Ethics Toolkit

1. Introduction
2. Making Ethical Decisions (PDF) An article from Healthcare Executive magazine that outlines the following multi-step process for ethical decision making:
   1. Step One: Recognize the background (the circumstances leading to the ethics conflict)
   2. Step Two: Identify the specific ethical question that need clarification
   3. Step Three: Consider the related ethical principles and/or organizational values
   4. Step Four: Determine the options for response
   5. Step Five: Recommend a response
   6. Step Six: Anticipate the ethical conflict
3. Using ACHE's Code of Ethics
   An explanation of the history and purpose of the Code of Ethics and how it can be used in practical, everyday situations.
4. Using ACHE's Ethical Policy Statements
   Strategies for applying ACHE's specific policy statements such as "Decisions Near the End of Life" or "Ethical Issues Related to Staff Shortages," to your decisions and your organization's policy development.
5. Using ACHE's Ethics Self-Assessment
   Tips for getting the most out of an ethics self-audit, and how to address potential red flags that you may identify in the process.
6. Strengthening Ethical Decision Making (PDF)
   Specifically for Senior Leaders!
   An article that offers strategies senior leaders can use to enhance their ethical awareness and make better ethical decisions.
7. Additional Ethics Resources
   A list of books, magazine and journal articles, periodicals, and Web sites that can provide additional ethics guidance.

ACHE would like to recognize the invaluable assistance of William A. Nelson, PhD, HFACHE, associate professor at Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., in the development and creation of the Ethics Toolkit.