What is the role of ethics committees in health care decision-making?

• A. They issue mandates that replace clinical judgment.
• B. They determine hospital budgets.
• C. They handle administrative tasks only.
• D. They review and guide ethical issues, protect patient rights, ensure compliance with standards.

Answer: (D)

Ethics committees exist to review and guide ethical issues in health care, protect patient rights, and ensure compliance with professional standards. They bring together clinicians, ethicists, legal advisors, and community representatives to examine difficult cases, weigh risks and benefits, uphold informed consent and confidentiality, and promote justice in how care is delivered. They provide input that supports, rather than replaces, clinical judgment, helping navigate conflicts between patient autonomy, beneficence, and resource considerations while shaping hospital policies and ensuring adherence to standards. They are not responsible for setting budgets and their role goes beyond merely administrative tasks, focusing on the ethical dimensions of decisions and the protection of vulnerable patients.