What are the Ethical and Religious Directives (ERDs)?
ERDs are complex and require expertise to be
interpreted and applied, especially in patient care
circumstances.
Catholic values in the ERDs:
• Human Dignity and Freedom of Conscience
• Sanctity of Human Life
• Dignity of Work
• Common Good
• Health and Wellness
• Dignity of Human Sexuality
• Privacy and Confidentiality
• Social Justice
ERDs contain 6 parts:
1. Social Responsibility
2. Pastoral and Spiritual Care
3. Professional-Patient Relationship
4. Issues in Care for the Beginning of Life
5. Issues in Care for the Seriously Ill and Dying
6. Issues of Collaborative Arrangements
When in doubt, know your escalation process
for ethics!
Before denying service or transferring a patient due
to any perceived conflict with ERDs, caregiver/provider
MUST escalate through the local process.
NOTE: More information is available on the Theology and
Ethics SharePoint
Failure to follow EMTALA
Failure of hospitals to comply with EMTALA mandates
can result in stiff penalties imposed by federal
agencies, including the Office of the Inspector
General and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services. These penalties can be in the form of
monetary fines and termination from the Medicare
and Medicaid programs. In some instances,
individuals can also bring lawsuits.
Emergency Departments must ensure:
• Patient Safety First
• Meticulous Documentation
• Ensure Appropriate Transfers
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