What it means
A committee made up of people such as physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, lawyers and community members. It gives advice when there is a conflict or uncertainty, for example about withdrawing life support, a client's capacity to decide, or disagreement between family and staff. It also helps write facility policies on ethical issues.
For the nurse
Any member of the care team, and often the client or family, can ask for an ethics consultation when a situation is ethically troubling.
At a glance
| Also written | ethics committees |
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Related terms
advocate
To speak up and act for a client's rights, safety and wishes; also, a person who does this.
autonomy
A person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.
ethics
The study of right and wrong, and the principles that guide good conduct and decisions.
Code of Ethics for Nurses
The American Nurses Association's written statement of the ethical duties and values every nurse is expected to uphold.