Ethics Committee

Shady Gove Adventist Hospital's committed to strengthening ethical decision-making as it relates to caring for our patients.  Ethics is the study of our decision-making process at a difficult moment in a patient’s life, and requires the careful consideration of rights, responsibilities, justice and fairness. An ethical problem may arise when there is disagreement about these basic considerations. Ethical dilemmas may occur when there are different or competing values involving patient care.

The Ethics Committee uses a team approach towards identifying the values and principles important to the resolution of difficult problems in decision making for patients, families, their families and medical staff.  The Ethics Committee is comprised of a diverse group of individuals including, doctors, nurses, administrators, clergy/chaplains, and other staff members. As a vital member of the Ethics Committee, the Director of the Pastoral Care Services Department is the Shady Grove Adventist Hospital’s President Council representative and overseer of the Ethics Committee functions in the medical center. The Ethics Committee meets on by-monthly basis and as needed.

Consultation Request

The Nursing Administrative support handles all telephone requests for consultation for the Ethics committee. There are times this request may come from others physicians. The Administrative Supervisor can be reached within the hospital by dialing the hospital operator at 240-826-6000. All written requests can be directed to:

Paul S. Van Nice, M.D.
Chairman of the Ethics Committee
9901 Medical Center Drive
Rockville, MD 28050