Conscience Rules: Introduction
Conscience Rules: Professional Integrity
Conscience Rules: Personal Conscience
Revisit I CARE Model


- I – engage in INTROSPECTION
- C – recognize the CAUSE of your objection
- A – determine the appropriate ACTION(S)
- R- RESPOND to the patient
- In some cases (especially cases of personal preference) it may not be appropriate to discuss the cause of your objection with the patient, but it is appropriate to discuss your objection with your supervisor. This should be done as soon as the provider is aware of their objection to ensure continuity of care. It is always appropriate to respond to the patient respectfully – telling them which ACTION(S) will be used in their care.
- E – ENSURE your patient receives the care they need
- If you are willing and able, refer the patient or transfer care to another provider.
- While it is appropriate to transfer care to another willing, qualified provider, providers exercising their right to conscientiously refuse a particular treatment or procedure are not legally obligated to transfer care. However, if the patient initiates a transfer of care, the provider may not interfere with this process.
- If you work for a faith-based facility with ERDs that prevent providers from providing a referral for services that are not allowed under the ERDs (e.g., contraception), your ability to ensure that the patient receives the care they need may be somewhat limited.