Legal and Ethical Issues in Health

Abstract

This subject aims to acquaint students with current ethical and legal issues in relation to, and arising from, modern health care practice. Using a range of ethical principles, the subject examines the role of ethics and law in health care, paying particular attention to issues such as professional responsibility and … For more content click the Read More button below. Please note this subject is only offered in years ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8.

This subject aims to acquaint students with current ethical and legal issues in relation to, and arising from, modern health care practice. Using a range of ethical principles, the subject examines the role of ethics and law in health care, paying particular attention to issues such as professional responsibility and the duty of care; the rights of patients and consumers of the health system; health information, as well as a range of other current ethical and legal issues.

Please note this subject is only offered in years ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8.

Syllabus

Ethical Theories, including Ethical RelativismThe prima facie principles of Beneficence, Non-Maleficence, Autonomy and Justice The Health Professional as Autonomous Moral AgentThe Australian Legal SystemConsent to TreatmentDuty of CareHealth Information including Privacy and Confidentiality Ethics of Resource RationingOther topics in law and ethics relevant to particular cohorts of health professional

Ethical Theories, including Ethical Relativism
The prima facie principles of Beneficence, Non-Maleficence, Autonomy and Justice
The Health Professional as Autonomous Moral Agent
The Australian Legal System
Consent to Treatment
Duty of Care
Health Information including Privacy and Confidentiality
Ethics of Resource Rationing
Other topics in law and ethics relevant to particular cohorts of health professional

Assessment items

1. Short Essay 1

2. Short Essay 2

3. Review exercise

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to demonstrate their knowledge of ethical theories and principles and their implications for practice in modern health care settings;

be able to employ forms of ethical reasoning in a variety of health care contexts;

be able to demonstrate their familiarity with legal requirements which bear on biomedical science and research, nursing and allied health care; and

be able to demonstrate their familiarity with professional legal and ethical responsibilities.

Enrolment restrictions

Not available to students who have previously completed ETH403 or SSC502

Incompatible