Ethical Guidelines

Public health practitioners by virtue of our roles have special responsibilities for ethical conduct and ethical practices that go beyond meeting minimum legal and regulatory standards. Our broad range of practice in public health policy; in the delivery of healthcare through programs and services; and, in administration, research, education, social service, business and other related functions is essential to the health and well being of their population and communities. Our roles and functions demand that we conduct ourselves in an ethical manner that emphasizes a population or community-focus, and justifies the public trust.

The Council for International Organizations of the Medical Sciences published International Guidelines for Ethical Review of Epidemiological Studies in 1991 and in July 2002, The American Public Health Association co-sponsored with the Public Health Leadership Society and The National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH), The Public Health Foundation, The National Association of County and City Health Officials, The American College of Preventive Medicine, The Association of Teachers of Preventive Medicine, The Public Health Law Association a code of ethical conduct for practice.

The following websites endorsed by APHA Education Board (April 18, 2005) provide information on Public Health Ethical Guidelines for practice and research:

• Public Health Code of Ethical Practices
• Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession
• American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses
• AcademyHealth's Ethical Guidelines for Managing Conflicts of Interest in Health Services Research
• American Medical Association (AMA) Principles of medical ethics

Procedure for Filing A Complaint with the Association:

If you believe a presenter at an APHA educational activity has been unethical in his/her practice or research, please write your concern and the reason(s) that you believe there has been a violation of ethical conduct. Send your complaint via email or by regular mail to the APHA Education Board at:

APHA Education Board

Attention: J. Alan Baker, MA
800 I Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 777-APHA
APHACPE@apha.org

If you have questions about the ethical conduct guidelines, you are encouraged to contact the developing associations, your employment ethics or peer review committees or groups, or you may send your inquiries to the APHA Education Board.