Code of Ethics for Geriatric Care Management

The geriatric ethics code is intended to assure quality care and respectful treatment of the elderly.

The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) adopted its Standards of Practice for Professional Geriatric Care Managers in October 1990. The standards were updated in October 2009. The standards include a Pledge of Ethics to guide professionals in geriatric care management.

Service Code

The service pledge, or code, assures that ongoing service will be provided only after the patient's needs have been evaluated and the patient's wishes respected. The code further states that service will be provided only after the patient or the patient's designated representative understands and agrees to a plan of service that includes both the expected results and the cost of service.

Loyalty to Patient

According to the loyalty provision of the ethics code, the geriatric care provider's first duty is to the patient. It further states that services should be provided based on the patient's best interests, even if the services conflict with the caregiver's interests or the interests of others.

Substitute Judgment Code

The code pledges never to substitute the caregiver's judgment for the patient's unless a court of law appoints the caregiver as guardian of the patient with the patient's approval or the approval of the patient's designated representative.

Confidentiality and Disclosure Codes

The ethics code holds professionals responsible for maintaining any confidence that the patient shares. It proclaims that the caregiver should disclose information to others only if the patient gives permission to do so. Exceptions exist if the caregiver has reason to believe that withholding the information would harm the patient or if the caregiver is compelled by law the share the information.

Cooperation, Terminations, Discrimination

The cooperation provision of the ethics code declares a combined effort to ensure coordinated cooperation among all of the people involved in providing service and care for the patient.

According to the code of ethics, termination of service to the patient should occur only after reasonable notice is given. The coder recommends a plan for the patient to continue receiving services as needed.

The discrimination code says caregivers should not promote or sanction discrimination.

Referrals Code

According to the referral provision, the caregiver should refer a patient only to services and organizations deemed to be appropriate and of good quality. The code states that any business association that the caregiver may have with a company to which the patient is referred should be fully explained.

The code recommends that alternatives be offered to the patient, where possible, to allow the patient or designated representative to accept or reject the services recommended.

Qualifications Code

Qualification of the caregiver as a professional to deliver services must be documented with certification. According to the code of ethics, the professional must also engage in continuing education to improve skills and knowledge. The code maintains that this activity should include participation in professional development programs, such as certification upkeep and professional licensing.

References

• National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers: Standards of Practice for Professional Geriatric Care Managers