Health professionals need ethics codes because society expects them to be __ (best answer). A) self-regulating B) educated C) certified D) licensed
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: A) self-regulating
Health professionals need ethics codes because society expects them to be self-regulating. Self-regulation means that a profession sets its own standards of practice, monitors compliance, and disciplines its members when necessary. This expectation is particularly important in healthcare, where professionals are trusted with the lives, health, and private information of others.
A code of ethics provides a framework to guide professionals in making morally sound decisions, especially in complex and sensitive situations. It outlines duties such as respecting patient autonomy, maintaining confidentiality, providing competent care, and avoiding conflicts of interest. These ethical principles help maintain public confidence in the profession and ensure that professionals act not only according to law but also according to values that serve the patient’s best interest.
Without a code of ethics, health professionals might rely solely on laws or personal judgment, which can lead to inconsistencies and harm. Laws provide a minimum standard of behavior, but ethics go further by setting higher expectations. Since not all situations can be covered by law, ethical codes fill in those gaps, allowing professionals to navigate dilemmas that have no clear legal guidance.
Furthermore, being self-regulating helps a profession preserve its autonomy. It demonstrates to the public and regulatory bodies that the profession is capable of maintaining integrity and accountability internally. This is critical in building public trust. When professionals uphold ethical standards on their own, it reduces the need for external enforcement and ensures that misconduct is addressed quickly and appropriately.
In conclusion, ethics codes are essential because they enable healthcare professionals to be self-regulating, which is what society expects from trusted fields. This supports ethical behavior, public trust, and professional independence in the delivery of health services.