Principle 10: Protect the Helpless
One of the required or mandated "screenings" we must perform in American healthcare with any patient who comes into our clinics, hospitals, etc., is that of "abuse, neglect, or exploitation". As a result, healthcare providers are obligated to report such suspicions to the various authorities. A failure to do so could result in serious penalties to the healthcare worker and/or institution. I don't know that these "rules" apply in all countries, though, but they should. Believe it or not, they are scriptural! There are a variety of individuals in this world who scripture used to refer to as the "helpless" - orphans, widows, and those unable to speak for themselves, such as the mentally handicapped and elderly demented. As a basis of establishing "fair dealings" with these individuals, scripture warns repeatedly about taking advantage of them. This may be in the realm of their finances, the use of their time or talent, or even th...