Question

For each of the ethical situations described below, identify the specific tenet of the AHIMA Code of Ethics that has been violated, explain what is wrong with the action, and describe what the HIM professional should have done or said.

Hearing of a job in a hospital in the next town where the salary is better and the working conditions more pleasant, Erica Abbott, RHIA, applies for it. During her interview, she states that she earned her degree in a well-respected program. In reality, she spent only one year in that program before transferring to another program where she actually earned her degree. She secures the new position and, because the second hospital is very anxious to have her start work at once, places a letter of resignation under the door of the vice president to whom she reports in her current position, informing the VP that she will not be returning to the facility.

Answer 1

Ans) It appears that the act would be personal financial gain for the HIM director and possibly fraudulent activity.
Principle 2. Put service and the health and welfare of persons before self-interest and conduct themselves
in the practice of the profession so as to bring honor to themselves, their peers, and to the health
information management profession.  Act with integrity, behave in a trustworthy manner, elevate service to others above self-
interest, and promote high standards of practice in every setting.

- Refuse to participate in or conceal unethical practices or procedures and report such practices. A health information management professional shall not participate in, condone, or be associated with dishonesty, fraud and abuse, or deception.
- Use technology, data, and information resources in the way they are intended to be used.
- Use healthcare employer technology resources within the confines of organizational
policies. Ensure all data and resulting information accessed and derived from healthcare technology resources are not used outside of the scope of the job.
- Multiple harm is evident in this scenario. The misuse of funds if not addressed could harm the hospital’s reputation. It could be misconstrued that the hospital supports the director’s questionable coding practices and the hospital’s reputation could be harmed since they hired this person. AHIMA is also
harmed as the person acting unethically is considered to be an AHIMA member and possibly
credentialed by AHIMA.