Where is Clinical Ethics in the Revised Hospital Accreditation Standards?

The Joint Commission, which accredits hospitals in the United States, recently eliminated the performance standard for clinical ethics services. This decision has raised concerns among members of New York's Empire State Bioethics Consortium and other bioethics leaders across the country.

The removed standard allowed hospitals to address ethical issues and conflicts involving staff, patients, and families. Instead, the Joint Commission has emphasized the importance of equity in healthcare. While equity is crucial, the removal of the clinical ethics standard is seen as a disservice to vulnerable patients and families who rely on advocacy and guidance from clinical ethicists.