Adoption of a pharmacist conscience clause by Professional Associations and Boards of Pharmacy in the United States.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the number of professional associations and boards of pharmacy in the United States that have adopted or are considering to adopt a conscience clause as part of their codes of ethics, rules, laws or regulations.


BACKGROUND
Pharmacists are often exposed to ethical dilemmas in their day-to-day practice and their response depends on a number of factors, including the personal beliefs and values of those involved. This has lead some professional associations to address whether their members have the right to refuse to participate in procedures which are contrary to their conscience or moral convictions. The outcome of these discussions is usually the development and adoption of a conscience clause.


METHODS
A one-page self-administered questionnaire was sent by Fax to the highest ranking officer of 108 pharmacy organizations in the United States.


RESULTS
Thirty-five completed questionnaires were received for a 32.4% response rate. In general, it was found that there is a lack of knowledge as to what a conscience clause is. Only two state associations and one board of pharmacy responded that they have a conscience clause as part of their code of ethics or regulations. Reasons given for not having a conscience clause included lack of interest and low priority. Nevertheless, four state associations, one national association and one board of pharmacy responded that they are considering developing a pharmacist conscience clause. More professional associations than boards of pharmacy expressed interest to obtain information about conscience clauses.


CONCLUSIONS
Although many state associations and boards of pharmacy that responded do not have a conscience clause as part of their codes of ethics, laws or regulations, this survey shows an increasing interest to learn about it. This is expected as the pharmacist assumes increasing responsibility in patient care.
Monsanto
H A
HA
Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067. h_monsanto@rcmaca.upr.clu.edu
Fábregas
S M
SM
Vélez
A E
AE
D004994:Ethics, Pharmacy; D012952:Societies; D013044:Specialty Boards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States