their families, especially concerning advanced directives such as DNR orders. The family’s concern about the DNR authorized by a Power of Attorney (POA) reflects the tension between respecting patient autonomy and legal directives versus the influence of external political agencies. Ethical and legal considerations must guide decisions here, including the authority of the POA, the resident’s previous expressed wishes, and ensuring that care aligns with ethical standards of beneficence and respect for autonomy.
Effectively and ethically handling this situation involves several critical steps. First, maintaining professional composure and de-escalating the conflict is crucial. Clear communication demonstrating respect for all parties' legal rights and ethical obligations helps prevent further escalation. As the administrator, one must acknowledge the family's concerns while reinforcing that the facility complies with all regulations and respects the resident’s wishes and rights. This includes reviewing the resident’s medical records and legal documents, such as the POA authorization, to confirm that the DNR order is valid and properly documented.
Next, it is important to directly address the threat posed by the HHS supervisor. This entails calmly explaining the facility’s commitment to compliance and resident-centered care, referencing policies and legal standards. Documenting all interactions and concerns raised ensures transparency and defensibility should a survey occur. If the supervisor’s threat persists or if any unethical behavior is evident, consulting with legal counsel or higher management to clarify the facility's position is wise, ensuring actions align with ethical standards and legal obligations.
Furthermore, engaging in open dialogue with the family to reassure them about the resident’s care plan is vital. Providing information on the resident’s documented wishes, the legal standing of the DNR, and the facility’s policies promotes trust and transparency. Collaborating with the medical team, family, and legal advisors ensures the resident’s rights are upheld, and care decisions reflect ethical principles of beneficence and autonomy. Ultimately, demonstrating a commitment to ethical standards and compliance helps mitigate political pressure and fosters a culture of respect and legal integrity.
In conclusion, managing political issues in healthcare requires balancing regulatory pressures with ethical patient care. Healthcare administrators must navigate threats and conflicts with professionalism, emphasizing compliance, resident rights, and ethical standards. Effective communication, legal awareness, and ethical decision-making are key to resolving such conflicts ethically and maintaining trust in healthcare settings.
References
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Holden, G., & Bentz, B. J. (2019). Healthcare Law and Ethics (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Johnson, S. (2015). Ethical issues in long-term care: Family dynamics and autonomy. Nursing Economics, 33(2), 89-94.
- Reiser, S. J. (2012). Ethical and legal issues in health care decision-making. American Journal of Bioethics, 12(2), 4-12.
- Weiss, M. (2018). Managing ethical conflicts in healthcare settings. Journal of Healthcare Management, 63(3), 149-160.