What term describes the rules or standards that govern the conduct of members of a profession?

The term that describes the rules or standards governing the conduct of members of a profession is "ethics." Ethics refers to the set of principles that guide professionals in making decisions that align with their roles, responsibilities, and commitments to their field and society. Within professions such as healthcare, ethics plays a crucial role in ensuring that practitioners uphold standards of integrity, respect for persons, and accountability to the public.

Ethics encompasses various frameworks and theories used to analyze and resolve dilemmas professionals may face. This can include things like how to handle patient confidentiality, make informed consent decisions, or navigate conflicts of interest.

While "morals" relates to personal beliefs about what is right and wrong, it is broader and more subjective, often influenced by culture or religion. "Bioethics" focuses specifically on ethical issues in the life sciences and healthcare, emphasizing the implications of biological and medical advancements. "Beneficence" refers to an ethical principle that emphasizes actions taken to promote the well-being of others, but it is just one component within the broader context of ethics. Therefore, ethics is the overarching term that accurately describes the standards and conduct required by a profession.