This course takes a compelling, honest look at the growing problem of patient safety. Industry studies indicate that as many as 100,000 people a year are dying from medical mistakes. There is general agreement that the healthcare industry is plagued by human error, system failures, lack of communication, and cover-ups. Numerous case studies are presented that highlight the glaring deficiencies and shortcomings in the practice of modern medicine. This program reveals how some hospital leaders are striving to change the culture and promote patient safety. Leading experts point out what is wrong and offer solutions to promote safer health care.

The course is recommended for all hospital administrators, clinicians and ethics committee members who have a responsibility in creating a culture of patient safety and fulfilling the credo of medicine, “first do no harm”.

In this course, leading proponents for assisted suicide argue on behalf of terminally ill patient’s rights regarding their care and ultimately their death, while opponents argue that assisted suicide is really a plea for better end-of-life care…… all of them searching for the best quality care possible.

In 1997, Oregon became the first state in the U.S to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Since then, voters in the state of Washington have legalized assisted suicide by passing the Death with Dignity Bill in 2008. Presently, the states of California and Montana are considering similar legislation. Outside the United States, countries such as, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Canada and Australia have limited legalized assisted suicide.

The Oregon Death with Dignity Act has created an impetus for opponents of assisted suicide to provide end of life care that is now regarded as a state of the art model for those states wishing to implement a new paradigm in quality care.

As the need for health services increases, so the need for effective medical office and health management becomes greater. Assistants who provide this crucial function are an important part of this service and subsequently need to prepare themselves well for providing a professional service.