The ACC's Ethics and Compliance Committee recently approved revisions to the College's Code of Ethics that, among other things, broaden the scope of individuals who may bring a complaint of a violation of the Code of Ethics.

Under the old Code of Ethics, only FACCs were able to bring a complaint against other FACCs. Now, any ACC member may bring a complaint of a violation of the Code of Ethics against another ACC member.

In addition, more robust language expressly prohibiting discrimination and harassment toward patients and other professionals is now included in the Code of Ethics, and Professional Conduct Procedures were modified to include provisions previously in the ACC Bylaws regarding suspension and termination of membership.

The revisions also streamline the proceedings following the Ethics and Compliance Committee's receipt of a complaint.

All ACC members are encouraged to review the updated Code of Ethics at ACC.org/CodeOfEthics.

Keywords: ACC Publications, Cardiology Magazine, Constitution and Bylaws, Codes of Ethics, Language, Patient Compliance, Universities, ACC History

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