Introduction
A code of ethics provides clear standards for professional conduct. The Healthcare code of ethics describes various moral guidelines to help practitioners make value-based judgments equally “correct” for the practitioner and the patient. Ethical dilemmas often occur in healthcare and refer to cases in which a choice must be made between two or more moral values that are at odds. Code of ethics and morality are always conflicting because of the predicaments. Hence, this essay explores the similarities and contradictions between the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Code of Ethics and Rae’s morality position.
Comparison Between American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Code of Ethics and Rae’s Position
The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Code of Ethics outlines healthcare executives’ duties to the occupation, clients, and other people served. ACHE Code of Ethics also provides medical practitioners with an obligation to the institution, workers, neighborhood, and community. Contrastingly, Rae focuses on guiding people in making moral choices in a society full of pressing issues such as war and abortion. The ACHE Code of Ethics, to a great extent, embraces Rae’s stance on morality in chapter one, though some sections contradict Rae’s position. Morality as a sign or measure of a good life and being ethical are promoted by the ACHE Code of Ethics in Rae’s chapter. Simultaneously, healthcare administrators can find inconsistencies in the realms of morality and law, where certain standards such as the ACHE Code of Ethics contradict or oppose Rae’s position.
Rae believes that living a “good life” means upholding morality in one’s actions. Rae uses quotes from a variety of writers to explain what a good life or happiness entails. For instance, he cites Epicurus, who asserts that “it is not possible to live pleasantly without living prudently, honorably and justly” (Rae, 2016, p. 7). The ACHE Code of Ethics also emphasizes honor, prudence, and justice virtues as healthcare workers’ ideals. According to the ACHE Code of Ethics, healthcare executives must “respect the customs, beliefs, and practices of patients or others served, consistent with the organization’s philosophy” (ACHE, n.d., p. 2). The code also mandates that healthcare executives to “be truthful in all forms of professional and organizational communication, and avoid disseminating information that is false, misleading or deceptive” (ACHE, n.d., p. 2). Honoring someone means respecting their beliefs, practices, and customs, even if they differ from yours. Healthcare leaders are expected to show respect to all aspects of their patient’s lives and provide services without discrimination. Therefore, the ACHE Code of Ethics encourages morality as a symbol of a better living.
According to Rae (2016), morality entails showing that humans are moral beings. Verifying morality can be accomplished by demonstrating legal expertise and the ability to differentiate between good and evil. Rae (2016) reinstates Paul’s argument that “indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law” (p.7). Rae’s sentiments are backed up by the code, which requires healthcare executives to “comply with all laws and regulations pertaining to healthcare management” (ACHE, n.d., p. 1). The code allows healthcare professionals to prove their legal skills by adhering to the rules and regulations that govern their practice.
Rae believes that morality helps to better various institutions. The ACHE code of ethics also states in the preamble that the healthcare professional must act to “conduct professional activities with honesty, integrity, respect, fairness and good faith in a manner that will reflect well upon the profession” (ACHE, n.d., p. 1). Healthcare executives must act morally or ethically to ensure legitimacy. The sentiments back up Rae’s claim that acting righteously is the same as being suitable for a better society. As a result, if healthcare workers treat the public with respect, they are moral beings.
Finally, Rae defines morality as behaving in a manner that benefits society or others in a community. He claims that morality is so deeply ingrained in humans that it is difficult to imagine a community that does not adhere to it. Rae (2016) argues that a good and moral society cares about justice. The ACHE Code of Ethics promotes morality in a community, including caring for others, expressing concern, and being compassionate. Executives in the healthcare industry are expected to “demonstrate zero tolerance for any abuse of power that compromises patients or others served” (ACHE, n.d., p. 2). The principles demonstrate ACHE’s commitment to ensuring that the healthcare executives provide the best possible care to patients and other stakeholders. ACHE expresses similar feelings about healthcare executives’ obligations to society. ACHE code outlines that healthcare workers “work to support access to healthcare services for all people and work to identify and meet the healthcare needs of the community (ACHE, n.d., p. 3). ACHE is dedicated to reducing and resolving any disputes that may occur between healthcare executives and patients.
On the contrary, ACHE and Rae’s stance violates the law and morals. Rae provides a classic example in which healthcare executives or practitioners are required by law to provide abortion services or refer patients or clients to a practitioner who can successfully perform such an abortion. However, the healthcare executive may defer or refuse to provide those services or refer the patient to other health professionals. The contradiction occurs because of the healthcare executive’s moral code, which is different from the law. Healthcare executives are required by the ACHE Code of Ethics to “provide healthcare for all” without bias (ACHE, n.d., p. 3). The term “all” refers to those pursuing abortion services in healthcare facilities. Even if the act goes against morals, healthcare executives are bound by the code of ethics to assist the patient. Overall, Rae’s position and the ACHE Code of Ethics are consistent. The code backs up most of his moral stances, such as being moral beings, morality and society, and morality as a good life sign. On morals and the law, however, the two are at odds.
Moral Responsibilities of a “good” Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare systems are evolving, and there are numerous problems in today’s healthcare that necessitate a moral administration. For instance, in the United States, the healthcare system is heavily influenced by the ethical dilemma, which often hinders how an administrator can help provide a more comprehensive healthcare solution. According to Rae (2016), moral choices come at a cost, but eventually, there is a stronger case to be made for the benefits of being ethical. The healthcare administration’s primary goals are to preserve or improve the quality of life, humanity, and well-being of all people.
A good healthcare administrator should act morally while striking a balance between ethics and virtues, in addition to the ethical duties outlined in the ACHE Code of Ethics. Some choices to be made may necessitate the use of ethics, while others may require the use of morality. Healthcare administrators owe it to the occupation and the public to act in ways that earn their trust, respect, and dignity.
Conclusion
The ACHE Code of Ethics largely embraces Rae’s morality stance in chapter one. Rae’s position promotes morality as a symbol or indicator of a good life. However, certain ACHE Code of Ethics principles that address healthcare standards contradicts or criticize Rae’s views. Healthcare administrators must make the right decisions when faced with ethical dilemmas. Therefore, what defines good health providers is the ability to execute their duties morally.
References
American College of Healthcare Executives [ACHE]. (n.d.). ACHE code of ethics. Web.
Rae, S. (2016). Introducing Christian ethics: A short guide to making moral choices. Zondervan.