Administrative Ethics Paper 3
Administrative Ethics Paper
Sharon M Flemming
HCS 335
April 10, 2011
Professor Singel
Administrative Ethics Paper As an Administrator working in the health care field there may be a number of issues that one will face. Understanding the legal and ethical obligations held by that administrative position will assist in the decision-making when dealing with these situations. The article chosen presents a case study highlighting the conflict between an individual 's right to privacy and the rights of patients and staff to know when a professional standard has been breached (Badzek, 1998).
The health care administrator has responsibilities that extends beyond patient medical information to broader information systems that encompass the organization as a business and a workplace. Managing confidential information within the health care system requires ethical awareness, knowledge, and decision-making skill. With the growth of information systems one ethical concern that continually presents itself to the administrator is confidentiality of information (Badzek, 1998) regardless if that information is about a patient or an employee.
According to Wellness Proposals (2009), Employee rights are imperative and any workplace health program initiative must have his or her interests first and foremost. This includes reassuring and taking steps to guarantee that employee confidentiality is respected and protected. Administrators play an important role in establishing and maintaining employee confidentiality, preserving confidentiality transcends simple nondisclosure of private information (Vaught, 2000). The case study focuses on administrative nurses working for a small nonprofit hospital. Michelle, administrator of surgical services for three years, considered herself relatively new compared to other administrators within the hospital. Michele often disagreed with other administrators and believes her own personal values guided her decision making. She
Sharon M Flemming
HCS 335
April 10, 2011
Professor Singel
Administrative Ethics Paper As an Administrator working in the health care field there may be a number of issues that one will face. Understanding the legal and ethical obligations held by that administrative position will assist in the decision-making when dealing with these situations. The article chosen presents a case study highlighting the conflict between an individual 's right to privacy and the rights of patients and staff to know when a professional standard has been breached (Badzek, 1998).
The health care administrator has responsibilities that extends beyond patient medical information to broader information systems that encompass the organization as a business and a workplace. Managing confidential information within the health care system requires ethical awareness, knowledge, and decision-making skill. With the growth of information systems one ethical concern that continually presents itself to the administrator is confidentiality of information (Badzek, 1998) regardless if that information is about a patient or an employee.
According to Wellness Proposals (2009), Employee rights are imperative and any workplace health program initiative must have his or her interests first and foremost. This includes reassuring and taking steps to guarantee that employee confidentiality is respected and protected. Administrators play an important role in establishing and maintaining employee confidentiality, preserving confidentiality transcends simple nondisclosure of private information (Vaught, 2000). The case study focuses on administrative nurses working for a small nonprofit hospital. Michelle, administrator of surgical services for three years, considered herself relatively new compared to other administrators within the hospital. Michele often disagreed with other administrators and believes her own personal values guided her decision making. She
References: Badzek, L. A. (1998). Administrative Ethics and Confidentiality/Privacy Issues. American Nurses Association. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol31998/No3Dec1998/PrivacyIssues.asp April 7, 2011 Wellness Proposals. (2009). Workplace Health Programs: Protecting Employee Rights. Retrieved from http://www.wellnessproposals.com/wellness_articles/workplace_health_programs_protecting_employee_rights.htm April 10, 2011 Vaught, W. (2000). Confidentiality in occupational health care: a matter of advocacy.. PubMes. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11881627