Ethics & Law · patient case question
The same patient leaves town and requests his records. Which ethical principle applies?
Patient case: Two ethics questions on the same patient
Scenario: A patient makes decisions about his own care.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Autonomy
- A. Beneficence is acting in the patient's best interest.
- B. Justice concerns fair treatment and non-discrimination.
- C. Correct. Under the ADA Code, the section on patient records falls under the principle of AUTONOMY (self-determination). The dentist owns the physical record, but the patient owns the INFORMATION within it and is entitled to it or to a copy on request — regardless of any outstanding balance.
- D. Veracity is truthfulness — the duty to communicate honestly and not to represent care in a false or misleading manner.
Note: Important practical rule: records must be furnished even if the account is unpaid. Withholding records to compel payment is both unethical and, in most jurisdictions, unlawful.