Ethics Committees Reimagined
Psychiatric News January 28, 2022 Claire Zilber
The APA and district branch ethics committees have shifted from adjudicating complaints to proactively educating members about ethical dilemmas in psychiatry, such as physician aid in dying and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The APA Ethics Committee now issues opinions and resource materials, hosts forums at annual meetings, and updates guidance on ethical decision-making. District branches like the Colorado Psychiatric Society have provided guidance on emerging issues, including physician aid in dying and psychedelic treatments. The goal is to help psychiatrists recognize and deliberate about dilemmas before acting, support ethical decision-making, and prevent ethics infractions.