The idea of ​​paying health care workers only the federal minimum wage is offensive to many and can also be ethically questionable. As a result, not only do they face constant risk of injury and illness, but paramedics, environmental service workers, nursing assistants, medical assistants, paramedics, other health care workers, and their families suffer from chronic financial difficulties. You may face instability and lack of health insurance coverage.

September issue of AMA Ethics Journal^® (@JournalofEthics) explores what doctors and medical institutions owe to these important, but often undervalued and underpaid health workers.

This issue contains the following articles:

1. 1. Psychiatric assistants and psychiatric technicians are part of the direct-care workforce on inpatient wards, with higher rates of violence, but earn much less than high-ranking clinicians.
2. 1. The All National Affairs Workers Union continues to organize around adequate labor protection for its members, including care workers.

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3. 1. This article applies the views to organizational mandates and interprofessional collaboration in healthcare.
4. 1. Interdisciplinary care requires mutual understanding, trust and respect.

The journal’s September “Ethics Talk” podcast features a discussion with Noelle Driver, MD, anesthesiology resident at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, about the situation for low-wage healthcare workers.

The September issue also features seven author interview podcasts. Listen to previous episodes of the Ethics Talk podcast, or subscribe to Apple Podcasts or other services.

Also, CME modules from this month’s issue are collected in the AMA Ed Hub™.AMA Ethics Journal web page.

The next issue of the journal will focus on medical waste, price transparency and economic decision-making in healthcare. Sign up to receive email alerts when new issues are published.