Ethics Committee

The Ethics Committee is a resource for patients and families seeking advice and support in unusual, complex or emergency care situations when decisions become difficult due to differing personal values.

The free service is available to all patients, family members, friends and health care providers who find themselves with concerns or in conflict around values related to:

• End of life issues
• Quality of life issues
• Patient rights
• Patient preferences
• Refusal of care or treatment
• Cultural or religious differences

What Happens During an Ethics Consultation?

The consultation team facilitator reviews the consult request and schedules an ethics consultation if there is an ethical dilemma. The ethics committee meets with the patient, family and health care providers to understand all aspects of the ethical concern.

Once all information is gathered, the committee meets again to discuss the details and provide guidance about any identified ethical concerns to all involved parties. A summary is included in the patient's medical chart.

• The consult is confidential, and a summary becomes part of the patient's medical record.
• There is no charge for an ethics consultation.
• The outcome of the ethics consultation is not legally binding.
• The ethics committee does not make decisions but does offer ethical viewpoints, after open-minded, thoughtful discussions, when decision-makers need guidance for challenging circumstances.

How to Contact the Ethics Committee

Referrals can be requested directly through Evergreen Hospital's Spiritual Care office or by asking your health care provider to initiate an ethics consult on your behalf.

Monday-Friday, during regular business hours
425.899.1046

After hours:  contact the hospital operator
From inside the hospital - Dial 0
From outside the hospital - 425.889.1000

What Information is Needed?

• A clear statement of the concern and a list of all involved parties
• The name and contact information of the person requesting the consult
• An indication of whether the consult is urgent, and why