Program Summary:  This course examines involuntary civil commitment in the US and includes a history of civil commitment and the evolving standards for civil commitment. Four ethical principles are examined:  respect for autonomy, maleficence, beneficence. and justice.  Ethical arguments and counterarguments are given (e.g. civil commitment limits autonomy vs civil commitment restores autonomy for the longer term.)  Key legislation is explained and concepts of parens patriae, dangerousness, grave disability, and serious deterioration are discussed.

This course is recommended for social workers and is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice.  This course does not qualify for NBCC ethics credit. Read the complete description of this course…..

Program Summary:  This course examines the history of advance directives (including the Nancy Cruzan case and the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990) along with current research about psychiatric advance directives (PADs) and their benefits, barriers, and challenges.  Shared-decision making, decision supports, and decision aids are explored as important tools for supporting autonomy.  The ethical principles of informed consent, autonomy, beneficence, and justice are highlighted.   The course offers practical guidance for completing and implementing PADs.  Samples and resources on PADs are given.

This course is recommended for social workers and is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice.  This course is not recommended for NBCC ethics credit. Read the complete description of this course…..