Title: Apply medical ethics and law.
Course: Surgical Technologist I (14056-I) > Section: Understanding Medical Ethics

Application of medical ethics and law should include

- maintaining patient confidentiality
- working within the scope of practice
- honoring patients’ rights and laws protecting them
- following facility regulations and standard operating procedures
- adhering to local, state, and federal laws
- adhering to advance medical directives
- understanding the importance of and following guidelines for documentation
- reporting sentinel events.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the difference between ethics and law? Do the two ever overlap? Do they ever conflict? Explain.
- What is meant by scope of practice? Why is it an important concept for surgical technologists?
- What are potential consequences for a medical professional who does not adhere to a patient’s advance medical directive? Why?
- What is the role of the ethics committee? How can one make a referral to the ethics committee?