Ethical Bylaws and Protections for Medical Officers: Difference between revisions

The medical officer is morally and professionally obligated to provide medical assistance to whoever needs it, wherever it is needed. At first glance, this seems at direct odds with the goals of StarFleet as a military organization, for a medical officer must aid the wounded in both sides of a conflict, whereas providing such aid to an enemy would constitute treason for any other StarFleet officer. Furthermore, the medical officer will often encounter personal conflicts of morality in the practice of his or her profession. In these situations, often there will not be an easy solution, but remember that the good of the patient, no matter who the patient is, should always be the first consideration.

In cases where a medical officer or other medical professional stands accused of ethical misconduct, the case will be tried before a panel of three active StarFleet officers, at least one of whom must be a medical officer. The panel will report its findings to StarFleet Medical and issue a proposal on further handling of the case. An ethics panel may impose sanctions up to and including loss of professional status within StarFleet. A further recommendation from the StarFleet Judge Advocate General is required to expel from StarFleet service a medical professional convicted of ethics violations.

[[Category:Medical Duty Post]]