It is the corporate policy of MedCentral Health System that business will be conducted in accordance with uncompromising ethical standards. We expect everyone affiliated with the health system - employee, physician, trustee, consultant or agent - to adhere to ethical standards and promote ethical behavior. Adherence to such standards should never be traded or compromised for financial, professional or business objectives. High ethical standards are necessary to maintain our tradition of excellence and the pride and confidence of all people who work for or provide services to MedCentral.

To conduct our business in accordance with high ethical standards, we will:

Deal honestly and fairly with our internal and external customers, suppliers and competitors.
Avoid conflicts of interest.
Treat all others fairly, with dignity and respect.
Treat all of our patients with professionalism, respect, dignity and compassion.
Respect each patient's autonomy and his or her right to make informed decisions.
Maintain confidentiality.
Promote the fair, just and effective use of available health care resources.
Obey all relevant laws, regulations and published codes.
Report violations of these ethical standards.

MedCentral Health System Ethics Committee

The MedCentral Health System Ethics Committee provides a forum to help patients and family members, physicians, other allied health personnel and the health system with bioethical decisions. It is not meant to replace the customary family-patient-physician relationship in reaching practical decisions about appropriate care. We are a diverse group of people, compassionately seeking good and justice to ensure the dignity, worth and autonomy of each person. The committee serves as an advisory, educational and informational resource in the health system.

Composition:

The committee is composed of at least 15 active, multi-disciplinary voting members reflecting the broad dimensions of the ethical issues facing the system.

The following disciplines are represented:

Administration
Medical staff
Nursing
Social work services
Pastoral care
The MedCentral Board of Trustees
Community members
Corporate compliance

Ethics consultations

Anyone can initiate a request for an ethics consultation:

Patients, family members and significant others
Medical staff
Members of the health care team
Board members
Agencies having responsibility for the care and management of the patient

Contact the ethics committee by calling:

Mansfield: 419-526-8056
Shelby: 419-342-1712

Last updated July 17, 2007

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