CMHA Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk

ETHICS COMMITTEE INFORMATION

What is ‘Ethics’?

Everything we do, either in our professional or personal life, has an ethical implication.

 Generally, people make decisions based on their individual values and beliefs.  When choosing what is ethically acceptable, people consider the possible options and their consequences, based on the values and principles that are important in their lives.

 Similarly, healthcare organizations do not simply follow the existing rules; rather, they consider their own values, the values of the people they serve, and potential harms and benefits for the patients/clients.

 The value-laden nature of healthcare sometimes results in highly charged conflict situations. Such situations often have significant consequences, and result in ethical dilemmas. It is important to address both the questions and signs of ethical issues:

 QUESTIONS                                                  SIGNS

What should be done?                                    “Yuck” factor

Why should it be done?                                  Moral Uncertainty

How should it be done?                                  Conflict

Who should do it?                                           Competing “goods” or “bads”, not right vs. wrong

 What is the Ethics Committee?

Simply put, the Ethics Committee’s role is to monitor and provide feedback related to the agency’s compliance with its Ethics Framework – including ethical guidelines and processes

• It promotes addressing ethical conflicts, issues or concerns in a consistent, educated and supportive process
• The committee does not oversee the organization, agency staff, executive director or policies. It provides recommendations to the CMHA Management Team and reports directly to the Quality Improvement Committee.

What will the Ethics Committee do?

The Committee’s role is to monitor and provide recommendations to Management and the Quality Improvement Committee on the effectiveness of the agency in appropriately addressing ethical issues or dilemmas.

• Consider and make recommendations to Management, as necessary, related to the content and application of the Ethics Framework (policy) and ongoing improvement of the process;
• Ensure ethical issues, as they arise, are addressed in an appropriate and timely fashion;
• Review and provide feedback / recommendations on specific ethical issues or dilemmas as they arise;
• Ensure ethics awareness is embedded in the culture of the agency

 What is expected of me?

• Committee members will provide input at meetings and follow the Terms of Reference set out for the Ethics Committee
• Attend meetings as scheduled and participate
• Respect the confidentiality of information that is shared within committee meetings

 What is the time commitment?

• The Ethics Committee meets between 2 to 6 times per year, or as directed by the Chair
• Sitting on the committee is voluntary and you may step down at any time

Benefits of being on the committee:

• The Committee receives input from a variety of individuals involved with the agency
• Excellent opportunity for personal development
• Increased knowledge of ethics, the organization and its goals and objectives
• Sharing of knowledge and experience
• Promotion of wellbeing

Ethics Committee Terms of Reference – ver. 02122020

Ethics-Framework-Resolution-Flowchart-ver-02122020 

Please contact Lynn Hinds, Executive Director / Privacy Officer to express interest or ask any questions you may have at 519-752-2998, ext 102, or email at lynnhinds@cmhabhn.ca