Legal & ethical Decision Making in Person-Centred Care

Taylah Parker is 14 years old and lives in a town in NSW with her mother (Bronwyn) and Bronwyn's partner John. They moved there a year ago from Victoria to support Bronwyn’s mother Dawn who was placed in residential care. Taylah is estranged from her biological father due to a history of family violence. She is close to John and sees him as her step-father. There are no other siblings. Taylah’s mother Bronwyn works in a local supermarket and John is a truck driver. Almost a year ago, Taylah was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She is angry about this diagnosis and the imposition it has on her life, particularly regarding diet, activity, social life and body image. She has regular appointments with a diabetic educator for support, but she doesn’t like her. Taylah and her mum Bronwyn have a difficult relationship at times complicated by Taylah’s disregard for her diabetes management. Taylah doesn’t like her Mum interfering in her life. Taylah attends the local high school in NSW in Year 8. She has a small group of friends and reports having had issues with making friends since the move. This small group of friends aren’t the ‘popular’ group, and she has experienced bullying at school. Taylah has recently become sexually active with what she describes as having “a couple of randoms”. Taylah was encouraged by the school nurse to contact a sexual health nurse so that she could make informed decisions in relation to contraceptive options and reducing the health risks associated with participating in unprotected sexual activity. Taylah’s mother is not aware of her sexual activity. The trip to the sexual health nurse has been difficult for Taylah to arrange, as it is 2 hours away back in her hometown in Victoria. Taylah arrives alone to see Pam the sexual health nurse. Taylah is concerned about her mum finding out about the visit. Pam the sexual health nurse prepares for her consultation with Taylah. Developing further what you have written in part 1, write an essay identifying the relevant legal and ethical considerations presented in the case scenario utilising current research. Focus on confidentiality, consent/guardianship and Beauchamp and Childress’ Four main ethical principles. Identify how these apply to the individuals in the case scenario.