Front Street Hospital Ethical Case

The debt collection practices regarding non-for-profit hospitals are unethical and unjust. The moral premise behind non-for-profit corporations, whether they are hospitals or other businesses, is to help those in financial need. Non-for-profit organization should be lending a helping hand instead of holding their hand out for payments. For these hospitals to charge full price fees to indigent individuals that cannot pay to begin with is shameful. The use of strong-arm tactics to force these financially burdened individuals to pay by way intimidation, lawsuit, liens, and arrest is not only unethical but also immoral.

On the other side, the hospitals have provided a service to these indigent individuals and some sort of payment should be made. This comes down to proper organization, planning, and expectations form the hospital itself. If the hospital knowingly has these issues with collections than supporting those that qualify with reduced fees and or pro bono work would work best for all those involved. This would decrease the cost hospitals spend in collections, court filings, investigations, and liens. It would also encourage those that are less fortunate to continue to seek health care. At the current moment those individuals subjected to collection harassment are probably more hesitant to receive care for future concerns based on their past experiences.

If I were the ultimate authority I would mandate all hospitals to setup low-income services that are tied directly in conjunction with the local health department. This way the hospital can be compensated through government funding as opposed to resorting to scare tactics with its patients.