What is the primary function of ethics committees in clinical practice?

• A. Provide legal judgments.
• B. Manage hospital finances.
• C. Review cases, advise on moral dilemma resolution, protect patients, and support clinicians.
• D. Publish institutional policies on patient satisfaction.

Answer: (C)

Ethics committees in clinical practice exist to navigate the ethical dimensions of patient care. Their primary function is to review cases that involve moral questions, advise on how to resolve ethical dilemmas, protect patients' rights and welfare, and support clinicians in making ethically sound decisions. They bring together diverse expertise to consider issues like patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, help resolve conflicts when patients or surrogates and medical teams disagree, and assist with policies and education to prevent future dilemmas. This role focuses on ethical analysis and patient protection, rather than making legal judgments, managing finances, or publishing policies on patient satisfaction.