The Medical Ethics Advisory Committee of UAMS Medical Center and Veterans Administration is a standing committee of the Medical Staff. The Committee serves as a forum for education, discussion, and guidance to develop a broadly-based foundation in the hospital community upon which ethical decisions may be made that will be consistent with the provision of optimal patient care. This Committee does not oversee matters of professional discipline, staff or patient grievances, animal care policies or billing disputes. Case consultation by the Committee is optional and may be requested by a patient, family member or guardians, or a member of the health care team. Competent patients, legal guardians, designated health care surrogates and family members have the right to be notified that a case consultation by the Committee has been requested.
Recommendations made by the committee are advisory in nature.
To design and implement educational programs in the ethics of health care to be available to all members of the Hospital community. These may include, but are not limited to, lectures, seminars, workshops, patient rounds, and in-service programs. To provide consultation and advice to health care providers, patients, and family members when there is uncertainty or disagreement concerning medical ethical issues exists. E. To review and study the overall experience of patients, family members, and hospital staff, and to make recommendations about how best to be fully responsive to their needs in the area of medical ethical decision making. X. Membership Appointment to the Committee is by the Chief of Medical Staff.