병원윤리위원회 조직과 기능 및 활성화 방안 연구*

This study provides suggestions on how to improve and activate Hospital Ethics Committees (HECs) in Korea. First, we analyzed several HECs in the U.S. and Germany. Secondly, we compared these with several HECs in Korea. Finally, we developed suggestions on ways to improve the function of HECs in Korea. These suggestions concern the legalization of HECs; the standardization of HEC regulations; the development of an HEC model; the establishment of a community network through the use of the Internet; the assurance of financial support for HECs; and the encouragement of ethics for senior-level hospital staff. Among these suggestions, the most important concerns the standardization of HEC regulations.