Where We Stand
Section: Ethics
Policy: Ethics

Ethics

PREAMBLE: The medical profession has long subscribed to a body of ethical statements developed primarily for the benefit of the patient. As a member of this profession, a physician must recognize responsibility not only to patients, but also to society, to other health professionals, and to self. The following principles adopted by the American Medical Association are not laws, but standards of conduct, which define the essentials of honorable behavior for the physician.

  1. A physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical service with compassion and respect for human dignity.
  2. A physician shall deal honestly with patients and colleagues, and strive to expose those physicians deficient in character or competence or who engage in fraud or deception.
  3. A physician shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the patient.
  4. A physician shall respect the rights of patients, of colleagues, and of other health professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidences within the constraints of the law.
  5. A physician shall continue to study, apply and advance scientific knowledge, make relevant information available to patients, colleagues, and the public, obtain consultation, and use the talents of other health professionals when indicated.
  6. A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate and the environment in which to provide medical services.
  7. A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to an improved community.

PREAMBLE: The Oregon Medical Association encourages members not to exploit the special physician-patient relationship in any manner whatsoever.

Physician-Patient Relationship:
  1. Consistent with this preamble and the ethical guidelines of the American Medical Association, it is not unethical for a physician to dispense diets, vitamins and other health care products provided there is no exploitation of the patient.
  2. Consistent with this preamble and the ethical guidelines of the American Medical Association, the physician should not recommend such health products when he is influenced by his direct or indirect financial interest in the enterprise supplying such products.
  3. Consistent with this preamble, the physician should not use his office, clinic or hospital for the purpose of selling products or services that are not a part of the administration of medical care.
  4. Consistent with this preamble, the physician should not use the physician-patient relationship to influence patients to buy or sell products or services, which will result in financial gain for the physician.

    5. Adopted the AMA Principles of Medical Ethics at the interim House of Delegates, 1979.
    OMA Ethics Committee instructed to develop standards of conduct - annual House of Delegates, 1982.
    Adopted OMA ethics guidelines at the interim House of Delegates, 1982.
    Reaffirmed at the annual House of Delegates, 2011.

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