ETHICS ISSUES Law, the Courts, and Contracts

Ethics ISSUE 1: Advertising by health care providers used to be considered inappropriate and unprofessional. However, now advertising by health care providers is commonplace and accepted by the various profes¬sional organizations, as long as there are no false or misleading statements.

Discussion Questions

1. A dentist advertises that he specializes in creating "dazzling smiles." In your opinion, is this an ethical advertisement? Explain your answer.

2. A chiropractor advertises "miracle" treatments to alleviate back pain your opinion, is this an ethical advertisement? Explain your answ,.. n

3. Check your local newspaper for advertising by health care providers. Listen carefully to television ads by health care providers. Bring to class at least two ads from the newspaper and notes front the ads you listened to on television. Be sure to sort out ads that are for providers and those that are for prescription or nonprescription drugs. Are those ads mislead-ing? Do they make promises that cannot be kept? Explain your answer.

4. Study the print ads and notes from television ads you collected for the previous exercise. Choose two as examples. What advantages and di, advantages for consumers can you see to the ads?

5. What advantages and disadvantages for health care practitioners can you see to the ads?