Physician Assisted Suicide (NA2377)
Author(s): Patsy Barnes, RN, BA
Pre-Approved for: ACM, CA BRN, CCAPP, CCLCP, CCM, CDMS, CE Broker Provider, CLCP, CRCC, CVRP, Delaware BON, FCB, MCBAP-Related, MSCC, NAADAC, RNs
Credit Hours: 4
CCM Credit Hours: 3
CDMS Credit Hours: 3
Course Format
This course is online. All course material is available online and is accessible immediately after purchase from your account homepage. Certificate of Completion is available immediately upon passing the exam.
Course Overview
The argument for autonomy has long been a cornerstone of Western medicine. Over the last 50 years, we’ve seen many examples of this - informed consent, "my body, my choice", and countless others.
As more states look to legalize Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS), more people are considering this option at the end of life. In this course, we will explore the current state of physician-assisted suicide. The arguments for and against it will be presented.
The nature of the process is ever-evolving. In this course, we will look at ethical implications for healthcare professionals, patients, families, healthcare facilities, and the systems in which healthcare providers are associated.
This course will focus on the ethics of Physician-Assisted Suicide and, as such, the codes of conduct for CRC, CDMS, CCM, NAADAC, ANA, and AMA will be cited in the body of the class.
Course Objectives
- Explain what physician-assisted suicide (PAS) is and how it differs from euthanasia.
- List the states where PAS is currently legal and those considering legalization.
- Describe the arguments for and against assisted dying.
- State the requirements usually needed for physician-assisted suicide.
- Explain the ethical dilemmas that healthcare professionals face when considering PAS and what the codes of conduct state about the ethical issues.
- Describe where the issue of assisted dying is changing and the slippery slope ethical argument.
Course Outline
- Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide
- What is Physician-Assisted Suicide?
- States where PAS is Legal and States that are Considering Legalization
- Arguments For and Against PAS
- Requirements for Requesting PAS
- Ethics and Codes of Conduct Regarding Autonomy and PAS
- The Canadian Story
- The Oregon Story and 2022 Data
- Ethical Issues for Facilities and Organizations