What term refers to the formal guidelines and standards for professional actions?

• A. Ethics
• B. Morals
• C. Beneficence
• D. Code of ethics

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is the distinction between a formal guideline and broader moral concepts. A code of ethics is a formal document issued by a profession or organization that lays out the standards and rules for how professionals should act. It guides decision-making, professional behavior, confidentiality, and patient rights, providing a framework for accountability in everyday practice. Ethics, in general, refers to the study or system of moral principles, not a specific written standard. Morals are personal beliefs about right and wrong, which can vary between individuals. Beneficence is a guiding principle that means acting to benefit others, but it isn’t a formal set of rules or guidelines. Therefore, the term that best fits the description is code of ethics.