Course Description: Ethics and Legal Issues in Healthcare
The Ethics and Legal Issues in Healthcare course is designed for master’s graduate-level students who are pursuing advanced studies in healthcare management, policy, or clinical practice. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the ethical and legal principles that govern healthcare practice, with an emphasis on decision-making in complex healthcare settings. It equips students with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare law and ethics, particularly in the context of patient rights, confidentiality, technology, and resource allocation.
This course examines the intersection of ethics and law in healthcare practice, emphasizing the responsibilities of healthcare professionals to respect patient autonomy, provide equitable care, and comply with legal and regulatory frameworks. Through case studies, discussions, and practical applications, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical challenges and legal considerations healthcare providers face daily.
Key Points Covered in the Course:
- Ethical Principles in Healthcare
- This section provides an in-depth study of the core ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—that guide healthcare professionals’ decision-making. Students will explore how these principles apply in various clinical and administrative situations, and how they help shape healthcare policies and practices.
- Patient Rights and Informed Consent
- A critical area of focus is the legal and ethical obligations surrounding patient rights, particularly the process of obtaining informed consent for treatment. Students will analyze case studies on patient autonomy, the right to refuse care, and the responsibilities of healthcare providers to ensure patients understand their treatment options.
- Healthcare Fraud and Abuse
- This key point explores the legal and ethical implications of fraud and abuse in healthcare systems. Topics include fraudulent billing practices, the impact of fraud on healthcare costs and quality, and the role of healthcare organizations in ensuring compliance with laws such as the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute.
- Confidentiality and Patient Privacy
- A foundational aspect of healthcare ethics and law is the protection of patient confidentiality and privacy. Students will learn about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other regulations designed to safeguard patient information, as well as the ethical challenges healthcare providers face in maintaining patient trust while sharing information for treatment purposes.
- Ethical Challenges in Emerging Healthcare Technologies
- With the increasing integration of technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and telemedicine in healthcare, ethical dilemmas arise concerning privacy, decision-making, and patient care. This section examines these challenges, particularly in the context of ensuring that technology complements human care without compromising ethical standards.
- Resource Allocation and Rationing in Healthcare
- This section discusses the ethical and legal issues involved in allocating scarce healthcare resources. Students will study different ethical frameworks used in resource allocation, such as utilitarianism and egalitarianism, and analyze real-world scenarios in which healthcare professionals must make decisions about who receives care during times of crisis or scarcity.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the ethical and legal principles that govern healthcare practice.
- Be equipped to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in clinical and administrative settings.
- Gain the skills necessary to critically assess legal and ethical issues surrounding patient rights, healthcare fraud, confidentiality, and emerging technologies.
- Be prepared to lead healthcare teams with a strong foundation in legal compliance and ethical decision-making.
This course is designed to ensure that healthcare professionals, policymakers, and administrators can balance the demands of patient care with the ethical and legal obligations of the healthcare system. It aims to foster critical thinking and ethical reasoning in real-world healthcare scenarios.