Consider the ethical aspects of health care and health policy for an aging population.
•Review the Hayutin, Dietz, and Mitchell report presented in the Resources. The authors pose the question, “What are the economic consequences, now and for future generations of taxpayers if we fail to adapt our policies to the changing reality of an older population?” (p. 21). Consider how you would respond to this question. In addition, reflect on the ethical decisions that arise when dispersing limited funds.
•Contemplate the impact of failing to adjust policy in accordance with the changing reality of an older population.
•Reflect on the ethical dilemmas that arise when determining expenditures on end-of-life health care.
•Hayutin, A. M., Dietz, M., & Mitchell, L. (2010). New realities of an older America. Retrieved from http://longevity3.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/New-Realities-of-an-Older-America.pdf
•Crippen, D., & Barnato, A. E. (2011). The ethical implications of health spending: Death and other expensive conditions. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 39(2), 121–129.
•American Nurses Association. (2012). Code of Ethics for Nurses. Retrieved from http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/CodeofEthicsforNurses