You Be the Judge While there are more definitions for ethics than one could possibly read, it can be most simply defined

You Be the Judge While there are more definitions for ethics than one could possibly read, it can be most simply defined as "doing what is right". There are multiple problems with this simple definition however as doing what is right implies there is always a "right" and "wrong" response, which is certainly not true. It also implies that every person has learned patterns of behaviors that allows for knowing what is right, also certainly not true. Each individual’s belief about what is "right" can be vastly different across the population. Ethics can be taught and learned. Ethical decisions and behavior are much more complicated. Behavior changes based upon ethical guidelines require internalizing a different view of how we should act. Let’s begin with a long ethical construct with a simple meaning: Nonmaleficence: First Do No Harm When faced with a dilemma, use an organized framework to investigate the problem. Case Study Colin manages a small medical office which employs three MDs, two Nurse Practitioners, and support staff of 12. A long-time client, known for being cantankerous, has recently escalated his behavior. During today’s visit he hit the assistant who was rooming him, drawing blood. The police were called and a report filed. A few hours later, his daughter enters the clinic approaching you, and she is crying. She begs you to insist the assistant drop her complaint saying her father has been referred to social services who plan on recommending commitment with medication therapy. The daughter states she plans to move her father in with her with around-the-clock care to ensure nothing like this ever happens again. She feels her father will die if he is "put away". You speak to the assistant who has just returned from receiving sutures and will likely have a permanent scar. She feels strongly she was assaulted and the client needs to be "put in a safe place where he cannot hurt anyone else". However, she does not want to make you angry and tells you she will do what you ask. Apply your knowledge of nonmaleficence to this case study. Include each of the following points in your assignment: Summarize the important points in the case study List potential actions based on the ethical principle of nonmaleficence Choose your action as you are the judge Defend your choice based upon your assessment of the ethical principle