Ethics & Law · single question
A dentist offers to bill a patient's treatment across different dates so insurance covers the full cost. Which ethical principle does this violate?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Veracity
Veracity = truthfulness. Fraudulent billing to manipulate insurance directly violates veracity (honesty with patient and insurer). This is also insurance fraud — illegal. Source confirms: 'principio que viola: veracity.'
- A. Nonmaleficence = do no harm (physical) — not directly about billing ethics.
- B. Beneficence (doing good) — while the dentist thinks they're helping, the act involves deception.
- C. Autonomy = patient self-determination — not directly violated by billing fraud.
- D. CORRECT. Veracity = truthfulness. Fraudulent billing violates the duty to be honest.