Ethical Dilemma

Question

I have been a counselor for over 10 years. The reason I am asking this question the advice I need is that if I am not working and I come back to work and the files other counselors did that day landed in my office. I ask why am I signing these group notes when I was not here. The other counselors inform me that they did not have enough counselors to sign off on  there work.  I was always taught that if you did not do the work you don’t sign off on it. What do you think about this?

Barb Hansen · Answer

When I worked in healthcare  as laboratory scientist, it was against hospital policy, and our provincial governing body's laws to sign work that was not yours. If we did, we could be fired, have our license removed and run the risk of being charged with fraud.

If we were lead tech for the shift, then some tests required the signature of the person doing the work along with the lead tech but those two signatures were in different places on the paper and then on the electronic record.

It seems wrong )and perhaps against state licencing rules) to sign someone else's work as if you were in the room where it happened unless you are being asked to review notes and sign that you reviewed them.

Anonymous · Answer

Ethically, legally and morally, I agree with you!  How can you sign-off and put your name on something of which you have no knowledge and had no involvement.  Legally, I believe this is a problem as well since by putting your name on these documents, there is a liability you own upon signature.  Also, if these services are being billed to patient insurers, make sure you are not violating payer policies related to the individuals who can  sign-off and bill for those services provided.  I see so many issues with this practice!

Uzma Islam · Answer

Explain to your colleagues how this is not only ethically but also legally wrong, and that you do not want to be liable for them. If they are matured and competent professionals then I am sure they will understand xx 
It's best to not sign them.

Fiona McLaughlin · Answer

No dilemma at all - you are right to be concerned and should not sign off on work you have had no input to. That's an integrity move. Your employers on the other hand, need to consider their own integrity and ethics processes.

Linda Shakir · Answer

Thank you its time for me to continue to speak up in any situation if laid off for good so be it. I knew that I was right.

Ethical Dilemma

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