Ethics Issues
Introduction to Law and Ethics
CHAPTER 1 ETHICS ISSUES
Ethics ISSUE 1:
A physician assistant in a medical practice with several physicians contacts his professional
association, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), to report that one of his
employing physicians often recommends chiropractic treatment for patients with persistent back
pain issues that have resisted medical solutions. The PA knows it is legal to refer a patient for
chiropractic treatments, but he adamantly opposes the practice, considering it “bogus medicine.”
The physician declines to discuss the matter.
Discussion Questions
1. In your opinion, how might the situation be resolved?
2. Is it ethical for the PA to continue working for the physician when their opinions differ so
widely on this issue?
It is not ethical for the PA to continue working for a facility while discrediting the services that
they provide. It just doesn’t make any sense to me for someone to work somewhere that they
don’t like.
Ethics ISSUE 2:
A registered nurse calls her professional organization's ethics consultant to ask for resources she
can present to her employing medical clinic to support her intention to quit working with a
physician she feels is providing sloppy and possibly dangerous care.
Discussion Questions
1. What is the most important principle for the nurse to consider here?
2. In your opinion, are there legal issues inherent in this situation, as well as ethical issues?
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- Fall '17
- Advertising, Ethics, Physician assistant , Physician Assistant
