According to Smith (2010), healthcare providers are vested with the duty of providing care to patients. This concept is clearly defined as per healthcare codes of conduct and standards of practice. In this regard, any individual entrusted with the titles of a health provider must ensure patients receive adequate and quality care. At the same time, the provider must ensure the patient’s rights are withheld, such as the right to receive care and access to medical services during emergency situations, among others. Therefore, the extent of care provided by the providers is based on the determination of the safeguarding of the patient’s rights to receive care.
However, in some instances, the obligation provision does not apply to all situations. In this case, a provider might not wish to provide associated care in respect to his/her personal beliefs or religious convictions. This situation ascribes to conscientious objections. Weitz (2014), defines conscientious objections as the refusal to perform expected responsibilities and roles as a result of personal beliefs and convictions. This aspect borders narrowly to healthcare provider’s codes of ethics and personal moral and ethical considerations. However, in such instances, standards of practice provide guidance and include limits to this provision. In this case, medical practitioners are absolved with their participation to provide care and, as such, can withdraw from providing services that contradict their personal beliefs. In most instances, such situations are common in cases involving the considerate of the right to life, for example, abortion cases.
In cases where medical providers withdraw from fulfilling their obligations to care, they are, however, required to meet certain conditions. In this case, they are expected to refer the affected patients to other medical practitioners who can take over care. Additionally, they must give timely notice to patients of their intention to withdraw from providing care to them (Bole and Bondeson, 2011).
References
Bole, T. & Bondeson, W. (2011). Rights to healthcare. New York: Springer Publishers.
Smith, G. (2010). Management obligations for health and safety. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishers.
Weitz, R. (2014). The sociology of health, illness, and healthcare: A critical approach. London: CengageBrain Publishers.
