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Tier 1
Tier 1
Ethics
Ethics
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Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues (LEPI)

FS401 - Ethics Featured Session - Clinical Audiology Behind Bars: Dual-Loyalty Conflicts, Security Demands, and Patient Rights

Saturday, April 25, 2026
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM CST
Location: Room 221 AB
Earn 0.2 CEUs
Tier 1 Ethics

    Lead Presenter(s)

  • Michael D. Page, AuD

    Owner
    Michael D. Page, AuD LLC
    Kaysville, Utah

    Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

    Handouts

  • Deborah L. Carlson, PhD

    Audiology Consultant
    Self-employed
    Houston, Texas

    Disclosure(s): Financial - ETS Lindgren: Speaker/Honoraria (Ongoing); PhotoniCare: Consultant (Ongoing), Consultant/Advisory Board (Ongoing); Nonfinancial - Chair of Writing group for guideline on AAA Adult Hearing Assessment; ASHA Healthcare Economics Committee; Audiology Quality Consortium member

Abstract: The application of Beauchamp and Childress' four principles of ethics in carceral environments reveals a core conflict and dilemma between the ethical duty of autonomy/beneficence/justice (providing choice, care, and access) and the imperative of non-maleficence (maintaining institutional order and fairness).

This conflict is most pronounced in operational contexts where divergent obligations give rise to a significant dual-loyalty dilemma, compelling audiologists, administrative officials, and custodial officers to mediate between the state’s mandate to maintain institutional security (a form of collective non-maleficence) and the corresponding ethical obligation to uphold the incarcerated patient’s right to clinically appropriate care.

Contraband interdiction, though essential, often necessitates a systematic and generative assessment of risks associated with ADA-mandated audiological devices. These devices, while serving critical accessibility functions, may inadvertently present security vulnerabilities due to the wide availability of component parts that can be nefariously and creatively repurposed for weaponization.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion of this session, the participant will be able to analyze the application of Beauchamp and Childress's four principles of ethics within the correctional environment, differentiating between the ethical basis for institutional security and the requirements of individual patient rights.
  • Upon completion of this session, the participant will be able to differentiate between legitimate contraband interdiction tactics and those that violate the principle of non-maleficence by constituting inhumane treatment (e.g., sensory deprivation, excessive restraint). 
  • Upon completion of this session, the participant will be able to examine how medical devices and technology introduce a security paradox and how enforcement is mitigated through specific policy modifications rather than denying essential care.