Lecture on Professional Ethics and Health Records

Introduction to Ethics in Professional Practice

• Ethics Definition: Professional ethics are internal controls of a profession based on human values and moral principles.

• Laws vs. Morals vs. Ethics:

  • Laws: Enforceable regulations established by government authorities, applicable within political subdivisions. They guide behavior through enforceable mandates.
  • Morals: Generally accepted customs and principles of right living and conduct within a society, varying from culture to culture.
  • Professional Ethics: Specific ethical standards and codes that govern behavior in a professional context, such as healthcare.

Professional Ethics in Healthcare

• Importance of Professional Ethics: In healthcare, ethics emphasize compassionate treatment for all patients regardless of their background.

• Norms and Values:

  • Norms: Standards set by groups or individuals around acceptable behavior.
  • Values: Ideals and customs of society held in high regard by community members; they shape the norms and professional ethics.

Codes of Ethics

• Code of Ethics vs. Rules of Ethics:
  • Code of Ethics: Aspirational and sets ideals for behavior in the profession.
  • Rules of Ethics: Enforceable laws that professionals must follow in order to maintain certification and employment.

Ethical Decision-Making Process

• Steps in Ethical Analysis:
  1. Identify the problem.
  2. Develop alternative solutions.
  3. Select the best solution.
  4. Defend the selection of the solution.
• Application: This process applies not just in professional settings but also in personal life dilemmas.

Types of Ethical Theories

Consequentialism vs. Nonconsequentialism

• Consequentialism: Ethics based on the outcomes or consequences of an action.
• Nonconsequentialism: Ethics based on the intrinsic morality of an action, regardless of its consequences.

Other Ethical Concepts

• Social Contract: Agreements regarding moral behavior established between individuals or groups.
• Ethics of Care: Focuses on the importance of interpersonal relationships and care as a basis for ethical decision-making.
• Rights-Based Ethics: Focuses on the rights entitlements of individuals as the basis for ethical decisions.
• Principle-Based Ethics: Decisions based on established principles rather than just outcomes or rules.

Challenges Faced in Healthcare Ethics

• Real-World Applications: Health professionals encounter ethical dilemmas daily, such as invasive procedures without proper orders. It’s essential to adhere to ethical standards even under pressure.

Health Records Management

• Purpose of Health Records: They contain vital patient information required for providing care and must adhere to HIPAA regulations for privacy.
• Health Records Usage: Health records serve as legal evidence in litigation and are essential for maintaining accurate and thorough documentation of patient history and treatments.
• Importance of Documentation: Proper documentation aids in clinical decisions, reimbursement from insurance companies, and legal proceedings. Improper coding can lead to denied claims.
• HIPAA Compliance: It mandates the protection and confidential handling of patient information, whether in electronic or paper form.
• Quality Management: Health records undergo regular audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with ethical standards.

Final Considerations

• Potential for Miscommunication: Misunderstanding orders or patient history can lead to significant issues. All personnel must ensure clear communication and proper coding.
• Ethical Responsibility: Each professional must be aware of the ethical implications of their actions and the importance of following established protocols.