Opinion 92-91

September 24, 1992

Digest:         A judge may serve on a hospital ethics committee.

Rule:            22 NYCRR 100.5(b)

Opinion:

         A part-time judge asks if it is permissible to serve on a hospital's ethics committee. The committee offers advice regarding the ethical implications of policies, procedures, and treatment decisions and coordinates educational programs for the hospital staff.

         Section 100.5(b) of the Rules of the Chief Administrator permits judges to participate in civic activities that do not reflect adversely on impartiality or interfere with judicial duties. Here, service on the hospital ethics committee falls within the ambit of permissible judicial activities, and thus, the judge may serve on the committee.