WSH Ethics Code.pdf

WESTERN STATE HOSPITAL

GENERAL HOSPITAL

POLICY AND PROCEDURES

MANUAL

(Personnel Section)

Policy Number: 201 Total Pages: 1

Revision Dates: February 2008 Review Dates: June 2018 March 2011

Effective Date: October 1999

References: N/A

Subject: Ethics Code

Statement of Policy and Purpose

Western State Hospital shall make every effort to ensure the highest degree of ethical behavior among all staff members.

Procedure

1. WSH shall maintain a current code of ethical conduct for all employees.

(Attachment A)

2. The WSH code of ethical conduct shall be posted for public view.

3. Each new employee shall receive training concerning the code of ethical conduct along with a copy of the code during the employee’s initial orientation.

4. Complaints may be made by any patient through use of the current patient’s grievance process. The chairperson of the ethics committee shall review all patient complaints for possible ethics violations.

5. Any employee or other interested party may submit a complaint about possible ethics violations in writing to any member of the ethics committee.

6. Western State Hospital shall have an ongoing ethics committee to review all ethics complaints.

7. All patients shall be made aware of the ethics committee at the time of admission through the patient handbook and the patient orientation program.

Reviewed and Approved:

Facility Director Date

Organizational Code of Ethics Western State Hospital

Revised: December, 2004

1. Western State Hospital does not engage in active marketing practices to solicit patients for admission. We will responsibly and accurately communicate to others about the treatment we provide and our qualifications for giving care, and will give care for which we are currently qualified and competent. The hospital does provide information and education through brochures and public speaking. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services adheres to the articles of the Code of Professional Standards for the Practice of Public Relations as adopted by the Governing Assembly of the Public Relations Society of America.

2. The hospital will make no admissions, transfers, or discharges based upon patients’ economic situation. We are governed by KRS 202A.021 which does not allow us to make admissions or discharges based on patients’ economic situation.

3. The hospital will transfer only patients in need of services it does not provide or in need of services which are not within its mission to provide. The patient will consent to transfers. Transfers within the facility will be based on the clinical needs of patients. The process of transfer of patients are governed by KRS 202A.202.

4. The hospital will discharge patients who are clinically ready to leave the hospital and go to another setting in the continuum of care (home, nursing home, rehab., etc.).

5. We believe in the uniqueness, dignity, and worth of each person. We are committed to honoring and upholding the KY Mental Patients’ Bill of Rights (908 KAR 3:010). We believe each person is worthy of esteem and honor. We are committed to relationships with patients, co-workers, and the community which build esteem and encourage others to become better individuals. We are committed to seeking and facilitating patient participation in optimizing the environment of care.

6. In accordance with KRS 216B.250, we will furnish an itemized statement of charges to any paying patient who requests it. We will promptly and fairly review any bill when a concern exists regarding charges. We are committed to collection practices that do not harass patients or give the appearance of harassment.

7. We will as a hospital and individually promote and maintain professional and ethical relationships with other health care providers, educational institutions, and third party payers, and we will be vigilant regarding potential conflicts of interest in these relationships and will address such pursuant to the Executive Branch Code of Ethics (KRS 11A) as well as KRS 210.110.

8. We will inform patients in writing of protective services and of their rights and will explain these as their condition and understanding may require throughout the course of their hospital care. The hospital is guided by KRS 209.101-209.990 regarding protection of adults who may be suffering from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The hospital will also follow Clinical SOP 1C: Reporting Patient Abuse, Neglect, & Exploitation.

9. We will provide care without regard to the patient’s financial circumstances. KRS

210.700 and 908 KAR 3:060 do not allow for withholding treatment due to inability to pay.

GHM SOP 201 – Attachment A

10. We will inform patients of their right to perform or refuse to perform tasks in or for the hospital through the patient handbook.

11. In accordance with KRS 216B.160, we will design and give treatment based on assessed patient needs and will deliver only that necessary treatment which is likely to improve the patient’s condition.

12. In accordance with KRS 210.110 and KRS 11A, we will implement policies and procedures that address the relationship between the use of services and financial incentives.

13. The Organizational Code of Ethics and related policies and procedures are available upon request to all patients, families, and hospital personnel. Copies may be obtained in the admission office or any ward.

14. This organization’s code of ethics is in addition to the codes of ethics adhered to by the various disciplines and departments.

15. If you have any questions about a matter that is unclear or not addressed in the above code of ethics, you can contact the Executive Branch Ethics Commission at 502-564-7954.

GHM SOP 201– Attachment A