A 5-year review of ethics complaints to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND

The Code of Ethics of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) exists to encourage and enforce ethical behavior among its members. Complaints against individual members may be filed by patients or their representatives, members of the Society, or other members of the public.

METHODS

Data from a total of 677 complaints from 2004 to 2008 were reviewed by the author. These complaints were categorized with regard to geographic area, type of complaint, and the outcome of the investigation of the complaint, including disciplinary actions. The system of managing these complaints within the Society is discussed.

RESULTS

States with the most complaints filed included California, Florida, Texas, Illinois, and New York, with all others having a minimal number. The most common complaint was filed regarding unethical advertising, followed by unprofessional conduct and participation in a contest. Differences in frequency of complaints were statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). Fifty-four cases were heard by the Judicial Council, with 31 receiving discipline, primarily the less severe types of censure. The total number of complaints per year seems to be trending downward.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethical complaints (filed mostly by ASPS members) vary in frequency according to geographic area and the type of complaint. A downward trend was noted in the total number of complaints over the years 2004 to 2008, although this was not statistically significant. Given the basic purposes of the development of a code of ethics and its subsequent enforcement, the ethical construct within the ASPS seems to serve the specialty well.