• Policy:
o The IRC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in all aspects of patient care and professional practice. All staff members are expected to adhere to the established code of ethics and uphold principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for patient rights and dignity.
o Healthcare workers (HCWs) shall uphold the standards of professionalism, be honest in all professional interactions, and strive to report colleagues deficient in character or competence, or engaging in fraud or deception, to appropriate entities.
o HCWs shall respect the law and recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the patient.
o HCWs shall respect the rights of patients, colleagues, and other health professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidences and privacy within the constraints of the law.
o Employees shall optimize patient care, quality, and safety by:
• Adhering to the code of conduct and Medical Liability Law.
• Encouraging the reporting of any identified ethical issues—conflict of interest, ethical code breaches, treatment denial/refusal, and any other issues within the scope—without fear or doubt.
o Upholding the values of Excellence and Innovation, Patient-Centered Care, Teamwork, Collaboration, Respect and Diversity, and Leadership.
o Delivering patient care, education, and support work with professional competence, intellectual honesty, and high ethical standards.
o HCWs shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge, maintain a commitment to medical education, make relevant information available to patients, colleagues, and the public, obtain consultation, and use the talents of other health professionals when indicated.
o HCWs shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide examination.
o HCWs shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to the improvement of the community and the betterment of public health.
o HCWs shall, while caring for a patient, regard responsibility to the patient as paramount.
• Procedures:
o Follow medical ethics as outlined in this policy, summarized as follows:
Patient Care:
• Treat all patients with dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Provide high-quality care that is in the best interest of the patient.
• Ensure that patients are fully informed about their medical condition, treatment options, and potential risks.
Confidentiality:
• Protect patient information from unauthorized access or disclosure.
• Share patient information only with individuals directly involved in the patient’s care or with the patient’s consent.
Informed Consent:
• Ensure that patients receive all necessary information to make informed decisions about their care.
• Respect the patient’s right to accept or refuse treatment.
Professional Integrity:
• Maintain honesty and integrity in all professional interactions.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts to the appropriate authority.
• Continuously update knowledge and skills to provide the highest standard of care.
Respect for Colleagues:
• Treat colleagues with respect and collaborate effectively in the best interest of patients.
• Address any professional disagreements respectfully and constructively.
Ethical Decision-Making:
• Use ethical principles and professional guidelines to make decisions in complex situations.
• Seek guidance from the ethics committee when faced with ethical dilemmas.
o Report violation of medical ethics using incident-reporting form
