A hospital has faced significant resource constraints over the last five years. After making significant cuts in administrative costs, the hospital senior management team is exploring revenue-generating options to help fund its clinical programs. One option under consideration involves renting cafeteria space to a popular fast-food restaurant. In the past, hospital cardiologists and endocrinologists have opposed similar proposals on the grounds that offering fast food is inconsistent with the hospital's patient care mission and its national reputation in the treatment of cardiac disease and non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The Clinical Operations Committee, which includes clinical and administrative leaders from across the organization, considers whether it should support or oppose the current proposal.

Mr. A is a 62-year-old male, who presents at the emergency department with severe chest pain. Mr. A is stabilized and diagnostic tests indicate triple vessel coronary artery disease. Bypass surgery is recommended. Prior to admission, it is discovered that Mr. A is a non-resident on a short visit to his son, who immigrated four years ago. As a non-resident, Mr. A is not covered by the national public health insurance plan and he did not purchase medical insurance for his trip. Neither he nor his son has the financial resources to pay for the bypass surgery. Although Mr. A is sufficiently stable to survive a flight home, he would not have access to the necessary medical treatment in his home country. The treating clinician wonders if the hospital should cover the cost of the surgery.