Today’s uncertainty combined with healthcare’s already complex nature is challenging us at a pace not before seen. Geopolitical shifts, cybersecurity risks and rapid breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and other innovative tools, among other things, mix with our ongoing focus on patient care, workforce support, business needs and balancing stakeholder interests to test us in new and unexpected ways.

With all that is on our plates, standing on solid ethical ground is more critical than ever to ensure we account for the myriad interests and people impacted by our decisions. For example, the multitude of choices we face regarding AI requires more vigilance in ethical frameworks that account for equitable access, data privacy and responsible innovation while gaining the full promise of its power for the benefit of others. In many ways and on numerous fronts, we are charting new territory for the organizations we lead and the profession as a whole.

While we cannot control all the conditions that surround us, ACHE’s Code of Ethics has served a helpful role for many. Since 1933, ACHE’s commitment to a relevant Code has been the hallmark of our profession. It offers guidance, grounds us in our values and reminds us of the important responsibility we carry, regardless of the circumstances, to the patients, workforce and communities we serve.

While not a literal display of the Code, here are some highlights from it that continue to stand the test of time:

Leadership begins with governing ourselves. The Code calls on us to live our purpose and values with courage and heart. It requires us to demonstrate respect, integrity, fairness and good faith in working with others. And it asks us to continue to learn and adapt as our environment and tools change.

Patient care is our primary duty and responsibility. Through an ethical lens, we fulfill that duty by ensuring equal opportunities for patients and others to live to their highest potential for health in an environment free from harm. We can build trust with patients, caregivers and the community by serving as beacons of hope. And we can provide the safest, most equitable, evidence-based clinical practices—learning and improving along the way.

Equally important is our duty and responsibility to our workforce. The Code calls for us to provide an environment in which ethical and equitable conduct thrive. By promoting and investing in healthy work practices, we can ensure safe, inclusive, collaborative environments free from violence. Finally, we can support clinicians and other members of the workforce, so together we can provide the best care possible to patients.

Of course, the Code also reminds us that we are leaders in our community and society, and as such we have other roles to play that foster trust, provide service and can serve as visible reminders of our commitments. 

Along with the Code, ACHE also offers other ethics resources to help you navigate the sometimes thorny issues that today’s challenges raise. Our Ethical Policy Statements address specific ethical issues in healthcare. Our Ethics Self-Assessment can help you think through your own ethics-related leadership and actions. Our Ethics Toolkit offers guidance to better integrate ethics into your organization. And our ethics resources can help with organizational ethical decision-making. All are available at ache.org/Ethics.

One thing will remain constant as the world around us changes and evolves: courageous ethical leadership is needed to serve our communities. As we find new paths and innovate for the future, we hope the Code can serve as your North Star. 

Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, is president/CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives (dbowen@ache.org).