MEDICAL ETHICS COMMITTEE               

Ethics Committee Purpose

 North Big Horn Hospital’s Medical Ethics Committee assists patients and family members to make decisions toward the best course of treatment available during times of medical uncertainty or crisis.

     Ethics Committee Consultations serve as a resource for patients, families, physicians and other health care professionals to promote discussion and provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary input in situations involving unresolved patient care issues.  Ethical principles, such as patient autonomy, as well as justice and integrity, are integrated within each consultation.

      Consultations are confidential and are available to assist in developing a stronger understanding of medical treatment alternatives, issues, concerns or ethical conflicts involving the care of a patient. 

Our Goals

Our first priority is always to consider what is in the best interest of all parties, with primary emphasis placed on each patient’s rights.  Because ethical dilemmas often are reflected in a conflict of values, our Committee members can help facilitate resolution from a variety of perspectives, based on our members’ professions as physicians, health care professionals, lawyers and spiritual counselors

When is a consultation appropriate?

• When ethical questions are unclear
• When decision-making cannot be completed
• When a primary decision-maker cannot be identified
• When there is a significant disagreement between a patient, family member, physician or other caregiver
• When there is a concern regarding withholding and/or withdrawing life support, such as artificial ventilation, kidney dialysis, IV fluids or tube feeding

 What can a consultation accomplish?

• Clarify issues
• Promote reflection
• Facilitate decision-making
• Enhance communication
• Provide support
• Avert crisis

For more information, call:

(307) 548-5216  or mscottmc@tctwest.net