ABSTRACT
Neuropsychologists provide a diverse range of services in acute medical settings. Although such diversity may allow for stimulating professional experiences, it may also contribute to ethical challenges (Wilde, Bush, & Zeifert, 2002). Such challenges do not always arise from a lack of awareness of ethical issues, but may result from two or more ethical principles conflicting with each other. For example, while the neuropsychologist may be quite aware of the value that most patient’s derive from making decisions for themselves (Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity), he or she may be in a position to recommend a reduction of such autonomy due to cognitive impairment in order to maximize the patient’s safety (Beneficence). Challenges such as these tend to be common in many medical settings, and the authors of this chapter guide the reader through an understanding of such issues and steps to resolve them in the best interests of the patient, neuropsychology, and the medical setting.
