What Is an Ethics Committee?

An ethics committee is an organizational body that addresses ethical dilemmas and issues within an institution, such as a hospital or nursing home. Ethics committees are multidisciplinary and typically composed of professionals such as physicians, social workers, chaplains, and many other vital contributors. These professionals provide guidance and facilitate ethical decision-making when challenges arise in clinical practice.

The responsibilities and tasks an ethics committee handles often vary based on the institution that requires its services. In settings where end-of-life care is prevalent, ethics committees review patient care issues and provide recommendations on resolving them. For example, if the healthcare provider and the surrogate or patient disagree regarding choices that are central to patient care, an ethics committee may be contacted for assistance in resolving the issue. 

Ethics committees aim to help everyone reach an ethically and legally appropriate solution when faced with ethical challenges. Although they often interface directly with members of the care team in a healthcare setting, they are also available to meet with patients and their families to help address difficult decisions or answer questions. By maintaining oversight and providing guidance, ethics committees ensure that any upcoming decisions or next steps remain aligned with ethical principles. Ultimately, these committees are an essential component in maintaining ethical conduct in any healthcare setting.

Sources 

“Ethics Committees in Health Care Institutions”. AMA Code of Medical Ethics. https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/ethics-committees-health-care-institutions 

“Ethical Issues Surrounding End-of-Life Care: A Narrative Review”. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4934577/