Rebekah Apple, MA, DHSc
Director of the Master of Medical Management Program
Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
Carnegie Mellon University

Cynthia S. McCarthy, MA, DHCE, NREMT
Assistant Professor
School of health and Rehabilitation Sciences
University of Pittsburgh

8:30 am                      Registration / Continental Breakfast

9:00 am – 11:30 am  Institutional Ethics Committees: Form, Function, Process & Policies
                                      Rebekah Apple, MA, DHSc

Abstract:  The approach to clinical ethics has evolved over time as a reflection of medical and technological advancement as well as continued philosophical thought and changing predominant social mores.  An understanding of how bioethics became integrated into clinical medicine is necessary to recognize appropriate application and relevance of bioethical principles.  This discussion will highlight landmark events influencing the bioethics community, functions of ethics committees, and common goals and practices of high-performing committees.   

11:30 am – 12:00 pm  Panel discussion / Q&A
    Rebekah Apple, MA, DHSc and Cynthia S. McCarthy, DHCE, REMT

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm   LUNCH 

12:30 pm – 2:15 pm     Acute Care, Long Term Care and Home Care Ethics Committees: Similarities, Differences, and Obstacles
                                        Cynthia S. McCarthy, DHCS, REMT

Abstract:  The logistics of different types of health care environments necessitate that ethics committee work is handled differently depending on the type of environment the issue is occurring in.  Identification of these differences and challenges will enable ethics committee members to strategically plan efforts that best fit the environment they are in.  Additionally, we will examine the perceptions of involving the ethics committee and discuss strategies to destigmatize bringing areas of concern to the ethics committee.  Finally, sample cases from a variety of heath care environments will be critiqued with the intent to evaluate areas for educational needs and policy review/development.

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm    Breakout Sessions / Case Discussion
                                    Cynthia S. McCarthy, DHCE, REMT

3:15 pm – 3:30 pm   Q&A / Closing Remarks & Wrap-up

3:30 pm                      Adjournment