AMA Code Says

Aug 2010

AMA Code of Medical Ethics’ Opinions on Respect for Civil and Human Rights

AMA Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs
Virtual Mentor. 2010;12(8):644. doi: 10.1001/virtualmentor.2010.12.8.coet1-1008.

Opinion 9.03 Civil Rights and Professional Responsibility

Opportunities in medical society activities or membership, medical education and training, employment, and all other aspects of professional endeavors should not be denied to any duly licensed physician because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic affiliation, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or handicap.

Opinion 9.12 Patient-Physician Relationship: Respect for Law and Human Rights

The creation of the patient-physician relationship is contractual in nature. Generally, both the physician and the patient are free to enter into or decline the relationship. A physician may decline to undertake the care of a patient whose medical condition is not within the physician's current competence. However, physicians who offer their services to the public may not decline to accept patients because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis that would constitute invidious discrimination. Furthermore, physicians who are obligated under pre-existing contractual arrangements may not decline to accept patients as provided by those arrangements.

Citation

Virtual Mentor. 2010;12(8):644.

DOI

10.1001/virtualmentor.2010.12.8.coet1-1008.

The viewpoints expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the AMA.