Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which of the following is a key characteristic of the principle of beneficence?

1. Protecting client confidentiality above all

2. Acting to promote the well-being of others

3. Encouraging competition among healthcare providers

4. Focusing on individual profit

The correct answer is: Acting to promote the well-being of others

The principle of beneficence is fundamentally about acting in ways that promote the well-being and welfare of others. In the context of healthcare, this principle emphasizes the importance of providing care that enhances the patient’s health outcomes and quality of life. It reflects a commitment to do good, ensuring that actions taken are in the best interest of the patients and contribute positively to their health and wellbeing. This principle is foundational in the healthcare profession, guiding practitioners to make ethical decisions that prioritize the needs of clients. Such actions may include delivering appropriate treatments, providing education about health, and advocating for the necessary resources to support a patient’s health. The other options, while relevant to ethical considerations in healthcare and business practices, do not encapsulate the essence of beneficence. For example, protecting client confidentiality is an important ethical obligation, but it pertains more to the principle of autonomy and respect for the individual’s privacy rather than promoting well-being directly. Encouraging competition among healthcare providers can lead to better services but may not focus on patient welfare explicitly. Lastly, focusing on individual profit is contrary to the principle of beneficence, as it may lead to prioritizing financial gain over the health and well-being of patients.