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9
National Code of Ethics for Case Management
FRAMEWORK FOR ETHICAL DECISION MAKING
As a guide in deciding on a course of action, ask yourself these questions:
Recognise and identify
the event, decision, action or issue.
• Are you being asked to do something that you think might be wrong?
• Are you aware of potentially illegal, immoral or unethical conduct on the part of colleagues or Clients?
• Are you attempting to make a decision and are you unsure and/or confused about the ethical course of action?
Think
before you act.
• Summarise, clarify and analyse the issue.
• Ask yourself, why and how does the dilemma arise or exist?
• Consider all options and possible consequences.
• Consider who may be affected, either directly or indirectly.
• Consult with others and obtain other opinions and advice.
• Do I have all the facts relevant to the situation?
• Am I making assumptions? If so, could any facts be identified to replace these assumptions?
• Is it really your problem? Can anybody else help?
Decide
on a course of action.
• Determine your responsibility.
• Review all relevant facts and information.
• Refer to applicable policies, guidelines, protocols or professional standards.
• Assess the risks and how you could reduce them.
• Contemplate and determine the best course of action.
• Consult others to review to date.
Test
your decision.
• Review the “ethics questions to consider.”
• Apply the CMSA`s values to your decision.
• Ensure you have considered any policies, laws and professional standards.
• Consult others–enlist their opinion of your planned action.
Implement the course of action and monitor its progress.
• It is in your best interests to document your thought processes, discussions and the decisions taken.
• Written records will be useful if you need to justify your course of action.
• Reflect upon the process for future reference.
• Share the process with relevant others.