Code of Ethics

CODE OF ETHICS

The focus on ethical and legal issues advances the knowledge and understanding of the decision making process of ethical dilemmas. A medical professional is expected to behave in accordance with society’s perception of right and wrong, regardless of the legal implications. It is somewhat comforting however that the laws that govern the individual’s behavior is built upon ethical considerations. The physician’s code of ethics and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) code of ethics set out the guidelines for ethical behavior.  The AAMA code of ethics sets out five guiding principles which require its members to always:

A. render service with full respect for the dignity of humanity;

B. respect confidential information obtained through employment unless legally authorized or required by responsible performance of duty to divulge such information;

C. uphold the honor and high principles of the profession and accept its disciplines;

D. seek to continually improve the knowledge and skills of medical assistants for the benefit of patients and professional colleagues;

E. participate in additional service activities aimed toward improving the health and wellbeing of the community.

The code of ethics endeavors to set the guidelines for ethical and moral conduct of the medical professional. It behooves them to strive for excellence in their personal and professional pursuits and exhorts them to adhere to the highest standard in caring out their professional responsibilities.

The Healthcare Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was enacted to guide the behavior of healthcare workers in the dispensation of their daily functions and interactions with patients. The primary purpose of HIPAA are three fold:

1                    Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health-care delivery by creating a national framework for health privacy protection that builds on efforts by states, health systems, and individual organizations and individuals

2                    Protect and enhance the rights of patients by providing them access to their health information and controlling the inappropriate use or disclosure of that information

3                    Improve the quality of health care by restoring trust in the health-care system among consumers, health-care professionals, and the multitude of organizations and individuals committed to the delivery of care.

HIPAA speaks directly to the ethical and moral conduct of the employees, both medical practitioners and administrative staff. It engenders respect for patients’ rights to privacy and security and autonomy.  

Reference:  CODE OF ETHICS