Elements of Catholic Health Care
The Ethical and Religious Directives have been refined through an extensive process of consultation with bishops, theologians, sponsors, administrators, physicians and other health care providers.
Download the complete directives from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.
There is no one characteristic, but a combination of characteristics that constitute what it means to be Catholic Health Care. In 2000, the Catholic Health Association, after consultation with health care providers throughout the country, defined seven Constitutive Elements of Catholic Identity:
- Promote and Defend Human Dignity
- Attend to the Whole Person
- Care for the Poor and Vulnerable Persons
- Promote the Common Good
- Act on Behalf of Justice
- Steward Resources
- Act in Communion with the Church
