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Principles of Medical Ethics American Medical
Association
Adopted by the Arizona Medical Association
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.
I. A physician shall be dedicated to providing competent
medical services with compassion and respect for human dignity and rights.
II. A physician shall uphold the standards of professionalism, be honest in all professional interactions, and strive to report those physicians deficient in character or competence, or engaging in
fraud or deception, to appropriate entities.
III. 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.
IV. 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.
V. A physician shall continue to study, apply and advance
scientific knowledge, maintain a commitment to medical education, make relevant information available
to patients, colleagues and the public, obtain consultation,
and use the talents of other health professionals when indicated.
VI. A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate
patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom
to serve, with whom to contract, with whom to associate, and the environment in
which to provide medical services.
VII. A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate
in activities contributing to an improvement of community and betterment of public health.
VIII. A physician shall, while caring for a patient, regard responsibility to the patient as paramount.
IX. A physician shall support access to medical care for all people.
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