Which document outlines the ethical principles in healthcare as emphasized by the Joint Commission?

The Joint Commission’s Code of Ethical Conduct is the document that specifically outlines the ethical principles in healthcare. This document serves as a framework for ethical decision-making and sets forth the standards for ethical behavior that healthcare organizations and their staff are expected to uphold. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, accountability, and respect for patients and their rights.

The code guides healthcare professionals in navigating ethical dilemmas, ensuring that patient care is delivered in a manner consistent with ethical standards. It highlights fundamental principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice, which are crucial to promoting high-quality, patient-centered care.

The other documents listed do play significant roles in healthcare operations but do not specifically focus on outlining ethical principles. For instance, while the Patient Rights and Responsibilities Manual addresses patients' rights, it does not delve into the ethical principles per se. Similarly, the Healthcare Compliance Guide focuses on compliance with regulatory requirements, and the Quality Assurance Framework primarily relates to maintaining and improving quality in healthcare services.