Summary
During my research on policies implemented to protect vulnerable populations, such as patients with mental illness, I learned that the list of medical contraindications available to people with mental and behavioral disorders is constantly expanding. This is done to protect them from decisions that may harm patients in the future (Nickitas et al., 2019). The list of such contraindications includes, for example, a change of sex (Hall-Clifford et al., 2019). A thorough mental examination is necessary to make this decision, and approval is possible only if the patient is mentally stable.
Effect of the Mental Health Parity Act
A federal law known as the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 mandates that insurance providers and health plans pay for mental health and drug addiction treatment on an equal footing with medical and surgical care. This means that treatment costs cannot be increased or requirements for treatment approval raised for those with mental health or drug abuse disorders (United Nations, n.d.). Therefore, the Mental Health Parity Act of 2008 improved access to mental health services.
Ethics Relation
To Vulnerable Populations
In the field of psychiatric services, the difficulties associated with moral and social discrimination against mentally ill people are pretty pronounced. Therefore, ethics as it relates to vulnerable populations lies in the absence of stigmatization. To do this, when interacting with vulnerable populations, preventive measures should be used to eliminate the primary sources of potential damage associated with psychiatric practice (The Carter Center, 2018). They include opposing automatic compulsory inpatient treatment and ignoring the patient’s complaints because he is recognized as mentally incompetent.
To Me as a Healthcare Professional
Ethical relations for me as a healthcare professional include a patient’s courteous attitude and a willingness to cooperate. The patient should not tolerate a rude, dismissive attitude towards me, as well as arrogance, direct insults, or verbal aggression (The Carter Center, 2018). In addition, ethics consists of the patient’s trust and the absence of doubts about my intention as a medical specialist to help him.
Components of Ethics
Values
Ethical values include respect for life, which includes recognition of the value and sanctity of human life. These values include compassion and care, representing the manifestation of care and compassion for others, especially those who need help (Nickitas et al., 2019). Another ethical value is integrity and responsibility – these involve complying with one’s obligations and taking responsibility for one’s actions (National Academies, 2017). Moreover, the list of ethical values includes tolerance and respect for differences, aimed at recognizing and respecting the opinions, religions, cultures, and lifestyles of others.
Beliefs
Ethical beliefs include adhering to the principles of honesty and truthfulness. According to them, one should aim to tell the truth and be honest in all situations (United Nations Development Programme, n.d.). Moreover, among the most critical ethical beliefs are justice and equality (Nickitas et al., 2019). It is necessary to respect the rights and dignity of every person, regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, or social status.
Laws
A changed morality prepares for a change in the law, but the law takes precedence, no matter how inhumane it may seem. Medical ethics is based on moral values, most of which are reflected in the law. Deontology is based on the rationalism of instructions, statutes, and laws common to society and applicable to it (Almazeedi & Alsuwaidan, 2014). Among them are the laws on non-disclosure of medical secrets and on voluntary treatment.
References
Almazeedi, H., & Alsuwaidan, M. T. (2014). Integrating Kuwait’s Mental Health System to end stigma: A call to action. Journal of Mental Health, 23(1), 1–3.
Hall-Clifford, R., Addiss, D. G., Cook-Deegan, R., & Lavery, J. V. (2019). Global health fieldwork ethics: Mapping the challenges. Health & Human Rights: An International Journal, 21(1), 1–5.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2017). Global health and the future role of the United States. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
Nickitas, D. M., Middaugh, D. J., & Feeg, M. D. (2019). Policy and politics for nurses and other health professionals: Advocacy and action. (3rd ed.). Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
The Carter Center (2018). Mental illness will cost the world $16 USD trillion by 2030. Psychiatric Times, 35(11), 18F–18H.
United Nations Developmental Programme. (n.d.). Sustainable development goals.
United Nations. (n.d.). Sustainable development goals – Goal 3: Good health and well-being.