Explanation

The four core bioethical principles — autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice — each address different aspects of ethical healthcare practice. When the question involves allocating limited resources among patients, the principle of justice (specifically distributive justice) is most directly applicable. Distributive justice addresses the fair distribution of scarce resources across a population. In this scenario, prioritizing highest-risk patients represents a needs-based allocation model, ensuring that those with the greatest clinical need receive priority access to limited appointment slots. Other allocation models under justice include equal access, first-come-first-served, and utilitarian (greatest good for the greatest number), each with ethical strengths and limitations.

Key Takeaway

Distributive justice governs the allocation of limited healthcare resources.