Illinois Department of Illinois Department of AgingAging

2012 Elder Rights 2012 Elder Rights ConferenceConference

Reaching WithinSession T13

Reaching Within, Part Two: Reaching Within, Part Two:

What is a dilemma?What is a dilemma?

DilemmaDilemma

• From the Greek:

• Di—two• Limos—horns

• Literally, Two horned

Our dilemma’s become Our dilemma’s become ethical when the good or bad ethical when the good or bad

choices have a moral choices have a moral componentcomponent

Important DistinctionImportant Distinction

• If something is governed by legal precedent, it is not an ethical dilemma.

• The dilemma might become whether you choose to follow that law or not.

Common APS DilemmasCommon APS Dilemmas

• Self determination vs. worker’s perception of client’s best interests

• Freedom vs. safety• Protecting confidentiality vs.

prevention of harm• Respect for a colleague vs. loyalty

to your agency

Dilemma ParadigmsDilemma Paradigms

• Truth versus loyalty • Individual versus community • Short term versus long term• Justice versus mercy

Precisely because right versus right is harder than right versus wrong

Having a framework for Having a framework for ethical decision making ethical decision making is important.is important.

Review Applicable Code of Review Applicable Code of EthicsEthics

• Ethical codes are not a legal document, but professionals are bound to the tenets of their code and can be sued for breach

• Codes can be revised or updated as needed

• Know your Code!

What Makes a Good Code What Makes a Good Code of Ethics?of Ethics?

• Mission statement• Value base of the organization• Ethical principles to guide

practices• Ethical standards

The NAPSA Ethical Principles The NAPSA Ethical Principles and Best Practice Guidelinesand Best Practice Guidelines

Framework for Framework for Ethical Decision MakingEthical Decision Making

1) Describe the problem within its correct context (exactly who is this really a problem for?)

2) Define the problem in its ethical terms

3) Identify and rank the key values and principles involved (CRITICAL)

Framework, continuedFramework, continued

4. Gather your information (laws, policies, applicable ethical codes, the affected individual’s views and values, your own biases)

5. Determine possible options (identify cost and benefit of each option)

Framework, continuedFramework, continued

6. Consider possible courses of action * discard any you can’t put into action* discard those which violate the

value symptoms of those being affected

Framework, continuedFramework, continued

• Put your plan into action!• Evaluate the outcomes for each

person involved• Submit your difficult cases to an

ethical review board

Questions?Questions?

Ethical Case Studies Ethical Case Studies ActivityActivity

• Form Triads• Review assigned case• Apply framework, discussing the

steps• Prepare action plan• Debrief with large group