Identify political issues in the scenario and discuss how you would effectively and ethically handle the situation.

The scenario above presents several political issues that need to be addressed by the healthcare administrator of the nursing home. One issue is the conflict between different family members regarding the DNR orders of the memory-impaired resident. Another issue is the potential for a survey by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for noncompliance, as threatened by the visiting family member who is a supervisor for HHS.

To effectively and ethically handle the situation, the healthcare administrator should first assess the situation and gather all relevant information. They should consult with the resident’s legal representative, including the Power of Attorney and legal guardian, to determine the validity of the DNR orders. They should also consult with the nursing home’s legal team to ensure that the facility is following all state and federal laws regarding DNR orders.

The healthcare administrator should also establish clear lines of communication with the visiting family members. They should listen to their concerns and provide clear explanations of the resident’s DNR orders. They should also provide information on the facility’s policies and procedures for handling DNR orders, as well as the legal framework that governs them.

To handle the situation ethically, the healthcare administrator should always prioritize the best interest of the resident. The facility should strive to respect the autonomy of the resident, while also ensuring that the resident’s safety and comfort are always maintained.

In terms of the potential survey by the Department of Health and Human Services, the healthcare administrator should take the threats seriously but should also ensure that the facility is compliant with all regulations to minimize any potential negative impact.

Reference:

1. American Health Care Association. (2021). Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders. Retrieved from https://www.ahcancal.org/resources/downloads/polic