Clinical ethics programs in each hospital are an essential part of the HCA Ethics and Compliance Program. There are many reasons for the establishment of clinical ethics programs at the facility level. Such reasons include, but are not limited to, an obligation to ensure the rights of our patients are adequately protected; the recognition of the efforts of external quality agencies including The Joint Commission; adherence to federal (HIPAA) and state privacy regulations; and to establish a mark of professionalism. The manner in which clinical ethics issues are addressed in HCA facilities is of great importance to our organization. To support our clinicians in delivering ethical care for their patients, the Ethics and Compliance Department provides several resources in clinical ethics including Clinical Ethics Conferences, and a Clinical Ethics Manual.