Ethics & Law · patient case question
A dentist submits a claim to the insurance company describing a procedure other than the one actually performed. Which principle has been violated?
Patient case: Case: two ethical scenarios
Scenario: Two situations in professional conduct.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Veracity
- A. Justice concerns fairness in the distribution of care and resources. It is arguably touched here, but veracity is the direct violation.
- B. Beneficence is the duty to act for the patient's benefit. It is not the principle at stake in a falsified claim.
- C. Autonomy concerns the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own care.
- D. Correct. Veracity is the duty of truthfulness. Misrepresenting a procedure on a claim form is a false statement — and beyond the ethical breach, it is insurance fraud.