Preamble
The medical profession has long subscribed
to a body of ethical statements developed primarily for the
benefit of the patient. As a member of this profession, a
physician must recognize responsibility to patients first
and foremost, as well as to society, to other health professionals,
and to self. The following Principles adopted by the American
Medical Association are not laws, but standards of conduct
which define the essentials of honorable behavior for the
physician.
Principles of medical ethics
I. A physician shall be dedicated to providing
competent medical care, with compassion and respect for human
dignity and rights.
II. A physician shall uphold the standards
of professionalism, be honest in all professional interactions,
and strive to report physicians deficient in character or
competence, or engaging in fraud or deception, to appropriate
entities.
III. A physician shall respect the law and
also recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those
requirements which are contrary to the best interests of
the patient.
IV. A physician shall respect the rights of
patients, colleagues, and other health professionals, and
shall safeguard patient confidences and privacy within the
constraints of the law.
V. A physician shall continue to study, apply,
and advance scientific knowledge, maintain a commitment to
medical education, make relevant information available to
patients, colleagues, and the public, obtain consultation,
and use the talents of other health professionals when indicated.
VI. A physician shall, in the provision of
appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free
to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the
environment in which to provide medical care.
VII. A physician shall recognize a responsibility
to participate in activities contributing to the improvement
of the community and the betterment of public health.
VIII. A physician shall, while caring for a
patient, regard responsibility to the patient as paramount.
IX. A physician shall support access to medical
care for all people.
Adopted by the AMA's House of Delegates June
17, 2001.
Last updated: Jul 06, 2005 |
