Clear as Mud: The Dynamic Relationship Between Ethics and Public Policy

The relationship between ethics and public policy has been evolving quite rapidly over the last 20 years or so. The relationship has always inherently been there, of course, but it is especially apparent in public policy related to the delivery of health care, systems of care, and direct care of human beings. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, attempting to deliver the clinically appropriate level of care for patients within a clear ethical framework has become more challenging. This is especially true in heavily regulated post-acute care and long-term care settings, where care can be dictated by policy at either the state or federal level.