Ethics Article: Ethics Committee Access - Faith Regional Health Services

One of the functions of Faith Regional Health Services (FRHS) Ethics Committee is to provide a forum for review of ethical issues which are of concern to health care professionals, FRHS patients and patient families, and which have not been resolved through direct communication among the parties involved. The following protocol has been established to insure that persons seeking Committee review receive prompt, fair and equitable treatment.

Access to the Ethics Committee can be gained by contacting the committee chairperson or any committee member. Patients or members of their family may also access the committee by contacting a nursing supervisor or any employee of Spiritual Care, Social Services or Administration Departments.

The Ethics Committee Chairperson or designee will contact the requesting party to ascertain the reason for the requested review.

The Chairperson or designee, with the assistance of appropriate disciplines from the Ethics Committee, will attempt to clarify and resolve those issues arising from miscommunication between two parties by meeting with the parties involved. Those cases resolved in this matter will be documented and full case review will not be held.

In instances where a full committee case review is deemed appropriate, the chairperson or designee will notify Ethics Committee members and the primary parties involved of the date, time and location of the scheduled meeting and invite participation from all involved parties.

The Ethics Committee will serve in an advisory capacity only; that is, committee recommendations will be non-binding in nature .

A written review will include a summary of the presented issue, those in attendance, recommendations and/or opinions of Ethics Committee members. The minutes should be reviewed and approved by the Committee before they become final, and will be kept in accordance with FRHS’ policy on confidentiality of medical information.

The minutes will be communicated to the people involved with the issue.