Code of Medical Ethics 2012-2013 For more than 160 years the Code of Medical Ethics has been the authoritative guide on medical professionalism and ethics. As a statement of the values to which physicians commit themselves individually and collectively, the Code is the standard for medicine as a professional community. An essential companion for medical professionals, attorneys and patients who contend with the challenging issues and choices inherent in modern medicine, this resource is looked to increasingly for legal advocacy, health care law and litigation, and the development of health care policy.