Code of Ethics for the American Public Health Association

According to the American Public Health Association, public health agencies are obligated to follow a code of ethics that underscores a population-based perspective and fosters community trust in public health agencies. Public health research and practice is concerned with improving the health status of populations. Public health policies and interventions are typically developed and implemented by government institutions.

Purpose

• The purpose of the Code of Ethics adopted by the American Public Health Association is to provide public health agencies and professionals with guidance on ethical issues. The code cannot provide concrete answers to every ethical dilemma, but it can inform the practices and policies of public health agencies and professionals. The code builds awareness of ethical dilemmas in public health and holds agencies and professionals to a higher standard of conduct.

Influences

• Public health ethics has developed in conjunction with bioethics. Bioethics is based on the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice. These principles guide researchers and health care providers in the ethical treatment of individuals. Although bioethical principles contribute to public health ethics, the individual and clinical focus is not entirely appropriate to public health. According to the authors of "New Ethics for the Public's Health," public health ethics is also influenced by Kantian moral theory, utilitarianism and communitarianism. To balance the rights of individuals with the health of the community, public health ethics brings these principles and theories together, where appropriate, with the underlying beliefs of public health.

The Code

• The Public Health Code of Ethics, adopted by the APHA, is oriented toward public health agencies. It is made up of 12 principles. The principles are supported by underlying beliefs and values. The code calls for the pursuit of the fundamental causes of disease. The code demonstrates public health's belief in the interconnectedness and interdependence of individuals and their communities. It supports the need for public participation in the formation of health policy and the development and implementation of interventions.

  The code emphasizes the role of public health in the pursuit of social justice. The code also mandates that public health agencies seek out information and share it with the communities. The code stresses the responsibility of public health agencies to respond quickly to the needs of communities and to make the best use of information and resources available to them. The code stresses the need to plan for and be respectful of diversity. It recognizes the importance of the physical environment to health. Finally, the code emphasizes the need to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information about individuals or communities, to ensure professional competence, and to work in collaboration.

Development

• Initial development of the Public Health Code of Ethics was spearheaded by individuals associated with the Public Health Leadership Society. The field of public health is made up of researchers and practitioners who represent a diverse set of disciplines. Input from diverse groups of public health professionals was obtained. In 2000, the APHA presented the code at an open forum that facilitated discussion of the code.

Adoption

• In 2002, the APHA adopted the Public Health Code of Ethics. The code has been widely disseminated and adopted by multiple national organizations. The code is described as a "living document" because the Public Health Leadership Society continues to consider suggestions for its improvement and plans to update it in the future.