Question

The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) was implemented to allow patients to state “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNS), or to assign a surrogate decision maker in the event the individual is unable to make the decision. What relationship does an ethics committee have in enforcing the advance directives of the patients in their care? Support your analysis with a minimum of one peer-reviewed article.

Answer 1

The ethical committee supports health care organization through the ethical consultation, developing of policies, and facilitate education. The patients are allowed to make decisions on their treatment. The patient has the right to refuse the life-supporting devices at the end of life care. The ethical committee promotes the rights to the care of the patient and shared decisions in an advanced directive. It encourages the patient-centered care and promotes a good work environment. It resolves the ethical conflict and issues arise during the advanced directives. It facilitates ethical practices, leadership, and transparency in the clinical decision at end-of-life care. It also provides ethical consultation and education.

Reference:

Shiela A M McLean Journal of medical ethics 'what and who are ethical committees for' sep 2007, 33(9), pg 497-500.