Ethics in health care isn’t just about doing the right thing. It’s also about speaking up and taking action when one observes violations of ethical standards. In order to encourage ethical violation reporting, health care administrators may need to reframe employees’ mindset toward reporting, since whistle-blowing tends to have an unfavorable reputation. Health care administrators can stress that reporting ethical violations:
- Is a principled and just action to take
- Protects the safety, welfare and rights of patients
- Promotes a better, more patient-centric hospital community
Ethics violation reporting prioritizes the patient above all else and employees should perceive this activity as a beneficial action, rather than a last resort. To empower employees to report violations, health care administrators must establish reporting procedures that protect the reporting employee from any actual or perceived repercussions. Furthermore, ethics violation reporting can lead to more than just a discussion with the violating employee. It can also help administrators identify ethical issues that the entire hospital community can benefit from reviewing.
Each of the degree programs available from Grand Canyon University emphasizes ethical decision-making, a Christian worldview, and servant leadership. Our Colangelo College of Business invites health care management professionals to apply for our Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Health Systems Management degree program. Look for the Request More Information button at the top of the website to begin enhancing your career path.