How should a PA address a conflict of interest in practice?

• A. Ignore and proceed with the decision.
• B. Keep it private without disclosure.
• C. Avoid discussing with supervisor.
• D. Disclose to supervisor and recuse from decisions when needed.

Answer: (D)

Conflict of interest means personal or financial interests could influence clinical judgment. The best way to handle this is to be transparent by disclosing the potential conflict to a supervisor or the appropriate authority and to recuse from decisions where the conflict could bias the care provided. This approach protects patient safety, preserves trust, and aligns with ethical standards and institutional policies. By disclosing, the team can put safeguards in place, such as supervision, peer review, or transferring the patient to another clinician for the affected decisions. If a situation could still be biased after disclosure, stepping back from the decision and ensuring another clinician handles it upholds the integrity of care. Ignoring the conflict, keeping it private, or avoiding discussion undermines patient welfare and professional ethics.