Professional autonomy in designing the structure of the new ambulatory center
Ambulatory departments are among the most sensitive areas in hospital settings (Holmes, 2009). The sensitivity and urgent need to take care of a patient who faces physical and psychological distress requires professional autonomy. Ethical issues are bound to arise in the new ambulatory setting as previous studies suggest that patients face issues that affect their overall health care while at the hospital. The key issue is how to assess the new ambulatory center using professional autonomy to ensure that it does not contradict any set laws.
Advantages of the perspective
In ambulatory care, all professionals are governed by a set of core standards that link to saving lives (Holmes, 2009). Professional autonomy defines how professional bodies set their own standards to illustrate professional ethos that defines their character. Ambulatory care managers will collaborate with clinicians on a collective interpretation of clinical ethics. This will develop an ethos that suits health care settings better to serve patient needs.
Disadvantages of the perspective
A key disadvantage is that professional autonomy impedes the structure of various ambulatory care systems (Holmes, 2009). Although the ambulatory center will include a feature of professional autonomy, there are governance problems that may arise. If the governance structure of the optimal ambulatory center lacks other ideal health care systems, it might be impossible to achieve a workable optimum that accounts for national values.
Examples of professional autonomy in action
From the patient’s perspective, ambulatory care ensures that they receive immediate care (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2013). Ethical issues may arise where emergency treatment is denied in ambulatory centers. Refusing to provide emergency treatment to a patient presenting to ambulatory care centers contradicts the professional autonomy principle. Refusing treatment at this stage based on the argument that the cases are no-emergency complaints is insensitive to paternalistic decision-making (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2013). Refusing to offer treatment conflicts with the principle of professional autonomy as well as the demands of quality care.
From a provider’s viewpoint, only a concerned authority in ambulatory care makes decisions. The nurse officer evaluates the complaints of the patient before looking into or managing the medical concern (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2013). In the new setting, emergency services are offered under the necessity doctrine if the patient is unable to give consent. The urgency in ambulatory care means that the first ethical priority may not be informed consent, but providing care instantly.
Components of three (3) sources of law related to the effects of the new initiative.
The three sources of law that relate to the new ambulatory center are constitutional, statutory, and administrative laws. Constitutional law compiles principles and amendments governing the establishment (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2013). Constitutional law guarantees rights, as outlined on the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, which regulates the delivery of care, protects patent rights, and monitors care. Federal, state, and local legislative bodies enact statutory laws that outline the statutes of limitations for filing injury claims or medical malpractices (Teitelbaum & Wilensky, 2013). These have a bearing on the new ambulatory center. Last, administrative agencies such as state nursing boards pass administrative laws that guide ambulatory care within the state. The laws also enforce legally binding nurse practice acts that ensure regulations are enforced in ambulatory care settings.
References
Holmes, L. (2009). Basics of Public Health Core Competencies. Boston, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Teitelbaum, J. B., & Wilensky, S. E. (2013). Essentials of Health Policy and Law. Boston, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.