Ethics Programs

The Center for Ethics leads a number of programs essential to OHSU in ultimately enhancing the care of the patients we serve as described below.

Ethics Consult Service (ECS).  This service is comprised of health care professionals dedicated to addressing the challenging ethical issues that confront patients, families and their care team.  The ECS accomplishes this goal through education of OHSU staff and patients, policy development and consultation.

Institutional Ethics Committee (OIEC).  Ethics Center faculty participates on OHSU’s Institutional Ethics Committee.  This committee addresses organizational ethics issues that have significant effect on clinical care, research and system administration.

Fellowship Developement Program  This 2-year program is offered to select health care professional at OHSU who are looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in ethics. 

Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Paradigm Initiative.  POLST began in Oregon in 1990 to help honor patient preferences for life-sustaining treatments.