Ethical Decisions in Times of Disaster

Abstract

Healthcare providers are faced with increasing ethical challenges in providing care for patients during times of disaster and other public health emergencies. The code of ethics for most healthcare professions is somewhat ambiguous when addressing the responsibilities of healthcare providers during these times. The American Medical Association has created new, stronger language addressing physicians' duty to care for patients since the events of September 11, 2001, but other professions have not followed suit. Until such time, healthcare providers will continue to be faced with making challenging ethical decisions with little direction.