A Healthcare Ethics Committee (HEC) is an interdisciplinary body established within a healthcare institution to offer guidance on complex moral issues arising in patient care. This group is typically composed of a diverse mix of professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, administrators, and community representatives, ensuring a broad perspective. The HEC provides guidance and a framework for analysis, aiming to facilitate sound decision-making that respects the values and concerns of everyone involved. It does not serve as a regulatory or legal authority that dictates patient care.
Resolving Ethical Dilemmas (Consultation)
The most direct function of the HEC is providing confidential consultation services for specific, challenging cases where conflict or uncertainty exists about the appropriate path forward. Consultations are requested by patients, family members, or the medical team when the moral dimensions of treatment become unclear. The committee addresses situations involving profound disagreements or difficult choices, particularly concerning the patient’s right to self-determination and the medical team’s obligations.
A frequent focus is end-of-life care, which involves decisions about withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatments. Disagreements over patient autonomy are also common, especially when there is uncertainty about a patient’s capacity to consent to or refuse treatment. The HEC acts to clarify the facts and explore the ethical principles at stake, such as beneficence (acting in the patient’s best interest) and non-maleficence (avoiding harm).
The consultation process begins with a review of medical records and discussions with all involved parties. The outcome is typically an advisory recommendation intended to help the involved parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
Setting Institutional Standards (Policy and Review)
Beyond addressing individual cases, the HEC proactively shapes the ethical environment of the institution by creating and reviewing formal policies. This function establishes consistent rules that govern common ethical issues, ensuring similar situations are handled with fairness and consistency across the facility.
The committee oversees guidelines for implementing Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders or criteria for assessing a patient’s capacity to make medical decisions. The HEC also reviews protocols related to high-stakes decisions, such as organ donation procedures or the approach to withdrawing medical support. These policies provide structure for medical staff, reducing moral distress by offering clear procedures for ethically complex scenarios.
The HEC’s policy function differs from that of an Institutional Review Board (IRB), which is a separate body. While the HEC focuses on the ethics of clinical care and institutional conduct, the IRB is tasked with reviewing and regulating the ethics and safety of human subject research protocols.
Promoting Ethical Literacy (Education)
The third major function of the HEC involves proactive education and outreach, fostering a culture where ethical considerations are routinely discussed and understood. This role focuses on knowledge transfer and prevention of future conflicts, helping staff and patients navigate moral challenges before they escalate into crises.
The HEC organizes training activities for a wide audience, including clinical staff, administrators, and the community. Educational sessions often cover topics such as obtaining informed consent, cultural sensitivity in care, and managing the moral distress experienced by healthcare providers.
By educating the community, the HEC helps individuals understand their rights and options, such as the use of advance directives and living wills. This outreach ensures that patients are empowered participants in their own medical decision-making. The committee’s educational efforts are designed to integrate ethical analysis into the daily operations of the institution.