The word ethics comes from the Greek word “ethos,” which means character. Ethical values are universal rules of conduct that provide a practical basis for identifying what kinds of actions, intentions, and motives are valued (1).
Ethical considerations shape and guide the development of new policies. In the political market where policymaking occurs, ethical behaviors guided by four major philosophical principles. These principles are respect for the autonomy of other people, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence(2).
Respect for autonomy is explained in different ways by Beaufort Longest in his book “Health Policymaking in the United States.” In healthcare, the individual has the freedom to make decisions for their medical care and has the right to refuse or accept the prescribed treatment. Other elements included in autonomy are confidentiality and fidelity. The principle of justice well explained through an egalitarian perspective, libertarian perspective, and utilitarian perspective. The principle of beneficence guides policymakers to decisions that maximize the net benefits and balance benefits and burdens of their choices. The principle of nonmaleficence helps to make decisions that minimize harm (2).
The government has an ethical obligation to pass laws and regulations that protect its citizens from harm and promote their welfare. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been established to execute this goal, but there is much dispute about electronic nicotine delivery systems like vaping, Juuling or using e-cigarettes. Through the Tobacco Control Act of 2009 FDA has the legal authority to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products. In 2016 the FDA, through The Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), part of the FDA initiates regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems. “Safe and effective,” standard by FDA for medical products, does not apply to tobacco products.
Beyond the unknown long-term effects of electronic nicotine delivery systems, the concern is that addicting minors to nicotine will result in an increased risk of using combustible products. Nicotine affects the adolescent brain by disrupting circuits that control attention, learning, and susceptibility to addiction. Thus, the urgency in regulating the electronic nicotine delivery system focused on preventing youth from addiction to nicotine, which can be intrinsically harmful but also can lead to the use of combustible tobacco products.
There is an outcry from school officials about vaping devices, which have become too common among teenagers. Public health advocates and lawmakers launched an effort to raise the age of vaping and smoking to 21 across Arizona.
References
1) Haddad, L. M., & Geiger, R.A.(2019). Nursing Ethical Considerations. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526054/
2) Longest, B. B. (2016). Health policymaking in the United States (5th ed.). Health Administration Press.
3) Binkley, C. E., & Kemp, D.S.(2019). Can the FDA regulate vaping as an ethical alternative to tobacco cigarettes? Retrieved from https://verdict.justia.com/2019/09/09/can-the-fda-regulate-vaping-as-an-ethical-alternative-to-tobacco-cigarettes
Annie's Blog 
Hi Annie,
I enjoyed reading your policy blog, which is a very important policy that will prevent our youth from exposure to the dangerous effects of vaping. Nurses can influence this policy development by educating policymakers regarding the dangerous and carcinogenic effects of vaping on the lungs and its addictive impact on the brain. I hope that policy to increase the legal age to 21 for vaping in Arizona will soon be a reality. The ethical reasoning for increasing age to 21 can be supported by educating the public and policymakers that this policy will govern the legal age of consumption of this product but will allow autonomy to use this product after age 21.
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