Course materials

1. Create a possible ethical dilemma relating to your chosen field.
Module 1 Written Assignment: 7 Step ModelCreate a possible ethical dilemma relating to
your chosen field. For example: You are a Medical Assistant and your supervising physician
consistently asks you to perform procedures that you are not trained for. Or, you are a
Medical Biller and your supervisor has asked you to overbill certain procedures because the
clinic that you work for is in financial trouble. Using the 7 Step Decision Making Model,
apply the facts of your dilemma. After you provide a summary of your situation, you will fill
in this worksheet by answering the questions of the 7 Step Model to resolve your ethical
situation.Summary of the Situation:The Seven-Step Decision ModelI. Determine the facts by
asking the following questions.What do we need to know?Who is involved in the
situation?Where does the ethical situation take place?When does it occur?II. Define the
precise ethical issue.For example, is it a matter of fairness, justice, morality, or individual
rights?III. Identify the major principles, rules, and values.For example, is this a matter of
integrity, quality, respect for others, or profit?IV. Specify the alternatives.List the major
alternative courses of action, including those that represent some form of compromise. This
may be a choice between simply doing or not doing something.V. Compare values and
alternatives.Determine if there is one principle or value, or a combination of principles and
values, that is so compelling that the proper alternative is clear.VI. Assess the
consequences.Identify short-term, long-term, positive, and negative consequences for the
major alternatives. The short-term gain or loss is often overridden when long-term
consequences are considered. This step often reveals an unanticipated result of major
importance.VII. Make a decision.The consequences are balanced against one’s primary
principles or values. Always double-check your decision.