As stated in the HARRIS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY BYLAWS , the purposes of the Harris County Medical Society shall be to bring into one organization the physicians of Harris County to promote and maintain a high standard of ethical medical practice, to promote medical education, research, and continuing education and to work at all levels of the community to advance quality health standards and practices. Improving the overall health of the community through health education and public service shall be the primary purpose of the Society.
The HCMS Board of Ethics and Public Grievance Committee functions as advocates for physicians to promote education regarding ethical and quality practices.
The HCMS Board of Ethics: The HCMS Board of Ethics is a volunteer organization of physicians made up of seven (7) member physicians that investigate and approve or disapprove applicants for membership. The Board is charged with supervising the ethical conduct of member physicians and providing guidance to individual members if warranted. The Board also monitors quality and information technology issues that affect member physicians. The Board is committed to educating member physicians about ethical issues impacting current medical practices.
HCMS Public Grievance Committee: The HCMS Public Grievance Committee is a volunteer organization of physicians made up of nine (9) member physicians from various specialties. The HCMS Public Grievance Committee is charged with investigating and supervising the ethical conduct of the of the Society members regarding complaints received from the general public. The committee members commit their time and service to promote physician-patient advocacy.
If you have a complaint…
Ethics and the Physician
Oath of Hippocrates : The works attributed to Hippocrates are the earliest extant Greek medical writings, but very many of them are certainly not his. Some five or six, however, are generally granted to be genuine, and among these is the famous "Oath.” This interesting document provided in the link above shows that in his time physicians were already organized into a corporation or guild, with regulations for the training of disciples, and with an esprit de corps and a professional ideal which, with slight exceptions, can hardly yet be regarded as out of date.
Principles of Medical Ethics : The medical profession has long subscribed to a body of ethical statements developed primarily for the benefit of the patient. As a member of this profession, a physician must recognize responsibility to patients first and foremost, as well as to society, to other health professionals, and to self. The American Medical Association has adopted the Principles provided in the above link as standards of conduct which define the essentials of honorable behavior for the physician.
Physician Information: This Link provides useful resources and information regarding ethical issues and risk management issues impacting physicians’ and their practices covering topics such as: legal considerations, medical records, opening/closing a medical practice, physician-patient relationship, the Texas Medical Board & HCMS Advocacy, and more.
Ethics and the Patient
Patient Rights : Patients have rights concerning the welfare of their health care. These rights are defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) as the "Fundamental Elements of the Patient-Physician Relationship."
Patient Responsibilities : Just as physicians subscribe to the American Medical Association's Principles of Medical Ethics and The Hippocratic Oath as standards of conduct towards their patients and society, patients also have a responsibility to themselves and their physicians in order to establish a successful patient-physician relationship.
Patient information : This Link provides useful resources and information regarding ethical issues effecting patients.