DSP 1090 - Professionalism and Ethics in LTSS

This course stresses the importance of working in a professional, ethical manner in support situations while maintaining confidentiality and respecting individual and family rights. The importance of a professional orientation will be explained including strategies for supporting individuals while preserving their dignity/independence, identifying appropriate versus inappropriate professional performance, and when to seek guidance from a supervisor. The learner will establish ways to apply ethical guidelines to daily practice in decision-making, inform individuals and their families of rights based on a balance of choice and an individual’s best interest, and communicate confidential information following laws and regulations by setting. A compliance update on protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA will be provided. The learner will have the opportunity to apply these new skills in the various Long-Term Services & Supports service settings.

Student Learning Outcomes:
 This course prepares the DSW to know and do the following:

• Follow relevant laws and regulations and is guided by ethical standards when doing work tasks.
• Support individuals in a collaborative manner and maintain professional boundaries.
• Show professionalism by being on time, dressing appropriately for the job, and being responsible in all work tasks.
• Seek to reduce personal stress and increase wellness.
• Respect the individual and his or her family’s right to privacy, respect, and dignity.
• Maintains confidentiality in all spoken and written communication, and follows in the rules in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and other relevant legal guidelines.