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D.--from the Introduction "Canadian Bulletin of Medical History"

For more than 160 years, this book has been the authoritative ethics guide on medical professionalism. The Code speaks to the enduring values of medicine as a profession. As a statement of the values to which physicians commit themselves individually and collectively, the Code is the standard for medicine as a professional community. Addressing the professional challenges faced by physicians today, the Code of Medical Ethics presents guidance through more than 200 ethical opinions on topics ranging from physician obligation in disaster preparedness and response, to physician participation in interrogations, to genetic testing and counseling, to use of electronic mail and health-related online sites. In addition to containing the nine Principles of Medical Ethics, this resource incorporates new and updated opinions, such as quality and access to care, decision making for minor patients, breach of security in electronic health records, respecting civil rights in intra-professional relationships, and more. An essential companion for physicians and other medical professionals, attorneys, and patients who contend with the challenging issues and choices inherent in modern medicine, this resource has been increasingly looked to for legal advocacy, decision making in matters of health care law and litigation, and development of health care policy.

Since 1847, the AMA Code of Medical Ethics has set out the ethical commitments that define medicine as a profession. Through the Principles of Medical Ethics and Opinions of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs that interpret them, the AMA Code provides timely, practical ethics guidance for physicians across the profession, regardless of specialty.