Code of Ethics

"The simplest of rules is also the best: do as you wish to be done by."

The Code of Ethics governs the rights and responsibilities of patients as well as the practices and conduct of personnel.
Approved by the Douglas Hospital Board of Directors, it is published by the Douglas Office of the Director General in association with the Local Commissioner (ombudsman) and Beneficiaries' Committee.

The first document concerning patients' rights and responsibilities was adopted in 1977. It was subject to revisions in 1991, 1996, 1998 and 2005 and is currently titled "Code of Ethics".

To obtain a copy:
For patients, families and friends: contact the Beneficiaries' Committee
For staff: contact the Human Resources Directorate.

Download the PDF version of the Code of Ethics.

Research Ethics Board

The Research Ethics Board, a committee composed of experts in fields such as research, ethics and law, is responsible for examination of all research protocols, involving humans, that are planned and carried out within the institution; it must also ensure itself that research involving humans is done in an ethical manner.

Policies and procedures from McGill University and the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans are guidelines used by the Research Ethics Board during the examination of research projects and the decision-making process.
The composition of the Research Ethics Board conforms to ministerial guidelines for research ethics and integrated science.

Information: 514-761-6131, ext. 2708.

Clinical Ethics Commitee

The mandate of the Clinical Ethics Committee is to consider ethical issues in psychiatry and to make recommendations as they are relevant to and impact on the patients and staff of the Douglas Institute.

This includes:

reviewing the Institute's policies that have ethical components
providing guidance to health-care workers for particular clinical cases
educating and sensitizing the staff and public to ethical issues in psychiatry
The Committee is composed of:

Who can submit a request to the Ethics Committee?

The Ethics Committee answers questions from:

  • Clinicians and health staff
  • Patients
  • The public

What kinds of requests can be submitted to the Ethics Committee?

The Ethics Committee can be contacted regarding:

  • General ethics issues
  • Questions concerning specific cases
  • Requests for clinical team visits

How can the Ethics Committee be contacted?

There are two ways to submit requests to the Ethics Committee: