The AMA was founded in part to establish the first national code of medical ethics. Today the Code is widely recognized as authoritative ethics guidance for physicians through its Principles of Medical Ethics interpreted in Opinions of AMA’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs that address the evolving challenges of contemporary practice.
Routine universal screening of adult patients for HIV helps promote the welfare of individual patients, avoid injury to third parties, and protect public health. Nonetheless, physicians must continue to seek patients’ informed consent, including informed refusal of HIV testing.
Expedited partner therapy seeks to increase the rate of treatment for partners of patients with sexually transmitted infections through patient-delivered therapy without the partner receiving a medical evaluation or professional prevention counseling. However, expedited partner therapy potentially abrogates the standard informed consent process, compromises continuity of care for patients’ partners, encroaches upon the privacy of patients and their partners, increases the possibility of harm by a medical or allergic reaction, leaves other diseases or complications undiagnosed, and may violate state practice laws.
In light of their obligation to promote the well-being of patients, physicians have an ethical obligation to take appropriate action to avert the harms caused by violence and abuse.
Short-term global health clinical encounters provide needed care to individual patients in under-resourced settings and address global health inequities. Physicians engaging in short-term global health clinical encounters have an ethical obligation to prioritize benefits for the host community and ensure quality care while maintaining awareness for cultural differences. Sponsors of short-term global health clinical encounters should ensure the provision of resources, that team members practice within the limits of their skills, and that a mechanism for meaningful data collection is in place.
