Final answer:
The 'no duty' rule in hospitals has been eroded by changes in ethical codes and standards of care, making hospitals responsible for providing emergency care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is C) The hospital's ethical code.
The 'no duty' rule refers to the traditional common law principle that hospitals have no duty to provide care to individuals who are not their patients. However, this rule has been eroded over time due to changes in ethical codes and standards of care.
Hospitals are now expected to provide emergency care to individuals in need, regardless of their patient status. This means that hospitals have a duty to treat patients who come to the emergency room seeking medical attention, regardless of their ability to pay or their relationship with the hospital.