Chapter 4: Health Law & Ethics
Christine Malone, EdD
There are four key ethical principles that apply in the field of healthcare. These theories are used to protect patients as well as employees.
- The theory of autonomy holds that patients must be allowed to make their own decisions regarding their care. Of course, patients must have been given information about their care prior to making their decision.
- The theory of beneficence holds that everyone should be treated with kindness. This applies to the patients a healthcare professional cares for as well as their co-workers.
- The theory of non-maleficence holds that individuals should not cause harm to others.
- The theory of justice holds that individuals be treated fairly.
Employees should abide by ethical theories in their role in the workplace as well. This includes being loyal to the employer, being honest at all times, and practicing a good work ethic. Ethical theories may be used by employees in decision-making. This is accomplished by considering a decision, determining if the decision would harm others or is against the law, and making a choice that the employee feels good about.
One area of ethical behavior includes acting in a professional manner in all areas, including on social media. In the event a healthcare professional posts something inappropriate on social media, that post may cause the professional to be sued, or gain a bad reputation in the community.
There may be times when a healthcare professional holds differing beliefs from those of the patient. An example would be a healthcare professional that does not agree with certain forms of care, such as blood transfusions. In these cases, the healthcare professional should transfer care of the patient to another provider who is comfortable with the patient’s care choices.