Denial Claim Investigation
If patients with HIV or AIDS had claims that services was denied I would investigate the cases. First I would review the patients file, and then speak with the patient. I would take the patients statement, and find out what happened. If the patient believes he was denied medical care concerning his HIV status; then this will be looked into. The physician who saw the patient will be interviewed. Questions will be asked in regard to the denial of services, and alleged discrimination assumption towards the patient.
I would interview any witnesses and staff that may have seen or heard conversation between the patient and physician. If the physician had knowingly discriminated against the patient for having HIV; he will be in violation. “The laws protect patients from discrimination of HIV and AIDS from society and that includes physicians” . I would talk with other patients of the physicians who had HIV or AIDS to determine if they had any instances similar as the patient in regards to discrimination.
The Human Resources will implement the code of ethics for physicians in the workplace. The code relates to no discrimination against an individual who has HIV/AIDS. The ethics will needed to be reviewed and the outcome of the investigation should determine if the physician is in violation. “A physician should not refuse treatment for a patient based on HIV/AIDS” . If the physician can perform medical care within the scope the patient requires then the physician should do so. Discrimination is not tolerated, and ethical standards need to be upheld for patients’ safety, well-being, and care.
The healthcare policies will need to be addressed during the investigation to further recognize if the physician was in violation of the procedures of the hospital. The investigation will need to have all facts and evidence covered before finalizing a decision if the complaints are true. The ethical violations of patients’ rights can be damaging to all parties involved. Several Federal rules prohibit the discrimination toward HIV and AIDS patients in the medical care field. The acts can take maximum measures against the physician if the case is strong enough to hold up in proof.
“Once the documentation of policies and procedures are reviewed, and ethical codes are taken into consideration the investigation should review all evidence in the complaints” . If in fact the physician is in violation of polices, ethics, and patient rights of treatment; the admiration and Human Resource department will need to take all facts into consideration. The facts will help determine the punishment, and negligence of the physician towards the patients care. It will also enforce the health care policy and endorse punishment for the actions of the physician.
The main focus of these ethical complaints towards patients of HIV/AIDS; is the legal, professional, policies, and codes of ethics that are to be considered. The physician who ethically violates the treatment of patients with this disease will be held accountable. The health care organization will take action against the physician, and the federal laws can step in as well. If the patient files a complaint with the Disability Act or the Reform Act; then federal charges will be taken into action against the physician.
The illegal discrimination against patients of ethical, and personal reasons is not aloud. “The Health Care System does not allow such actions or behavior, and has implemented this type of behavior in the hospital policy and procedures” . The policy states clearly what obligations a physician has to carry out concerning patients. Treatment is not denied, and discrimination of any patient is not allowed. The investigation can further extend the research by surveying employees of the health care facility. This will explain the amount of discrimination and ethical misconduct is occurring in the facility.
Staffing Levels Upholding Ethical Misconduct
In the healthcare profession different levels of staff are required to uphold the code of ethics in regards to patients. Professionals of a higher level have procedures, policies, code of ethics are to be upheld for a physician and nurse. If the physician cannot uphold the ethics of patients and not discriminate against any patient then the physician may forfeit license.
The staff that is at a lower status in the health profession may not uphold the ethical standards that is required, because of the lower status. A lower status staff may include secretary, janitor, admission clerk, and other who are not holding a license. The lower staff does not have high standards of ethics to uphold as a physician or nurse, and may not feel that the ethical standard applies to them. The dignity of a patient is very important. “The patients should be in the best care in a health care facility without discrimination, mistreatment, and refusal for treatment” . The patients are not to feel like they are looked down upon because of the virus they contain, and should not be treated any different in any medial manner or care.
A physician should not degrade, or preform any unnecessary procedures on the patient who has HIV or AIDS. This should not be a consideration when being treated unless the procedure needing done is in regards to the treatment of HIV or AIDS. Patients should feel optimistic and comfortable when seeking medical help, and not feel ashamed, neglected, or emotional strain. The level of staffing should not be an issue in regards to ethical behavior among patients in healthcare. The level of staffing should not be a factor, but not all healthcare employees show dignity, morals, and ethical standards towards patients with AIDS or HIV. This issue should never be a concern for patients of any type.
Plan for Professional Staff Ramifications Concerning Ethics
Once ethical discrimination, ethical misconduct, or any other ethical issue arises in the healthcare organization; it is best to refresh minds of the professionals. The first scenario of notifying the professional staff of the consequences of ethical misconduct would be a meeting. A meeting would explain the code of ethics to the professional staff, and remind them of the negativity that can come if ethical misconduct occurs. The meetings would be helped at different times of the day to ensure everyone can participate in the meeting.
The review of the policy/procedures of the hospital, and the ethical conduct that is required will be refreshed in the professional staffs’ everyday routine. Ethical handouts, and policy/procedure pamphlets would be handed out to everyone in the facility. The handouts would also be put in billboards around the facility. The staff members would also get receive an email that has the same information included for the professional staff members. A mandatory questionnaire would be given to every staff member, and would they would be expected to fill it out and turn it in. Each staff member would have to sign an acknowledgement agreement that they had read and understood the ethical code, policy, and procedure. Anyone who refused to sign the acknowledgement would face repercussions for not acknowledging these standard practices in the healthcare facility.
The negligence of the professional staff in regards to ethical behavior would be made clear throughout the healthcare facility. The staff will understand how important it is not to treat people differently, discriminatively, and unethically who have HIV/AIDS. This type of behavior is not taken lightly, and disciplinary actions will be taken towards the professional staff who is at fault. “The professional staff could lose their jobs, and their license depending on the situation and the decision of the licensing board” .
Professional staff are required to do their job to save lives, and help people. While the professional healthcare staff are doing these things; they are to be doing them in an ethical manner. The rules in healthcare profession state that patients should not be discriminated. Patients are not to be mistreated, denied treatment, and should not be denied because of their HIV/AIDS status. The consequences for professionals who violate these and other rules are to be reprimanded for their actions.
In order to keep professionals working ethically without the need for discipline is to embed the rules and policies into their minds. Processional staff will need to put this knowledge of ethics, policies, and procedures into effect with each patient they see and treat. Professional staff need to understand the seriousness of misconduct, and that there is no tolerance for it in the healthcare organization. It is important for Doctors, Nurses, and other professional staff to review the codes taken when licensed, and to know how quickly the professional license can be taken away or suspended if ethical violations are found.
Community Plan for Destigmatizing HIV/AIDS Patients
In the community there should be plans put into action to embrace the health of people who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. The community should also assist in the positive way to reduce the virus from being transmitted to other people. Education programs, resources, and information should be handed out to people with the virus, or for loved ones of someone who has the virus.
The HIV/AIDS virus and disease should not be considered a monster in the community. Society should brace people and help them conquer the virus. The tools should be made available to people who need treatment, tests, medications, and knowledgeable information regarding the disease and virus stages. These types of plans need to be made effective and available in the communities for people who may need the assistance.
The community plan would offer outreach assistance for people who need treatment, has been diagnosed, or may need to be tested for HIV/AIDS. The people should feel comfortable in the community they live, and should be able to receive the medical treatment in the local healthcare facility. The people who need medical attention are encouraged to seek that medical care at the healthcare facility. “The community’s’ outreach program offers services that the health facility offers for HIV and AIDS patients” .
The stigma of HIV/AIDS should be discarded, and no label or category should be placed on people with any kind of health issue including the AIDS and HIV. The community of the people who are have been diagnosed with the virus of HIV can have ethical treatment without refusal at the healthcare facility. The healthcare facility need to spread the word to everyone in the community that survives are offered for people who need assistance with HIV or AIDS. The plan would also include services that the healthcare offers for patient with HIV/AIDS. People should also be educated on the way the virus is spread, and how to prevent this from occurring. The plan would include posters, pamphlets, educational tools, and advocacy for people who may be concerned that they have contracted the virus, or for people who are already diagnosed. People in the community should be alerted of the services that are offered, and the treatment that can be given at the healthcare facility.
The community plan would involve different ways to inform society of the healthcare services offered for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and detection. The more comfortable people feel within their community; then the more increased patients will seek assistance in the healthcare community.
Reference
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Cannon, J. (2014, May). Health Care Refusals Harm Patients: The Threat to LGBT People and Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS. National Womens' Law Center, pp. 1-11.
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