Which of the following best describes the function of an ethics committee?

The function of an ethics committee is best described by the role of assisting in resolving ethical dilemmas related to patient care. Ethics committees are typically formed within healthcare organizations to provide guidance and support in situations where ethical conflicts may arise. These dilemmas can involve complex issues such as patient autonomy, end-of-life decisions, informed consent, and the distribution of limited resources.

By providing a multidisciplinary perspective, ethics committees help healthcare professionals navigate these challenging scenarios by offering recommendations and fostering discussions that consider ethical principles, hospital policies, and the values of patients and families. This support helps ensure that patient care aligns with ethical standards and promotes beneficial outcomes.

The other options, while related to healthcare, do not accurately reflect the primary role of an ethics committee. Developing clinical practice guidelines is typically the responsibility of clinical experts or advisory bodies, conducting research on emerging health technologies is usually handled by researchers and institutions focused on innovation, and enforcing compliance with health regulations falls under the purview of regulatory bodies and legal compliance officers.