Ethical Issues At Usa Community Hospital

There have been occasional complaints from patients reporting denial of services and unethical treatment. The common thread is these patients are HIV/AIDS positive. At USA Community Hospital (USACH), there are high expectations of our staff to treat every patient with care and dignity; there is no tolerance for patient abuse of any kind. As the head administrator, the mission is to investigate the validity of the claims, re-enforce the hospital’s policies and procedures, and ensure overall health care compliance. After reviewing the compliance reports, there is a reoccurring complaint from patients with HIV/AIDS. There are various complaints regarding denial of services, rude staff, and patient care and housekeeping issues. USACH believes,

Patients living with life threatening illness, particularly HIV/AIDS often have preconceived notions of how they think people will treat them, thus increasing their sensitivity. Assuming each patient answers the survey honestly, it is designed to identify those patients. The survey consists of subjective questions on a scale of 1-5, relating to the doctors, nursing staff, environmental services, the hospital and overall hospital stay. After this investigation surveys will be a part of the discharge process. Discrimination is reportable to the Federal Civil Rights Act department of the US Department of Justice, attorney general, and U.S. Attorney. Although a doctor has the right to refuse patients under certain circumstances, people with HIV/AIDS are protected und the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Once the staff member has been identified, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Quality Control Manage (QCM) immediately suspend them pending internal investigation. If during the investigation the patients’ claims are valid, the Just Culture is used to identify the behavior and the

The Just Culture is a system designed to discover issues before they become critical. According to the Just Culture there are three categories of behavior: Human error; at risk behavior; and reckless behavior. The respective consequences are: console with training; coaching with creating incentives for healthy behaviors; and punish (Getting to Know Just Culture). In the case of discrimination human error is eliminated, as discrimination is an intentional act. After the internal investigation, HR will determine the behavior and institute appropriate consequences.

Patient care is paramount; it is literally the heartbeat of the hospital. USACH considers discrimination a serious offense, especially because it can be punishable by law. Utilizing the Just Culture, which is emphasized before a person is hired, again during orientation, and throughout employment will identify and avoid these pitfalls. If there is repetitive behaviors consideration needs to be given to the fact the hospital may be at fault. Orientation and training has to be the driving force of the