The ethics of genome editing in the clinic: A dose of realism for healthcare leaders.

Genome editing technologies promise therapeutic advances for genetic diseases. We discuss the ethical and societal issues raised by these technologies, including their use in preclinical research, their potential to address mutations in somatic cells, and their potential to make germ line alterations that may be passed to subsequent generations. We call for a proportionate response from health leaders based on a realistic assessment of benefits, risks, and timelines for clinical translation.

L'éthique de la modification du génome en clinique : une dose de réalisme pour les leaders en santé.

Les technologies de modification du génome promettent des avancées dans le traitement des maladies génétiques. Les auteurs abordent les enjeux éthiques et sociaux que soulèvent ces technologies, y compris leur utilisation dans des recherches précliniques, leur potentiel à résoudre les mutations somatiques et leur potentiel à modifier les lignées germinales qui peuvent être transmises aux prochaines générations. Ils demandent une réponse modérée de la part des leaders en santé, reposant sur une évaluation réaliste des avantages, des risques et des délais d'application clinique.

On the value of environmental stewardship and sustainability in health administration education.

Global warming, the depletion of the world'snatural resources, and excessive consumer consumption in developed countries are determinants reshaping the way we live our everyday lives. These factors are rapidly giving rise to new ecological paradigms of environmental stewardship and in healthcare environments that express sustainable theories and practices. This has given rise to a systematic system for promoting and assessing the energy performance and efficiency of healthcare facilities known as Leadership in Energy Efficient Environmental Design (LEED), and a parallel certification program, the Green Guide for Heath Care. These developments are examined in direct relation to the functions of managerial ethics. A series of ten sustainability-based ethical dilemmas are presented. Each is examined in relation to the need to inculcate in future healthcare administrators a critical understanding and appreciation of the need to reposition contemporary healthcare organizations at the center--as leading civic participants and role models in relation to the emerging movement towards carbon neutrality in the healthcare industry.

Conducting research in community-based care facilities: ethical and regulatory implications.

Successful research in community-based care settings requires collaboration between facility staff and researchers. The ethical conduct of research involves respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Research must comply with specific federal regulations and state laws. Interviews with 15 community-based care facility administrators revealed differences in understanding how research is regulated and the influence that research might have when a facility provides access to researchers. A Facility Bill of Rights describes principles related to the ethical conduct of research and questions to consider when deciding whether to provide researchers with access to a facility.

Legal and regulatory education and training needs in the healthcare industry.

As in any other industry, laws and regulations significantly impact the functioning of the healthcare industry. Some laws, such as those relating to malpractice and social insurance systems, affect the manner in which the industry operates. Other laws, such as those regulating antitrust and employment practices, affect the organization and the environment in which the industry operates. It is increasingly important that practitioners and managers be cognizant of this complex and dynamic legal minefield. This study examined healthcare managers and executives' knowledge of 9 key issues in the legal and regulatory environment of the healthcare industry. Specifically, the study focused on knowledge concerning tort and contract liability, insurance law, labor and employment regulation, criminal and ethical responsibility, antitrust regulation, the law governing business associations and recent developments. Findings suggest that the levels of knowledge required to manage legal and regulatory issues are much greater than the existing levels of knowledge.