Ethical codes and the health professions: looking at the ACHCA code

Codes play an important role in both the development of professions as well as provide ethical guidance for their members. They should be recognized as an aggregate "best" effort to define the moral expectations and boundaries of professional behavior and practice. In addition, they cannot and should not be viewed as a means of policing professional standards given their lack of formal legal backing. Finally, they should be amended as needed. With respect to the ACHCA Code, while not attempting to be overly specific and allowing for reasonable professional interpretation, it is well designed and addresses most of the major attributes found in such formal statements. Coupled with parallel documents addressing "standards of practice" and a more detailed listing of "patients rights," long-term care professionals should be prepared to meet most of the difficult professional challenges facing them.