Assignment:
Ethics ISSUE 1:
Read "Ethics Issue 1" in your textbook on page 216. As you read the issue statement, consider the concepts and topics taught throughout Chapter. Examine the statement presented, and instead of answering the questions in the textbook, write a response to the questions listed below the following scenario.
Susan is a physician in a multi-physician practice. One night after work while Susan was grocery shopping, Susan was approached by the husband of one of her patients. The husband stopped Susan to ask about his wife's condition. Susan knew that her patient was close to her husband and that she could use some family support to deal with a difficult diagnosis. Susan told the husband that because of this diagnosis, it would really help if he could be emotionally supportive of his wife as well as help more with the household chores. Susan told the husband that it might be a good idea if the husband kept their conversation to himself so the wife would think that the incentive to help came from him.
- Are Susan's actions a violation if she, as a doctor, was only looking out for the welfare of her patient? Why, or why not?
- If, while discussing her patient's condition and needs with her patient's husband at the grocery store, their conversation was overheard by other shoppers, is there any violation of the patient's right to privacy? Is there a violation if Susan had not intended that others hear their conversation? Explain your answer.
- What would be the acceptable actions for Susan to have taken upon being approached by her patient's husband?
Your completed case study must be at least two pages in length. Use at least two outside sources in your case study, one of which may be your textbook and one of which must come from the CSU Online Library. Learn more about locating journal articles from the CSU Online Library at this link. Adhere to APA Style when creating citations and references for this assignment. APA formatting, however, is not necessary.
HIPAA has made it illegal, under threat of penalty, for health care practitioners to disclose confidential health information about patients to unauthorized sources.
Discussion Questions
1. Sharon, a second-year nursing student, is completing a surgical rotation in a community hospital. At the breakfast table, Sharon's husband asks her to find out what is wrong with one of his employees, who has been hospitalized for several days. He is interested in knowing when the man may be able to return to work. Is it ethical for Sharon to give her husband this information? Explain your answer.
2. What should health care practitioners do when family members or friends ask them for information about others that they have discovered in the course of their employment?