Health Care Provider Code of Ethics

Hippocrates' "Of the Epidemics" contains an often-quoted phrase regarding medical ethics: "Do no harm." The actual phrase is "to help, or at least, to do no harm." This is an excellent beginning for a health care provider code of ethics.

Do No Harm

• First, do no harm.

  The oath of Hippocrates states: "to use treatment to help the sick according to my ability and judgment, but never with a view to injury and wrongdoing." Benefits always should outweigh risks and detrimental side effects.

Integrity, Authenticity and Accountability

• Honesty and openness are critical to the relationship between caregiver and patient and between caregiver and colleagues.

Evidence-Based Care and Research

• Care should be backed by a body of evidence-based research that is unbiased and free from conflicts of interest. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn more and provide patients with the best possible care, based on current research.

Practice Legally

• Maintain a practice that conforms to all legal requirements, locally, statewide and nationally.

Maintain HIPAA

• Confidentiality is a sacred trust.

  Patient information is a sacred trust, and health care providers should take appropriate measures to ensure confidentiality, following the guidelines of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Informed Consent and Refusal

• Everyone has the right to consent or refuse any suggested course of treatment. Respect and honor the patient's decision.