An acupuncture provider is not licensed. Which ethical principal does this violate?

An acupuncture provider is not licensed. Which ethical principal does this violate?

• A. Justice
• B. Autonomy
• C. Beneficence
• D. Nonmaleficence

Answer: (C)

Beneficence means acting to promote the patient’s welfare and provide care that benefits them. An acupuncture provider who is not licensed raises serious concerns about safety, competence, and accountability. Licensure helps ensure proper training and adherence to standards, which in turn supports effective, safe care. When those protections aren’t in place, the provider cannot reliably promote the patient’s well-being, and the risk of harm or ineffective treatment increases. While autonomy, justice, and nonmaleficence are relevant, the situation most directly violates the obligation to act in the patient’s best interest through competent, safe care.

Beneficence means acting to promote the patient’s welfare and provide care that benefits them. An acupuncture provider who is not licensed raises serious concerns about safety, competence, and accountability. Licensure helps ensure proper training and adherence to standards, which in turn supports effective, safe care. When those protections aren’t in place, the provider cannot reliably promote the patient’s well-being, and the risk of harm or ineffective treatment increases. While autonomy, justice, and nonmaleficence are relevant, the situation most directly violates the obligation to act in the patient’s best interest through competent, safe care.