Frequently Asked Questions

Ethics are the general principles that guide the actions of people in a society. They outline what is believed by most people to be correct behavior. Laws are the written do’s and don’ts that are the means for enforcing the ethical principles. Ethical principles are generally simply accepted, but laws have police departments, courts, and systems of punishment for those who break them.

Professional codes of ethics are developed by organizations representing specific occupations, such as nursing, physical therapy, and dental hygiene. They serve as guidelines for professional conduct and are designed to help health care workers behave appropriately and respond to ethical issues in the workplace.

The leading causes of malpractice lawsuits are angry patients and a lack of good patient-health care provider relationships. The best ways to prevent these lawsuits, in addition to providing appropriate and high-quality care, is to treat all patients with respect, concern, and courtesy. Be a good listener, and follow up on any complaints patients may have.

The Patient’s Bill of Rights was developed by the American Hospital Association to help ensure that patients are fully informed about their diagnoses and treatment options, can participate in making decisions about their care, and have their privacy protected during and after their treatment.

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