An ethical dilemma: the dishonest doctor.

The process of solving an ethical dilemma is presented through use of a case study involving a dishonest doctor and a cancer patient. The described decision making process contributes to compliance with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization standard regarding ethics and patient care. Curtin's ethical decision-making framework is employed in this described process. Ethical principles and philosophies are considered in attempting to find the best ethical solution for the dilemma detailed in the case study. Source material is from personal experience and observation as well as published literature. In addition to being a JCAHO standard, the author concludes that a decision-making framework is useful in solving ethical dilemmas.