The University Hospital Ethics Committee is an advisory group appointed by the University Hospital Medical Executive Board. It reviews, on request, ethical or moral questions that may come up during a patient’s care. Committee members include doctors, nurses, social workers, an attorney, a chaplain, a medical ethics professional, and a member of the community.

Overview of the Responsibilities of the Hospital Ethics Committee

1. To act as patient advocate on bioethical issues. The committee will also address, in an advisory capacity, ethical dilemmas presented from groups within the University of Louisville Hospital and outpatient clinics associated with UL’s University Physicians Associates.
2. Develop and recommend hospital and other clinical policies and guidelines that define ethical principles for conduct within the hospital.
3. Upon request, the committee will provide advisory consultation and review in cases where ethical dilemmas are perceived by the patient/patient’s family, surrogate, the physician/medical team, or other hospital or clinic staff. The primary responsibility will be to encourage dialogue, educate, identify issues offer viable options, seek supplemental resources, and encourage problem resolution at the physician/patient level.
4. The committee will establish forums for the discussion of ethical concerns. The committee will educate hospital and clinic personnel, patients, and their families about hospital policies regarding ethical issues.