What is the proper procedure if there is a potential conflict of interest that could bias care?

• A. Ignore conflicts
• B. Fully disclose conflicts to the patient, avoid bias in decisions, and recuse from matters as needed; document disclosures
• C. Make decisions secretly
• D. Share confidential information with third parties

Answer: (B)

When there is a potential conflict of interest that could bias patient care, transparency and safeguards are essential. Fully disclosing the conflict to the patient helps maintain trust and allows the patient to make informed choices about their treatment. Beyond disclosure, the clinician should strive to avoid bias in decisions and recuse themselves from matters where the conflict could influence outcomes, with the disclosures properly documented in the medical record for accountability. Ignoring conflicts, making decisions in secret, or sharing confidential information with third parties would undermine patient autonomy, confidentiality, and professional integrity.