Ethical& Legal Responsibilities and Confidentiality
Ethical & Legal Responsibilities and Confidentiality Introduction 1. Ethical Responsibilities in Healthcare Meaning Ethics refers to moral principles that govern behavior and decision-making in healthcare. Ethical responsibilities guide healthcare professionals and administrators to act in a fair, honest, respectful, and patient-centered manner. Core Ethical Principles 1. Autonomy Respecting the patient’s right to make informed decisions about their care. Includes informed consent , refusal of treatment, and decision-making capacity. Example: A patient has the right to refuse surgery even if it is life-saving. 2. Beneficence Acting in the best interest of the patient . Promoting patient welfare and positive outcomes. Example: Providing timely treatment and appropriate referrals. 3. Non-Maleficence “ Do no harm .” Avoiding actions that may cause unnecessary injury or suffering. Example: Preventing medication errors, hospital-acquired infections. 4. Justice Fair and equal treatm...