A Draft Model Aggregated Code of Ethics for Bioethicists

Abstract

Bioethicists function in an environment in which their peers--healthcare executives, lawyers, nurses, physicians--assert the integrity of their fields through codes of professional ethics. Is it time for bioethics to assert its integrity by developing a code of ethics? Answering in the affirmative, this paper lays out a case by reviewing the historical nature and function of professional codes of ethics. Arguing that professional codes are aggregative enterprises growing in response to a field's historical experiences, it asserts that bioethics now needs to assert its integrity and independence and has already developed a body of formal statements that could be aggregated to create a comprehensive code of ethics for bioethics. A Draft Model Aggregated Code of Ethics for Bioethicists is offered in the hope that analysis and criticism of this draft code will promote further discussion of the nature and content of a code of ethics for bioethicists.

Confidentiality, Secrecy, and Privacy in Ethics Consultation

“…A formal code of ethics for clinical ethicists has been suggested but does not yet officially exist (Baker, 2005). Although ethics consultation aims at improving health care through professionally sound moral consideration and decision-making, the permission of patients for disclosure of private information can not be taken for granted.…”

A Hearty Critique of Baker's Proposed Code for Bioethicists

“…I wholeheartedly support Bob Baker's (2005) effort to construct a Code of Ethics for my field, clinical ethics. I also agree with him that a Code of Ethics for any field should naturally evolve out of consensus statements drafted by practitioners of that field as it develops its history and identity.…”

Standard Operating Procedures, ethical and legal regulations in BTB (Brain/Tissue/Bio) banking: what is still missing?

“…Whether future global bioethics will stay a myth or become a reality remains to be seen (Baker 2005;Borry et al 2006;Holm and Williams-Jones 2006;Novotny et al 2006).…”