Republic of the Philippines Professional Regulation Commission Manila PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY RESOLUTION NO. 72 Series of 2022 CODE OF ETHICS OF THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION WHEREAS, Section 7 of Republic Act No. 5527, also known as “Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969”, as amended, created a Board of Examiners for Medical Technology (Board); WHEREAS, Section 11 thereof states that the Board is vested with authority to look into conditions affecting the practice of medical technology in the Philippines and whenever necessary, adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for the maintenance of good ethics and standards in the practice of medical technology and to draft such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the law; WHEREAS, the Code of Ethics was first published by the Philippine Association of Medical Technologist (PAMET) in 1968 prior to the approval of R.A. No. 5527 in 1969. It was then revised in 1997; WHEREAS, in 2012 and 2014, a review of the Code of Ethics for Medical Technology was conducted by the Board and while the contents were found to be comprehensive enough, the Board still finds the need to elaborate on some statements and to include other commitments to continuously improve the professional skills and knowledge of the medical technologists; WHEREAS, in 2018, the Board formed a Committee composed of representatives from various key sectors like the academe, industry, and laboratory practitioners to review the present Code of Ethics; WHEREAS, in 2019, the Board, together with the Committee members, organized the articles (Code) into its final draft. However, the onset of the global pandemic in 2020 resulted in the disruption and changes in priority in the work of the Board and the Committee; WHEREAS, on June 25, 2021, the Board and the Committee members resumed its work towards the finalization of the Code for the Commission’s adoption and approval; NOW, THEREFORE, the Professional Regulatory Board of Medical Technology (Board) RESOLVES to prescribe, promulgate and issue this CODE OF ETHICS OF THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION: PREAMBLE This Code of Ethics is promulgated to provide the medical technologist with proper ethical and professional standards in the practice of Medical Technology to ensure the safety and welfare of patients. This Code sets forth the fundamental ethical principles and the professional responsibilities of the medical technologist towards patients, the healthcare system, the community, his/her colleagues, self, and the profession, allied professionals and the health products industry. The medical technologist shall cherish and take pride in his/her calling and conduct himself/herself in accordance with this Code and the generally accepted principles of the International Code of Medical Technology Ethics. Resolution No. 72 (s 2022) CODE OF ETHICS OF THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION ARTICLE I GENERAL PRINCIPLES Section 1. The primary objective of the practice of medical technology/medical laboratory science is service to mankind, without bias to a patient’s or colleague’s race, religion, gender, political belief or medical condition. Section 2. A medical technologist shall commit to the highest degree of professionalism, excellence, competence and integrity in the practice of the profession. Section 3. A medical technologist shall adhere to principles of quality and safe practice. Section 4. A medical technologist shall put the patients’ interest above his/her own. A medical technologist shall perform his/her duties with competence and integrity and shall maintain the confidentiality of all the patients’ information in accordance with the existing legislation. Section 5. A medical technologist shall be accountable and responsible for his/her professional and personal conduct, and is expected to demonstrate good judgment and behavior to ensure excellent laboratory performance for the best possible patient care. Section 6. A medical technologist shall contribute to the profession’s development through lifelong learning such as self-development, mentorship, or collaboration with institutions and accredited local, national and international organizations in medical technology. Section 7. A medical technologist shall maintain allegiance and a deep sense of civic responsibility towards his/her community and country. Section 8. A medical technologist shall treat other professionals with respect and foster cooperation and collaboration among them. Section 9. A medical technologist shall refrain from engaging in activities which may give rise to conflict of interest. ARTICLE II RESPONSIBILITIES TO PATIENTS Section 1. A medical technologist shall attend to patients faithfully, conscientiously and timely and shall secure for them all possible benefits that may depend upon professional skill and care. A medical technologist shall be polite, courteous, attentive, reassuring and caring. Section 2. A medical technologist shall dutifully perform his/her tasks, regardless of the patient’s age, gender, creed, or nationality. Section 3. A medical technologist shall seek appropriate assistance, according to established protocols in situations beyond his/her knowledge and skills. Section 4. A medical technologist shall keep all patient’s information and results obtained with strict confidentiality, except when the disclosure is required by pertinent laws, rules and regulations. Section 5. A medical technologist shall only engage in lawful and appropriate procedures that promote the best interest and safety of the patient. Resolution No. 72 (s 2022) CODE OF ETHICS OF THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION ARTICLE III RESPONSIBILITIES TO SELF AND TO THE PROFESSION Section 1. A medical technologist shall personify professionalism, integrity, responsibility, accountability and competence in the conduct of his/her professional as well as personal life. Section 2. A medical technologist shall continuously update and upgrade knowledge and skills in the practice of the profession brought about by modernization as well as scientific and technical advancements in the profession. Section 3. A medical technologist shall ensure compliance with the medical technology law, other related laws and regulatory policies affecting the practice of the profession. Section 4. A medical technologist is duty-bound to report to the proper authorities illegal acts and other violations in the practice of the profession, including illegal practice, for the protection of the public. Section 5. A medical technologist shall actively support and apply principles, policies and guidelines for the protection of the environment, especially in biosafety and biosecurity practices. Section 6. A medical technologist shall ensure compliance with Quality Assurance Program following the standards of Good Laboratory Practice. Section 7. A medical technologist shall endeavor to engage in community or social work where their services are needed, such as but not limited to cases of emergency, disaster or other similar circumstances. Section 9. A medical technologist shall fulfill the duties and responsibilities as a member of the accredited professional organization through active participation in continuing professional development and other activities and to respect the constitution and by-laws of the organization. Section 10. The medical technologist shall accept reasonable professional fees on matters relative to research, consultancy, and activities that require his/ her expertise in the field of medical laboratory science and/or allied sciences. Section 11. A medical technologist shall accept, carry-out and discharge the responsibilities inherent to being a professional. He/she shall uphold the dignity of the profession by imbibing the virtues of reliability, honesty and integrity. ARTICLE IV RESPONSIBILITIES TO COLLEAGUES AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS Section 1. A medical technologist shall establish cooperative, honest and respectful working relationships with other medical technologists. Section 2. A medical technologist shall act in the spirit of fairness and maintain a culture of fellowship with the members of the medical technology and other professions. Section 3. A medical technologist shall maintain harmonious working relationships with other professionals of different interdisciplinary practice and respect the scopes and limitations of their practice vis-à-vis the other professions. Resolution No. 72 (s 2022) CODE OF ETHICS OF THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION ARTICLE V PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HEALTH PRODUCT INDUSTRY (HPI) Section 1. A medical technologist shall collaborate with HPI for the advancement of medical technology and the quality of healthcare services. Section 2. A medical technologist shall foster a relationship that encourages the development of a healthcare professional practice that is committed to patients' wellbeing and is based on truthful, accurate, and updated scientific evidence. Section 3. A medical technologist shall interact with HPI to meet the highest ethical standards, preserve independent decision-making and uphold public confidence in the integrity of patient care and product and service selection. Section 4. A medical technologist shall collaborate with HPI within the bounds of applicable laws and codes of conduct for the best interest of the patients. Section 5. A medical technologist shall collaborate with HPI for professional advancement on new technologies and equipment through educational and experiential training. Article VI PENAL PROVISIONS Pursuant to the power of the Board to issue, suspend and revoke Certificates of Registration for the practice of medical technology, violation of any section of the Code of Ethics shall constitute unethical and unprofessional conduct, and shall therefore be a sufficient ground to reprimand, suspend, or revoke the Certificate of Registration of the offending medical technologist in accordance with the provisions of RA No. 5527, as amended, and Republic Act No. 8981 (PRC Modernization Act of 2000). Article VII AMENDMENTS Amendments to the Code of Ethics may be initiated by the Board, in consultation with the Accredited Professional Organization (APO) and other stakeholders. The final proposed amendments shall be submitted for approval by the Board to the Commission. Article VIII EFFECTIVITY This Code of Ethics shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. Let copies hereof be furnished the UP Law Center and the APO for the Medical Technology profession. Done in the City of Pasay, this 13th day of September, 2022. Resolution No. 72 (s 2022) CODE OF ETHICS OF THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION ATTESTED: APPROVED: VACANT Chairperson JOSE Y. CUETO, JR. Acting Chairperson ERWIN M. ENAD Commissioner DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE PHILIPPINE STAR : Sept. 16, 2022 DATE OF EFFECTIVITY : Oct. 02, 2022 Resolution No. 72 (s 2022) CODE OF ETHICS OF THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION Annex 1 Revised Code of Ethics As I enter the practice of Medical Technology, I shall: Accept the responsibilities inherent to being a professional Uphold the dignity and respect of my profession and conduct myself a reputation of reliability, honesty, and integrity Perform my task with full confidence reliability and accuracy. Treat any information I acquired about individuals in the course of my work as strictly confidential Commit myself to continuously improve my professional skills and knowledge Share my knowledge and expertise to my colleagues Contribute to the advancement of the professional organization and other allied health organizations Act in a spirit of fairness to all and a spirit of brotherhood to other members of the profession Restrict my praises, criticisms, views, opinions within constructive limits Accept employment from more than one employer only when there is no conflict of interest Be dedicated to the use of Clinical laboratory science to promote life and benefit mankind Uphold the law and shall not engage in illegal work Report any violation of the above principles of professional conduct to the authorized agency and the ethics committee of the organization. To these principles, I hereby subscribe and pledge to conduct myself at all times in a manner befitting the dignity of my profession.