Hospice Code of Ethics
The term "hospice code of ethics" refers to the professional ethical standards applied in end-of-life care services.
Codes of Ethics
Individual hospice organizations may have their own ethical guidelines, but several widely adopted ethical codes concern the practice of hospice care. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization offers a code of ethics with four main precepts that directly concern hospice services.
Meeting Hospice Needs
The first component of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Code of Ethics is the promise "to meet the hospice and palliative care needs of patients and their families." Among other things, this standard requires caretakers to be sensitive of culture and religion and provide care without prejudice.
Truth and Honesty
The second core ethical value is "to act honestly, truthfully and fairly to all concerned." This National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization standard obliges caretakers to be forthright about medical costs and only to make decisions in the best interest of the patient.
Instruct and Educate
The third component of the hospice code of ethics is "to instruct both local and national communities in the tenets of hospice and palliative care philosophy." Hospice providers must act as liaisons to the community and advocate for the interests of hospice services, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Striving for Highest Skill Level
The final precept of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Code of Ethics is "to continuously strive for the highest level of skill and expertise of the staff and volunteers in the delivery of care." Hospice providers are thereby required to create good working environments for staff and provide appropriate staff training.
Tags: Care Organization, National Hospice, National Hospice Palliative, Palliative Care Organization, Hospice Palliative Care, Code Ethics