The CVMC ethics committee offers educational programs on clinical ethics and provides consultation on ethical issues that arise during patient care. The committee includes physicians, nurses, social workers, members of the clergy, and community representatives.
The consultation service is available at any time to help resolve a broad array of dilemmas that may raise ethical conflicts or questions. These issues can include:
These requests may be made by the patient, by his or her family or guardian, or by any professional involved in the care of the patient.
Patients and families should notify a staff member of their desire to request a consultation. They may speak with a nurse, physician, care manager, or chaplain. CVMC staff may request a consultation by going to R://CVMC Root/CVMC Shared Files/Ethics/1-clinical consults.
Upon receiving a request for an ethics consultation, members of the committee review medical records and may interview patients, families, and caregivers in order to gain a fuller understanding of the situation. The committee then convenes to analyze the ethical issue. Their analysis culminates in a report that suggests several paths towards resolving the dilemma. The recommendations made by the committee are suggestions only and are not mandates.
These recommendations are generally issued within 48 hours of the request; a speedier process is possible when needed. This service is free of charge.
Palliative Care at CVMC
For more information on compassionate care at the end of life, please consult our palliative care service.
Advanced Directives
In the event you should be unable to make decisions in the future, you can control decisions about your health care by completing an advance directive (living wills/health care proxy):
For more information on advance directives and on patients’ rights, go to: