Assignment task: Read the following cases and provide responses to the questions in the table below (answer directly in the table provided). In your written discussion, refer to the five fundamental ethical principles in healthcare, ADHA Code of Ethics, ADA Code of Ethics and State Dental Practice Act, ADHA standards of clinical practice, Kimbrough & Lautar (textbook), peer-reviewed literature, government, and professional sources to support your perspective where indicated.
Case Study:
Mrs. Smith and her teenage daughter Jane have been clients for five years. Today, they both have recare appointments with you. Jane's appointment is first. While treating her, you realize she is "high". You have the opportunity to talk with her; since she has trusted you for many years, she confides in you and tells you that she is regularly using an illegal substance. Although she does not seem sincerely interested in following through with seeking help at the local drug rehabilitation center, she begs you not to tell her mother about her drug problem.
During the following appointment with Mrs. Smith, she inquires about Jane's health, because she feels something is wrong but cannot put her finger on it.
Should you tell Mrs. Smith about Jane's problem?
- Is this both an ethical and legal issue and why?
- What are the ethical principles being violated and why?
- What are the legal implications related to this case? (Use at least one reference: peer-reviewed, government, or professional source).
- What courses of actions would you take in this case? (List at least two)
- What course of action would you follow and what ethical theory aligns with this decision?