HLT305 Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
Week 1 Discussion
DQ1 What is ethics, and why is it important? How do values, morals, norms, and individual worldview (perspective) influence ethics? How might socially constructed rules of conduct influence ethics?
DQ2 Many situations can raise ethical concerns, particularly in the face of disagreement and conflict between parties. However, not all situations of an ethical nature result in a values conflict or constitute an ethical dilemma. Consider the following cases:
Two physicians disagree on the course of treatment for a patient creating conflict between members of the patient’s family.
A commercial plane filled with passengers is hijacked and an F-16 fighter jet is called to prevent the plane from crashing into schools and government buildings. Loss of life (in the air or on the ground) is likely.
Which of the cases is an example of an ethical dilemma? Why?
Explain the characteristics of an ethical dilemma. How do they differ from those of other situations resulting in disagreement between conflicting preferences, needs, or expectations?
HLT305 Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
Week 2 Discussion
DQ1 Define the concepts of paternalism and autonomy. Describe your duty/obligation as a health care provider in relationship to patient autonomy. How can you as a health professional respect the decision of those you serve when their decision is contrary to your personal convictions?
DQ2 Federal civil rights laws have been enacted to ensure the fundamental rights of citizens seeking medical care. Research the following laws and discuss your responsibilities as a health provider with respect to the law:
Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act of 1986 (EMTALA).
“Patient’s Bill of Rights” from the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (1995)
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
HLT305 Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
Week 5 Discussion
DQ1 The most common ethical theories applied to health care include: natural law, deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue theory. Which of these theories most closely align to your personal values? Why? Explain your answer.
DQ2 Major principles of health care ethics include the principles of respect for autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice. Consider the following ethical dilemma:
Your patient was recently diagnosed with a rare cancer that has invaded his liver. He has been given a prognosis of 6 months to live. He would like to participate in any treatment that will keep him alive. He requests to get on the list for a liver transplant but does not meet the criteria to be placed on the list.
Describe how you would apply the ethical principles to the case. Each of the ethical principles must be discussed in your answer to the question. Provide rationale for your
HLT305 Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
Week 6 Discussion
DQ1 The Translational Genomics Research Institute (T-Gen), located in Phoenix, Arizona, has developed a procedure using genetic testing to identify the underlying biological defects associated with specific diseases. In some cases they are able to force rare cancers into remission and reverse the course of disease. This treatment is available to anyone but is not covered by most insurance policies.
Who in our society benefits from this medical advancement? Should the general public be made aware of this option? What implications regarding personal, cultural, or societal values does this medical advancement introduce?
DQ2 The Translational Genomics Research Institute (T-Gen), located in Phoenix, Arizona, has developed a procedure using genetic testing to identify the underlying biological defects associated with specific diseases. In some cases they are able to force rare cancers into remission and reverse the course of disease. This treatment is available to anyone but is not covered by most insurance policies.
Who in our society benefits from this medical advancement? Should the general public be made aware of this option? What implications regarding personal, cultural, or societal values does this medical advancement introduce?
HLT305 Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
Week 7 Discussion
DQ1 What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)? How does an IRB protect the rights of human subjects participating in research?
DQ2 Researchers often advertise their research participation opportunities on the radio and in towns with a large student population. Research participants receive information about the studies and are typically paid for their time or participation. Do you believe this is an ethical approach to research? Why or why not?
HLT305 Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
Week 8 Discussion
DQ1 Should laws exist to regulate social behaviors (e.g., smoking in public places, wearing helmets, reporting illnesses to employers)? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
DQ2 Should laws exist to regulate social behaviors (e.g., smoking in public places, wearing helmets, reporting illnesses to employers)? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
HLT305 Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
Week 9 Discussion
DQ1 Is access to health care a right or a privilege? Why? Explain your answer using what you have learned about ethical theories / principles. What type of health care system do you believe the United States should have? Explain your answer.
DQ2 In 2013, health spending in the United States exceeded $2.8 trillion, which is approximately 17.9% of the U.S. gross national product (GDP) (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2011). Why do you believe health care spending in the United States is so high? Is this trend sustainable in the long term? Explain your answer.
HLT305 Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care
Week 10 Discussion
DQ1 A 2013 study by the Journal of Patient Safety reported that premature deaths associated with preventable harm is estimated at more than 400,000 per year; 200,000 occurring in hospitals. Discuss three patient safety measures that can prevent harm/death in health care settings.
DQ2 What are ethics committees and what role do they play in health care settings? Provide an example of a situation in which you would call a hospital ethicist to consult?
