1 Both professional ethics and law change regularly as society changes. However, we hope you find the framework we provide useful in organizing new information on these topics as these standards, rules, and laws evolve over time. Regardless of which part of the complex healthcare system you select to be part of, you are entering into an important career. We understand the importance of your undertaking and know that you bring your own unique skills and abilities to the system of care. If you can recognize the general framework of professional law and ethics that every competent participant must understand, then you will be an important member of a critical team, prepared to treat patients who put their life in the hands of the healthcare system. Even if you do not continue with a career in healthcare, you will find this book useful to you as a patient and health- care customer. Lois Ritter Donald Graham