IHSA Ethics & Professional Standards

Question 1

What is the primary ethical principle that guides IHSA practitioners to 'do no harm'?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence (from Latin 'primum non nocere') is the fundamental ethical principle obligating healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm to patients through their actions or inactions.

Question 2

In IHSA practice, what does patient autonomy mean?

Accepted Answer

The patient's right to make informed decisions about their own care

Answer

Patient autonomy recognizes each individual's right to make informed, voluntary decisions about their healthcare, including the right to accept, refuse, or withdraw from treatment.

Question 3

What ethical obligation does a IHSA professional have regarding patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Protect all patient health information and share only with authorized individuals involved in care

Answer

Healthcare professionals must protect patient health information under HIPAA regulations and ethical standards, sharing only with those directly involved in the patient's care or with the patient's explicit consent.

Question 4

When a IHSA practitioner faces a conflict between beneficence and patient autonomy, what is the correct approach?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's informed decision even if it differs from the recommended treatment

Answer

When a competent, informed patient makes a decision that conflicts with what the practitioner believes is best, patient autonomy generally takes precedence. The provider should ensure the patient understands the implications and document the discussion.

Question 5

What is the IHSA professional's duty when they witness a colleague practicing unsafely?

Accepted Answer

Report the concern through proper institutional channels to protect patients

Answer

Healthcare professionals have an ethical and often legal obligation to report unsafe practices through proper channels (supervisor, risk management, licensing board) to protect patients from potential harm.

(IHSA) Infrastructure Health & Safety Association Certified Coach Practice Test

(IHSA) Infrastructure Health & Safety Association Certified Coach Practice Test

IHSA Ethics & Professional Standards