The AUA Board of Directors has approved revisions to the Code of Ethics Policy to include contemporary issues. The policy was originally written in 1999 by Judicial & Ethics (J&E) Committee chair Dr Harry C. Miller and has not been updated since that time. A task force that included the J&E Committee chair Dr Jennifer Anger and committee members Dr Adam Klausner, Dr Kristin Scarpato, and Dr Martha Terris was charged with drafting the language to revise the code.

A code of ethics is defined as an aspirational or mandatory compliance document that relates to professional behavior as a member of an association. It should be viewed as the minimum “floor” for behavior of membership in the association, rather than an all-encompassing aspirational “ceiling” for moral conduct. This differs from a code of conduct that refers to specific interactions at organizational meetings and programs. The AUA has a separate set of code of conduct policies that were outside of the scope of this project (eg, Annual Meeting Code of Conduct and Civility Policy for Committee Members).

The AUA’s Code of Ethics is also an enforceable code of conduct necessary to protect the public safety and the reputation of urology. However, it is important to note that the Code of Ethics does not establish the standard of care for patients. This information is provided in AUA guidelines and other documents such as Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. Members in violation of the AUA Code of Ethics may be subject to disciplinary action. The J&E Committee may conduct secondary investigations in all matters of code of ethics violations once they have been fully and finally adjudicated by a court, agency, or other authority with presumptive authority.

In drafting edits to the code, the task force members considered universal values such as integrity, respect for basic human rights, accountability, impartiality, equity, and avoiding unnecessary harm. The task force added new language to address technological advancements; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; and the appropriate use of social media. Additionally, the updated document addresses the use of artificial intelligence and prohibits the use of copyrighted material without the consent of the author or copyright holder.

All AUA members agree to abide by the Code of Ethics as part of their membership requirements. Both the membership application and dues renewal statements include a statement where members agree to “abide by all AUA policies and uphold the Code of Ethics.” Adherence to the Code of Ethics is also a requirement to be a member in good standing in the AUA.

The revised Code of Ethics policy is available on AUA’s website. Questions about the updated policy or its enforcement may be directed to the J&E Committee at commaff@auanet.org.