Ethics has been discussed by public health professionals in many settings, among hosts of audiences, and on a plethora of issues; in fact, some public health leaders have stood before APHA and posited public health as “social justice.” Yet, throughout the history of public health, the field has remained void of a formal ethical code public health professionals that cuts across the multitude of disciplines comprising public health field. Over the years, APHA has espoused the importance of ethics, held annual meetings centered on this theme, founded and continues to support a Forum on (or SPIG) on Bioethics. Yet, it has skirted the creation of a code of its own which all (or even most) public health professionals may be held accountable.
The author examines many historic arguments supporting and opposing a separate ethics code for public health. He revisits the findings of a 1989 APHA member survey in which respondents posited their views on a range of ethical issues in public health and the merits of a formulating a Code of Ethics for Public Health. While these findings and recommendations were presented to APHA, Association leaders have historically taken no action. While anecdotal discussions have transpired since then, recent interest in promulgating a Code of Ethics for Public Health Professionals has been spearheaded by the Public Health Leadership Society (PHLS). The paper culminates in a preliminary assessment of this most recent initiative.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: 1. Better understand the important normative values associated with public health 2. Appreciate the role, benefits, and limits of a professional code of ethics for public health Know the historical evolution and trend toward formalizing a code of ethics for public health
Keywords: Ethics,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.