What the HEC-C? An Analysis of the Healthcare Ethics Consultant-Certified Program: One Year in

Abstract

Efforts to professionalize the field of bioethics have led to the development of the Healthcare Ethics Consultant-Certified (HEC-C) Program intended to credential practicing healthcare ethics consultants (HCECs). Our team of professional ethicists participated in the inaugural process to support the professionalization efforts and inform our views on the value of this credential from the perspective of ethics consultants. In this paper, we explore the history that has led to this certification process, and evaluate the ability of the HEC-C Program to meet the goals it has set forth for HCECs. We describe the benefits and weaknesses of the program and offer constructive feedback on how the process might be strengthened, as well as share our team’s experience in preparing for the exam.     

Toward law–gospel harmony in Lutheran theology and ethics

Lutheran antipathy toward the law is harmful to Christian ethics. This antipathy arises from the false notion that law and gospel are opposed. However, the Lutheran Confessions show that law–gospel distinction does not necessarily imply law–gospel opposition. When law and gospel are properly defined, they interrelate harmoniously within a multiperspectival model of Christian ethics. Moreover, the third use of the law then emerges as the basic and primary use.     

采供血工作涉及伦理问题投诉的分析

探讨采供血过程中的主要伦理学问题,为采供血工作中存在的问题提供伦理学视角的指导。采用回顾性研究方法,收集近5年山东省血液中心全渠道受理的投诉资料,进行分类分析。结果献血过程中出现的伦理问题投诉种类多、数量大,严重性相对较弱;输血过程中的伦理问题投诉种类少、数量小,但严重性相对更强。血站应重视投诉问题,以问题为导向,本着尊严、自主、不伤害、有益、公正的伦理学原则开展工作,提高献血者、患者服务体验,构建一个健康、和谐、高效的献血、用血环境,推动输血事业的高质量发展。     

关于胚胎干细胞研究的一场伦理之争

关于“人兔细胞融合”的伦理之争,主要围绕“人兔细胞融合”实验是否违背伦理,要不要经过知情同意,以及科学技术与伦理道德的关系等问题而进行。这场讨论是正常的,健康的,有益的,倘能加以认真总结,将有助于推进学术争鸣。     

Conflict of interest in medicine in Lithuania: legal and ethical aspects

The current legal framework within the Lithuanian health system is described including a review of the physician’s autonomy, rights and duties, and patients’ rights including the right to reimbursement. The role of ethical codes and the law are discussed. An earlier version of this paper was presented at an International Conference on “Conflict of Interest and its Significance in Science and Medicine” held in Warsaw, Poland on 5–6 April, 2002.