HOSPITAL CODE OF ETHICS
 
Hospital Code of Ethics
Introduction

To promote public welfare primarily and secondly, to guide governing bodies, hospital administrators, professional and non-professional staff members and others who constitute the "hospital family", ethical and administrative principles are herewith established for the Philippine Hospital System. By the sincere and voluntary commitment to those principles, the hospital is better able to perform the functions in a manner that will deserve and receive the patronage and support of the community it serves.

It is not always possible to clearly distinguish between ethical principles which apply basically to conduct, and administrative principles which refer to the means by which ethical principles may be carried out. Both are important to the proper and acceptable operation of the hospital.

For the purpose of this concern, "Ethics" is defines as "standards of conduct normally established as a moral guide for human behavior" and "principles" are universally applicable beliefs that may be developed to guide the conduct of both individuals and institution.

I. Ethical and Administrative
Principles for Hospitals

Objectives of the Hospital:

1. The Primary objective of the hospital are the following:
1.2 To provide the best possible facilities for the care of the sick and injured at all times;
1.3 To constantly upgrade and improve methods for the care, the cure, amelioration and prevention of disease; and
1.4 To promote the practice of medicine by Physicians within the institution consistent with the acceptable quality of patient care.

These objectives require an efficient organization, a competent administrator, a qualified medical staff, other well-trained personnel and adequate physical facilities with all of which services are made available at all times consistent with community needs.

2. The hospital should have the following secondary objectives:
2.1 To encourage research and teaching and to assist in the advancement of scientific knowledge.
2.2 To set an example of ethical practice, cooperate with other hospitals and take an active part in the promotion of health;
2.3 To provide kind and considerate care for all patients and must always provide needed emergency treatment.

The hospital has a moral responsibility to make every effort to ensure full and complete recovery of its patients because of which the hospitals' interest and activities require an extension beyond its walls.

1.1.1 To cooperate with recognized hospital associations and agencies and to develop cooperative action with other hospitals within the country.

II. Hospital Ethics

1. Hospital must recognize that the care of the sick is their first responsibility and a sacred trust, striving, at all times, to provide the best possible care and treatment to all in need of hospitalization.
2. Hospitals, recognizing their unique role in safeguarding the nation's health, should seek through compassionate and scientific care and health education, to extend life, alleviate suffering, and improve the general health of the communities they serve.
3. Hospitals should remain and promote harmonious relationships within the organization, to insure the proper environment for effective, efficient and equitable care and treatment of patients.
4. Hospitals should seek to inspire the confidence of the entire community and should appreciate and respect the social and religious practices and customs of patients.
5. Hospitals, to the extent possible and within their limitations, should conduct educational projects, stimulate research, and encourage preventive health practices in the community.
6. Hospitals should cooperate with other hospitals, health and welfare agencies, government and non-government, and other recognized organizations engaged in activities related to the health of the country.
7. Hospitals, in reporting their work to the public, should give a factual and objective interpretation of accomplishments and objectives without putting down directly or indirectly by implication, the work of other hospitals or related organizations.
8. Hospital, cognizant of their social responsibilities, should actively support and encourage every effective means which will ease the financial burdens of illness.
9. Hospital should be fair, honest and impartial in all their business relationships and utilize legal and legitimate means in promoting their public relations.
10. Hospitals should be progressive in policies, personnel policies, and effort to maintain up-to-date equipment, methods and standards of performance.

Formulated through the collaboration of the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) & the Philippine College of Hospital Administrators (PCHA).

INTERNATIONAL CODE OF MEDICAL ETHICS

DUTIES OF DOCTORS IN GENERAL

A DOCTOR MUST always maintain the highest standard of professional conduct.

A DOCTOR MUST NOT allow himself to be influenced merely by motives of profit.

THE FOLLOWING PRACTICES are deemed unethical:
a) Any self advertisement except such as expressly authorized by the national code of medical ethics.
b) Taking part in any plan of medical care in which the doctor does not have professional independence.
c) To receive any money in connection with services rendered to a patient other than the acceptance of a proper professional fee, or to pay any money in the same circumstances without the knowledge of the patient.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES is a doctor permitted to do anything that would weaken the physical or mental resistance of a human being, except from strictly therapeutic or prophylactic indications imposed in the interest of the patient.

A DOCTOR IS ADVISED to use great caution in publishing discoveries. The same applies to methods of treatment whose value is not recognized by the profession.

WHEN A DOCTOR IS CALLED UPON to give evidence or a certificate he should only state that which he can verify.


DUTIES OF DOCTORS TO THE SICK

A DOCTOR MUST always bear in mind the importance of preserving human life from the time of conception until death.
A DOCTOR OWES to his patient complete loyalty and all the resources of his science. Whenever an examination or treatment is beyond his capacity he should summon another doctor who has the necessary ability.
A DOCTOR OWES to his patient absolutely secrecy on all which has been confided to him or which he knows because of the confidence entrusted to him.
A DOCTOR MUST GIVE the necessary treatment in emergency, unless he is assured that it can and will be given by others.
Duties of Doctors to each other
A DOCTOR OUGHT to behave to his colleagues as he would have them behave to him.
A DOCTOR MUST NOT entice patients from his colleagues.
A DOCTOR MUST OBSERVE the principles of "The Declaration of Geneva" approved by The World Medical Association.
Declaration of Geneva
Adopted by the General Assembly of the World Medical Association at Geneva, Switzerland, September, 1948
AT THE TIME OF BEING ADMITTED AS MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity.
I WILL GIVE to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;
I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity;
THE HEALTH OF MY PATIENT will be first consideration;
I WILL RESPECT the secrets which are confided in me;
I WILL MAINTAIN by all the means in my power, the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession;
I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of religion, nationality, race, party, politics or social standing to intervenes between my duty and my patient.
I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life, from the time of conception; even the threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity.
I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely and upon my honor.