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Ethics in Gerontology & Geriatrics

General

Prefix

GERO

Course Number

520

Course Level

Graduate

Department/Unit(s)

College/School

College of Health and Wellness Professions

Description

Explores ethical dilemmas in aging practice and policy, including autonomy in decision-making; interdisciplinary and interprofessional practice; confidentiality, consent and allocation of health care resources.

Credits

Min

3

Max

3

Repeatable

No

Goals and Diversity

MN Goal Course

No

Cultural Diversity

No

Learning Outcomes

Outcome

Apply concepts, components and theory of health and human service ethics.

Outcome

Apply the steps in ethical decision making with regard to health and human services.

Outcome

Identify and evaluate codes of professional conduct in health and human services fields.

Outcome

Demonstrate knowledge of and evaluate regulations, standards and laws related to health and human services.

Outcome

Analyze dynamics and professional ethics of working with others in the health and human services field.

Outcome

Analyze current ethical issues in gerontology and geriatrics.

Outcome

Evaluate components of ethical best practice with regard to interests of clients, patients, and participants.

Course Outline

Course Outline

Concepts, components and theory of health and human service ethics. 10% Autonomy, dignity and decision-making, including elders' rights, competence, and guardianship. 10% Professionalism and confidentiality, including HIPAA, codes of conduct, and best practice. 10% Ethical dilemmas associated with aging/older adults (e.g., driving, intimacy, hoarding, dementia, gambling). 10% Health care equity, equality and access (e.g., differential health outcomes, institutional racism, access to health care and social programs). 10% Ethical dilemmas of longevity (e.g., life extension, health care rationing, generational equity). 10% Health care quality (e.g., elder abuse, fraud, use of care technology, training/licensing of care providers). 10% Politics and policies in health care research, including funding, conflicts of interest, drug and device testing, and informed consent. 10% Emergency, disaster and safety dilemmas in caring for older adults, including individual, professional, and societal expectations and obligations. 10% Advance care planning and end of life care, including advance care directives, and "right to die". 10%

Dependencies

Programs

GERO520 is a completion requirement for: