A strategic plan is a document used to structure and communicate organizational goals. It is also used to mitigate risks and alleviate the potential for legal cases. Barbara receives information that there is an additional, more pressing issue at a satellite clinic that is not documented in the original UCCO case. This issue relates to the emergency care clinic, which is used to treat patients with trauma-related injuries. The clinic has been over-utilized for the past year, resulting in stressed staffing, overwhelming costs, and decreasing quality of patient care and customer satisfaction. Staff productivity is affected by use of personal cell phones and clinic equipment is often used for social media.
In one particular case, a 13-year old patient was seen for trauma care by the UCCO Emergency Clinic. The patient’s parents make it clear to the staff that they are not willing to give consent to any procedure involving blood products or transfusion. The risks are explained to the parents. The patient arrived unconscious but shortly regains consciousness. After the parents leave the room, the patient tells the nurse that she is afraid of dying and would like any care, including blood procedures and products, to save her life. The nurse later finds out that the rejection by the parents was due to religious reasons. The nurse quickly discusses the case with fellow employees, one of which posts comments on her social media page using a clinic-owned computer. The nursing director give a verbal warning to all involved nurses and staff.
Search for a minimum of 3 articles covering the topics of ethics, healthcare professionalism, and federal legislations. Conduct academic research using databases, like:
- CINAHL
- Discovery
- Business Source Complete via EBSCO
- Business via ProQuest
Using your research, address the following points in a minimum of 3-page report:
- Was the nursing manager legally compliant with to protect patient information? Explain the legal risks and support with federal legislations and professional expectations, such as HIPAA and professional codes of ethics.
- What bearing does the age and religious requests have on the patient’s case? Are there medical and ethical laws that supersede the parent’s requests?
- What is the role and importance of communication among UCCO facilities, particularly in reference to compliance and ethical standards?
- What are the ethical and professional factors of using social media?
- Were the reactions to the patient’s case illegal, or just unethical? How does this align with UCCO’s mission, values, and strategic action plans? How does it compare to your own personal beliefs and values?
APA WITH REFERENCE PAGE
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: The scenario presented involves a pressing issue at a satellite clinic which negatively impacts patient care and satisfaction due to its over-utilization. In addition, a case involving a 13-year-old patient with religious objections to blood products and subsequent social media activity by staff raises questions regarding legal compliance, ethical considerations, and the role of communication and professional conduct.
1. Was the nursing manager legally compliant to protect patient information? Explain the legal risks and support with federal legislations and professional expectations, such as HIPAA and professional codes of ethics.
Answer: The nursing director’s verbal warning to staff regarding patient information was legally compliant under HIPAA regulations and ethical codes. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) requires that healthcare providers protect the privacy and confidentiality of patients’ protected health information. This includes electronic communication, such as the use of social media or clinic-owned equipment. Ethical codes, such as the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics, also mandate confidentiality and protection of patient rights. Failure to comply with these standards can result in legal action and disciplinary action, including loss of licensure.
2. What bearing does the age and religious requests have on the patient’s case? Are there medical and ethical laws that supersede the parent’s requests?
Answer: The patient’s age and religious requests must be considered in determining medical and ethical decisions. However, in emergencies where a patient’s life is at risk, medical and ethical laws may supersede parental requests. Healthcare providers are expected to make decisions that prioritize the patient’s well-being and safety, while also respecting their autonomy and informed consent. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment regardless of the patient’s ability to pay, legal status or similar factors. Healthcare providers must balance the patient’s right to refusal with the need to provide life-saving treatment.
3. What is the role and importance of communication among UCCO facilities, particularly in reference to compliance and ethical standards?
Answer: Communication among UCCO facilities is crucial in ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards and providing seamless care to patients. Effective communication enables staff to share critical information, discuss ethical dilemmas, and receive feedback on their performance. Ethical standards, such as the ANA’s Code of Ethics, encourage open and honest communication among healthcare providers to ensure that ethical and legal obligations are met. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements also requires effective communication within and between healthcare facilities.
4. What are the ethical and professional factors of using social media?
Answer: Ethical and professional considerations surrounding the use of social media include confidentiality, privacy, and maintaining appropriate boundaries. Healthcare providers must protect patient privacy and confidentiality, and avoid disclosing identifiable information about patients on social media. Engaging in unprofessional or inappropriate behavior on social media may also violate professional codes of conduct and standards of practice. Healthcare providers must be aware of their online presence and adhere to professional standards while using social media.
5. Were the reactions to the patient’s case illegal or just unethical? How does this align with UCCO’s mission, values, and strategic action plans? How does it compare to your own personal beliefs and values?
Answer: The reactions to the patient’s case were unethical, as they violated ethical and professional standards of privacy and confidentiality. Failing to uphold these standards may also constitute a legal violation under HIPAA regulations. These behaviors do not align with UCCO’s mission, values, and strategic action plans, which prioritize patient-centered care, ethical conduct, and legal compliance. Personally, I believe that healthcare providers have a responsibility to uphold professional standards and prioritize the well-being of their patients, even in difficult and time-pressured situations.
