...(Liuzzo and Bonnie, 2010; p19). All those are companies are bound by the same code of ethics, they are not all bound by the same laws. Depending on the type of business, they will either be governed by Federal, State, Local, or a combination of the three law governing bodies. This paper will discuss an example of issue and demonstrate where the law, ethics, or both was violated by a company or its employee(s). First, is to discuss a bit about Ethics. Resisting Acts to Perform Unethically It is of the utmost importance that not only managers, but all employees, act and perform ethically while carrying out their duties. A manager or employee should try to recognize unethical acts, and also bosses. Although, an employee may not always be able to recognize unethical requests or bosses; therefore it is best to thoroughly consider what is being asked of them. It is possible that a boss may ask an employee to perform the unethical task for them in hopes that the employee does not realize or is just a “team player”. If this occurs, the employee should take action. An employee may “buy time” in order to fully understand what is being asked of them and if it is ethical or not. During which time the employee may research to find out what is expected of them and what the best outcome would be for all involved. This time also provides the employee with an opportunity to gain all of the facts so they do not make a bad decision. There are severe consequences that may occur if one...
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...Jerry's Ethical Decision B HCS/335 May 18 2011 D Abstract Jerry is a Licensed Practical Nurse as well as a medical assistant working at on a front desk and has a patient that will need extra medication “Valium” which is considered an S-4 medication for a trip that he is taking in the next few days, the patient stats his doctor always gives him extra when he goes on extended trips because he is a personal friend. The doctor is away and Jerry has Medical assent training, with no other advanced training and is a Licensed Practical Nurse. A Medical assent and Licensed Practical Nurse cannot give medication with no supervision of a Medical Doctor present, this being said legally he is bound to not give medication to this patient. We do no harm when we sign up to be medical personnel, we do no harm to each patient we see A person who has not the training to refill a medication should not and will not give them any medication; we are trained to do everything for the patient, even if the patient does not know (Garrett, Baillie, & Garrett, 2010). Laws are written to make sure there is a line drawn on what can be done and not done by both medical professionals and patients. Licensed practical nurses and Medical Assistant cannot give medication without supervision. Doctors should not leave only one person to run a clinic and patients should have a better time line on when their medication is going to run out. There are both legal and ethical issues for Jerry. Ethical and law...
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...behavior of clients. Mental health counselors are advised to be trained in how psychotropic medications can benefit and be at risk for their clients and to develop a collaborative approach to treatment (Kaut & Anderson, 2004; King & Dickinson, 2007). While mental health counselors cannot prescribe medication, they can recommend medication and educated their clients about them. A mental health counselor must stay within legal and ethical boundaries, while doing what’s best for the client. Recommending or Prescribing Medication A mental health counselor has no legal right to prescribe, dispense or administer any medication. When recommending medication it is important for a mental health counselor to stay within ethical and legal boundaries, while working with prescribing doctors. When a mental health counselor is informed about pharmacological interventions it benefits the client, the counselor and the prescribing professional (King& Anderson, 2004). Legal Limitation Mental health counselors can recommend any medication that they are educated on. Legally a mental health counselor cannot prescribe any medication. According to the code of ethics, a counselor can only provide those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified (ACA 2010.) Counselors should avoid suggesting dosage, timings and other ideas which can hinder the effective use of medications. Counselors should understand basic classifications, indications and contraindications of...
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...right to issue the patients’ refill order for Value and an antidepressant medication. He has been hired as Dr. Williams’s assistant in the office. This patient that has called in could be on restriction from receiving these medications he has requested and found a chance to get a refill because a new person took the phone call. There are questions to be asked when trying to understand the situation that the patient gives. Why didn’t the patient prepare for his trip in advance instead of waiting until the last minute to call in and get a refill for the requested medications? He could have given a time frame of 30 minutes so that Mr. McCall would not have time to consult Dr. Williams before making an ethical decision. There would be no difference if the medication that was being requested were for control of high blood pressure that the patient critically needs on a daily basis. Any type of medication request would need to be authorized by the doctor first. Dr. Williams could have changed the type of blood pressure medication that this patient needs or he may want to try the patient on a different type of medication when this patient’s medication refills are gone. You can never assume that the patient knows his or her doctor’s intentions. Mr. McCall does not have the final say in issuing any type of medication without first consulting with Dr. Williams. If Jerry calls in the refill for the patient and the patient has an adverse reaction to the medication while flying...
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...are referred to as professional ethics (Garret & Baillee, 2009). Personal and professional ethics often overlap and sometimes the two conflict. There are also scopes that apply to professional practice, and one must adhere to their scope and not practice outside of that scope. This paper will explore the ethical and legal concerns related to a case of whether or not a licensed practical nurse (LPN)/ certified medical assistant (CMA) should call in a refill for a prescription for a patient/friend of the doctor he works for. Jerry’s medical training does not qualify him to issue an order for a refill on the prescription for Valium because prescribing medications is not listed in the scope of practice for LPN’s/CMA’s in any state. LPN’s may administer medications but prescribing of medication is limited to medical doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists (American Nurses Association, 2015). Jerry could take a verbal order to renew the prescription from the doctor if the doctor were available to give that order as an LPN (Fremgen, 2009). CMA’s are also not able to prescribe medications and are not able to take verbal orders to for medications; therefore Jerry cannot legally call in the refill for the prescription. Drugs that require a prescription require an evaluation from a medical doctor to determine continued need and effectiveness of the medicine. There would be no difference in the legality of Jerry calling in the prescription for high blood...
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...Blindness Merck Company researches and develops medications for human and animal use, to improve health and well-being. Merck is a business, driven by fundamental values motivated by a desire to improve human life, accomplish scientific quality, operate with the highest standards of integrity, expand access to Merck products and employ a varied staff that values teamwork (Merck, 2009-2012). The Problem The problem is not the production of a medication that will help thousands of people in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America from a parasite produced by a small black fly when the person is bit referred to as River Blindness. The problem is whether to produce this medication, ivermectin, which costs several millions dollars for Merck to produce. Merck would never be able to recoup its money because the people who need this drug are small and these people would not be able to purchase the medication. Company scientists encouraged Merck to invest in further research to determine if the medicine ivermectin could be altered to be safe for human consumption when Merck could not realize a profit. Because resources limited, money and time have to go into the research and development of medications that will produce a profit for Merck. This allows Merck to further relieve human suffering and gain a profit to keep continuing to produce medicines. Rare diseases are delicate issues because the number of people who might purchase the medication is limited; therefore Merck would not gain...
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...Potential Ethical Complications for Medical Advice from Office Staff Andrea Sammut University of Phoenix Healthcare Ethics and Social Responsibility: HCS /335 March 28, 2011 Jodie Ausloos Potential Ethical Complications for Medical Advice from Office Staff Jerry is a medical assistant who is also and LPN (licensed practical nurse). Jerry is an employee of Dr. Williams’ a licensed medical doctor. Jerry’s responsibilities include administrative as well as patient-oriented tasks such as taking medical history and vitals. Jerry also shared the administrative during such as answering the phones. In this case study Jerry is alone in the office without the supervision of Dr. Williams. Jerry receives a call from a patient who also claims to be a friend of Dr. Williams requesting a refill on his prescription for Valium, a controlled anti-depressant medication. Jerry must make a decision on how to respond to the patients needs while taking legal and ethical ramifications into consideration. Medical assistant and LPN Qualifications and Responsibilities Jerry is a medical assistant and a licensed practical nurse (LPN.) A LPN is generally a bedside nurse performing duties such as checking vital signs, administering injections, wound care, enemas, and catheters. LPN’s also gather information; update patient files with current conditions as well as medical history. Medical assistants have similar duties and LPN’s. Administrative tasks are often included in the duties...
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...study in Ch. 4 of Medical Law and Ethics that gives insight to medical – ethics and their applications (Fremgen, 2010, p. 85). Jerry McCall is Dr. Williams’s office assistant. He has received professional training as both a medical assistant and an LPN. He is handling all the phone calls while the receptionist is at lunch. A patient calls and says he must have a prescription refill for Valium and that the provider, a friend, calls in the medication prior to any flights. This type of request happens often and in slightly different scenarios, but the outcome should remain the same to avoid ethical and legal issues. This paper will review the case study to help resolve the problem, the ethics involved, and the medical responsibility to refilling a prescription without provider authorization. Qualified Medical Training Understanding the definitions of a licensed practical nurse, LPN, and a medical assistant, MA is the first step to making a factual conclusion for this case study. Support staff to the provider cannot make decisions about medication refills for patients without a direct order from the provider. This action is outside the scope of practice for an LPN or MA. Licensed Practical Nurse An LPN is a role in support of the nurse or RN, a registered Nurse usually in a skilled nursing setting such as a hospital or long-term care facility. As defined by the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, NFLPN, an LPN “means the performance for compensation of authorized...
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...Running head: ANALYSIS OF AN ETHICAL DILEMMA Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma NRS 437V December 11, 2011 Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma Euthanasia, sometimes referred to as mercy killing, is an act by a third party that causes a patient’s death. Such acts include administering a lethal dose of medication by way of injection or mask, usually to a seriously ill patient. This analysis will discuss the ethics of euthanasia as it relates to nursing, laws, society, and the stakeholders involved in the scenario. The American Nurses Association (ANA) believes that the nurse should not participate in Active euthanasia because such an act is in direct violation of the Code for Nurses with Interpretive Statements, the ethical traditions and goals of the profession, and its covenant with society. (Task Force on the Nurse's Role in End-of-Life Decisions, 2011) While patient advocates should be vigilant for providing diligent care, they should perform their tasks with respect, support and due commitment towards their care. In healthcare practice, in order to relieve pain and suffering, there is an obligation to promote dignity and autonomy of patients. Euthanasia is a complex issue in which nurses are uncomfortable determining the life and death of a patient. Nurses have to practice ethical principles of beneficence, which maximize benefit and reduce potential risk and harm to the patient. Non-malfeasance is another ethical issue in which a nurse should do no harm. A competent...
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...Ethical Issues for Nurses Alexis Bushay HCA 322 Health Care Ethics & Medical Law Instructor: Jennine Kinsey August 18, 2012 Ethical Issues for Nurses Ethical issues have always affected the role of the professional nurse. Efforts to enact this standard may cause conflict in health care settings in which the traditional roles of the nurse are delineated within a bureaucratic structure. Nurses have more direct contact with patients than one can even imagine, which plays a huge role in protecting the patients’ rights, and creating ethical issues for the nurses caring for the various patients they are assigned to. In this paper I will discuss some of the ethical and legal issues that nurses are faced with each and every day. Ethics deals with standards of conduct and moral judgment. The major principles of healthcare ethics that must be upheld in all situations are beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice. Beneficence means promoting or doing good. Nurses work to promote their clients' best interests and strive to achieve optimal outcomes. Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm. Nurses must maintain a competent practice level to avoid causing injury or suffering to clients. The principle of nonmaleficence also covers reporting suspected abuse to prevent further victimization and protecting clients from chemically impaired nurses and other healthcare practitioners. Autonomy stands for independence and the ability to be self-directed. Clients have the right of self-determination...
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...Legal and Ethical Challenges This is the case of a pharmacist working at a small community hospital who placed a request concerning Conscientious Objection based on his religious beliefs. One of the main functions of a pharmacist is to dispense medications. Harry Rogers chose to be a pharmacist prior to his religious conversion and now finds that his new beliefs are conflicting with his duties when it comes to abortion drugs. At the same time, he explicitly pointed out that he cannot fill prescriptions for a physician that performs abortions. The statement can be perceived as discriminatory in nature and it can potentially develop into an organizational ethical dilemma that can affect direct patient care (Pozgar, 2010). Religious discrimination consists of “treating a person or group lower because of their religion, or treating someone differently because of what they do or don’t believe” (Pozgar, 2009). The state, federal laws and the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics strongly emphasize that only doctors have the right to refuse to provide treatment in a nonemergency setting, this is as long as other treatments are provided. Notwithstanding, conscientious objection does not apply to other health care providers including pharmacists. However, according to Grady, a large group of pharmacists has refused to provide medications on the basis of conscientious objection. (Grady, 2006) In October 2005, a resolution was passed by The American Association of...
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...this case study, Jerry McCall is Dr.Williams office assistant. He has received professional training in both a medical assistant and LPN. He is handling all the phone calls while the receptionist is at lunch. A patient calls and says he must have a prescription refill for Valium and antidepressant medication, called in right away to his pharmacy, since he is leaving for the airport in thirty minutes. H states Dr. Williams is a personal friend and always gives him supply of Valium when he as to fly. Only Jerry is in the office at this time. Jerry is unable to provide the patient with the medication that he needs for his flight. When prescribing a medication the prescribed practioner is responsible in case the prescription given cause any harm or doesn’t conform in all essential respect the law and regulations."(Federal Register Volume 75, Number 193). Jerry needs to apologize for the inconvience and advise the patient under the penalty of the law he is unable to grant the customer wishes and complete the refill for the valium without Dr.Williams approval. Although jerry has the training but does not have medical license. If he does proceed and prescribe the patient with the medication it can be considered practicing medicine, which he does not have license to do so. It is possible for Jerry to get sued by the board of...
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...Ethics Case Study Ranacia Alford HCS/335 Ruby Wesley Shadow In order to make ethical decisions in the medical office setting, everyone should have a clear understanding of their role in the practice. Knowing the scope of their work allows employees to perform their jobs better and to keep from making mistakes that could reflect badly on the liable provider. In the case study that will be discussed, Jerry, the office assistant, is asked to refill a prescription for Valium, a controlled substance, without the doctor’s presence or authorization based on the word of the patient. Does Jerry’s Medical Training Qualify Him to Issue This Refill Order? Why or Why Not? According to the case study, Jerry’s job title is Office Assistant. He has professional training as a medical assistant and a licensed practical nurse. Technically, Jerry’s medical training does qualify him to refill this order. Unfortunately, his current job title disqualifies since the doctor has neither authorized this prescription nor hired him as a nurse. Since Valium is a controlled substance and the patient stated that the doctor calls it in from time to time, there likely are no refills at the pharmacy, thus Jerry would be calling in a new prescription which is completed outside of the scope of his position. Would It Make A Difference If the Medication Was For Controlling High Blood Pressure That the Patient Critically Needs on a Daily Basis? Why or Why Not? As previously stated, Jerry’s current position does...
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...patients. Before 1996 there were many issues that has rise the concerning of patient privacy. The HIPPA Act includes “Health insurance portability, fraud and abuse control, tax related provision, group health plan requirements, revenue offset provision, and administrative simplification requirements (Physicians Billing Associates International, 2006). The article that I had read was about a woman who was a nurse and started to use the narcotic from the patient and it was also between an individual’s right to privacy. It shows the process of which the administrator determines a course of action is reviewed but his context of workplace realities through an ethical analysis. This article was about a woman named Jackie that was a nurse and she was overwhelmed with her job. She tried talking to her husband but was convinced to continue working because who pay check was making their saving grow extremely large. To make her husband happy she continues to work as a nurse. She was working in different units that she started to use the narcotic that were prescribing to the patient that she was caring for. She started to take the patient pain medications that weren’t asking for their medications. Then Jackie started to replace the medications with the saline. Jackie had an addiction to pain medication. The administrative Michelle found out because Jackie was working in the surgical unit and the pharmacist had notice there was errors on the medication log sheet. Michelle had requested for...
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...sometimes includes physician’s preference of certain medication over another. Pharmaceutical companies often visit hospital and clinic in hope of encouraging physician to prescribe their line of medication over their competitor. The encouragement may include free sample of the medication, notepad, pen, or even an out of town seminar. The seminar is often paid for by the pharmaceutical company that may include a few hours of actual seminar and the rest of the weekend free to leisure activities, according to Carollo (2010), “pharmaceutical companies paid out more than $250 million to some 17,000 doctors and nursed across the country in 2009 and 2010”. Most if not all drugs have side-effect and drugs used to treat the same symptom may have different side effect depending on its ingredient. A physician preference of one type of drug over another, whether it’s due to pass experience of prescribing the drugs or other benefit provided by the pharmaceutical company that come along with prescribing the drugs. Two physicians treating the same symptoms may prescribe two different course of treatment or medication based on the different experience each physician have. Physician A may have prescribed Medication 1 to a patient in pass. That patient may have reacted badly to medication and medication may not have been as effective as the physician have hope. After that experience Physician A decided to try Medication 2 in treating the symptoms. Medication 2 worked more effective with fewer side effects...
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