Medical Ethics

Physicians are governed in their day-to-day practices by principles of medical ethics. Often statements of medical ethics guide physicians in walking the tightropes of situational ethics inherent in the practice of medicine. Medical ethics also protect the public's interest in their receipt of safe and quality medical care.

The Iowa Board of Medicine (IBM) can discipline physicians who fail to adhere to ethical standards of medical practice. The IBM looks to the AMA Code of Ethics and the AOA Code of Ethics to guide their review of possible ethical violations. Consult "Principles of medical ethics," rule 653-13.20.

In addition, the IBM from time-to-time adopts rules setting specific parameters on certain physician practice behaviors with ethical implications.

• Deceptive, untruthful, or fraudulent representations, rule 653-12.4(3);
• Unethical conduct harmful or detrimental to the public, rule 653-12.4(3);
• Untruthful or improbable statements in advertising, rule 653-12.4(8);
• Suggestive, lewd, lascivious or improper remarks or advances to a patient, rule 653-12.4(18);
• Self-prescribing or prescribing to immediate family members, rule 653-12.4(19);
• Terminating the physician-patient relationship, rule 653-13.7

AMA Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs