American Medical Association (MD’s)
Code Of Ethics
Principles of Medical Ethics
PREAMBLE:
The medical profession has long subscribed to a body of ethical statements developed primarily for the benefit of the
patient. As a member of this profession, a physician must recognize responsibility to patients first and foremost, as well as
to society, to other health professionals, and to self. The following Principles adopted by the American Medical Association
are not laws, but standards of conduct which define the essentials of honorable behavior for the physician.
I. A physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical care, with compassion and respect for human dignity and
rights.
II. A physician shall uphold the standards of professionalism, be honest in all professional interactions, and strive to report
physicians deficient in character or competence, or engaging in fraud or deception, to appropriate entities.
III. A physician shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements which are
contrary to the best interests of the patient.
IV. A physician shall respect the rights of patients, colleagues, and other health professionals, and shall safeguard patient
confidences and privacy within the constraints of the law.
V. A physician shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge, maintain a commitment to medical
education, make relevant information available to patients, colleagues, and the public, obtain consultation, and use the
talents of other health professionals when indicated.
VI. A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve,
with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide medical care.
VII. A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to the improvement of the community
and the betterment of public health.
VIII. A physician shall, while caring for a patient, regard responsibility to the patient as paramount.
IX. A physician shall support access to medical care for all people.
Adopted June 1957; revised June 1980; revised June 2001
Emergency Nurses Association (ER nurses)
Code of Ethics
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The emergency nurse acts with compassion and respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the
individual.
The emergency nurse maintains competence within, and accountability for, emergency nursing practice.
The emergency nurse acts to protect the individual when health care and safety are threatened by
incompetent, unethical or illegal practice.
The emergency nurse exercises sound judgement in responsibility, delegating, and seeking
consultation.
The emergency nurse respects the individual's right to privacy and confidentiality.
The emergency nurse works to improve public health and secure access to health care for all.
American Physical Therapy Association (PT)
Code of Ethics
PREAMBLE
This Code of Ethics of the American Physical Therapy Association sets forth principles for the
ethical practice of physical therapy. All physical therapists are responsible for maintaining and
promoting ethical practice. To this end, the physical therapist shall act in the best interest of the
patient/client. This Code of Ethics shall be binding on all physical therapists.
PRINCIPLE 1
A physical therapist shall respect the rights and dignity of all individuals and shall provide
compassionate care.
PRINCIPLE 2
A physical therapist shall act in a trustworthy manner towards patients/clients, and in all other
aspects of physical therapy practice.
PRINCIPLE 3
A physical therapist shall comply with laws and regulations governing physical therapy and shall
strive to effect changes that benefit patients/clients.
PRINCIPLE 4
A physical therapist shall exercise sound professional judgment.
PRINCIPLE 5
A physical therapist shall achieve and maintain professional competence.
PRINCIPLE 6
A physical therapist shall maintain and promote high standards for physical therapy practice,
education, and research.
PRINCIPLE 7
A physical therapist shall seek only such remuneration as is deserved and reasonable for physical
therapy services.
PRINCIPLE 8
A physical therapist shall provide and make available accurate and relevant information to
patients/clients about their care and to the public about physical therapy services.
PRINCIPLE 9
A physical therapist shall protect the public and the profession from unethical, incompetent, and
illegal acts.
PRINCIPLE 10
A physical therapist shall endeavor to address the health needs of society.
PRINCIPLE 11
A physical therapist shall respect the rights, knowledge, and skills of colleagues and other health
care professionals.
American Dietetic Association (Dieticians)
Code of Ethics
Preamble
The American Dietetic Association and its credentialing agency, the Commission on Dietetic
Registration, believe it is in the best interest of the profession and the public it serves to have a
Code of Ethics in place that provides guidance to dietetics practitioners in their professional
practice and conduct. Dietetics practitioners have voluntarily adopted a Code of Ethics to reflect
the values and ethical principles guiding the dietetics profession and to outline commitments and
obligations of the dietetics practitioner to client, society, self, and the profession.
The Ethics Code applies in its entirety to members of The American Dietetic Association who are
Registered Dietitians (RDs) or Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTRs). Except for sections solely
dealing with the credential, the Code applies to all members of The American Dietetic Association
who are not RDs or DTRs. Except for aspects solely dealing with membership, the Code applies to
all RDs and DTRs who are not members of The American Dietetic Association. All of the
aforementioned are referred to in the Code as "dietetics practitioners." By accepting membership
in The American Dietetic Association and/or accepting and maintaining Commission on Dietetic
Registration credentials, members of The American Dietetic Association and Commission on
Dietetic Registration credentialed dietetics practitioners agree to abide by the Code.
Principles
1. The dietetics practitioner conducts himself/herself with honesty, integrity, and fairness.
2. The dietetics practitioner practices dietetics based on scientific principles and current
information.
3. The dietetics practitioner presents substantiated information and interprets controversial
information without personal bias, recognizing that legitimate differences of opinion exist.
4. The dietetics practitioner assumes responsibility and accountability for personal
competence in practice, continually striving to increase professional knowledge and skills
and to apply them in practice.
5. The dietetics practitioner recognizes and exercises professional judgment within the limits
of his/her qualifications and collaborates with others, seeks counsel, or makes referrals as
appropriate.
6. The dietetics practitioner provides sufficient information to enable clients and others to
make their own informed decisions.
7. The dietetics practitioner protects confidential information and makes full disclosure about
any limitations on his/her ability to guarantee full confidentiality.
8. The dietetics practitioner provides professional services with objectivity and with respect
for the unique needs and values of individuals.
9. The dietetics practitioner provides professional services in a manner that is sensitive to
cultural differences and does not discriminate against others on the basis of race,
ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, or national origin.
10. The dietetics practitioner does not engage in sexual harassment in connection with
professional practice.
11. The dietetics practitioner provides objective evaluations of performance for employees and
coworkers, candidates for employment, students, professional association memberships,
awards, or scholarships. The dietetics practitioner makes all reasonable effort to avoid bias
in any kind of professional evaluation of others.
12. The dietetics practitioner is alert to situations that might cause a conflict of interest or
have the appearance of a conflict. The dietetics practitioner provides full disclosure when a
real or potential conflict of interest arises.
13. The dietetics practitioner who wishes to inform the public and colleagues of his/her
services does so by using factual information. The dietetics practitioner does not advertise
in a false or misleading manner.
14. The dietetics practitioner promotes or endorses products in a manner that is neither false
nor misleading.
15. The dietetics practitioner permits the use of his/her name for the purpose of certifying that
dietetics services have been rendered only if he/she has provided or supervised the
provision of those services.
16. The dietetics practitioner accurately presents professional qualifications and credentials.
a. The dietetics practitioner uses Commission on Dietetic Registration awarded
credentials ("RD" or "Registered Dietitian"; "DTR" or "Dietetic Technician,
Registered"; "CSP" or "Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition"; "CSR" or "Certified
Specialist in Renal Nutrition"; and "FADA" or "Fellow of The American Dietetic
Association") only when the credential is current and authorized by the Commission
on Dietetic Registration. The dietetics practitioner provides accurate information
and complies with all requirements of the Commission on Dietetic Registration
program in which he/she is seeking initial or continued credentials from the
Commission on Dietetic Registration.
b. The dietetics practitioner is subject to disciplinary action for aiding another person
in violating any Commission on Dietetic Registration requirements or aiding another
person in representing himself/herself as Commission on Dietetic Registration
credentialed when he/she is not.
17. The dietetics practitioner withdraws from professional practice under the following
circumstances:
a. The dietetics practitioner has engaged in any substance abuse that could affect
his/her practice;
b. The dietetics practitioner has been adjudged by a court to be mentally
incompetent;
c. The dietetics practitioner has an emotional or mental disability that affects his/her
practice in a manner that could harm the client or others.
18. The dietetics practitioner complies with all applicable laws and regulations concerning the
profession and is subject to disciplinary action under the following circumstances:
a. The dietetics practitioner has been convicted of a crime under the laws of the
United States which is a felony or a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is
dishonesty, and which is related to the practice of the profession.
b. The dietetics practitioner has been disciplined by a state, and at least one of the
grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to these principles.
c. The dietetics practitioner has committed an act of misfeasance or malfeasance
which is directly related to the practice of the profession as determined by a court
of competent jurisdiction, a licensing board, or an agency of a governmental body.
19. The dietetics practitioner supports and promotes high standards of professional practice.
The dietetics practitioner accepts the obligation to protect clients, the public, and the
profession by upholding the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics and by reporting
alleged violations of the Code through the defined review process of The American Dietetic
Association and its credentialing agency, the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (Pharmacists)
Code of Ethics
Preamble
Pharmacists are health professionals who assist individuals in making the best use of medications. This Code,
prepared
and supported by pharmacists, is intended to state publicly the principles that form the fundamental basis of the roles
and
responsibilities of pharmacists. These principles, based on moral obligations and virtues, are established to guide
pharmacists in relationships with patients, health professionals, and society.
Principles
I. A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship between the patient and pharmacist.
Interpretation: Considering the patient–pharmacist relationship as a covenant means that a pharmacist has moral
obligations in response to the gift of trust received from society. In return for this gift, a pharmacist promises to help
individuals achieve optimum benefit from their medications, to be committed to their welfare, and to maintain their
trust.
II. A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in a caring, compassionate, and confidential manner.
Interpretation: A pharmacist places concern for the well-being of the patient at the center of professional practice. In
doing so, a pharmacist considers needs stated by the patient as well as those defined by health science. A pharmacist
is dedicated to protecting the dignity of the patient. With a caring attitude and a compassionate spirit, a pharmacist
focuses on serving the patient in a private and confidential manner.
III. A pharmacist respects the autonomy and dignity of each patient.
Interpretation: A pharmacist promotes the right of self-determination and recognizes individual self-worth by
encouraging patients to participate in decisions about their health. A pharmacist communicates with patients in terms
that are understandable. In all cases, a pharmacist respects personal and cultural differences among patients.
IV. A pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity in professional relationships.
Interpretation: A pharmacist has a duty to tell the truth and to act with conviction of conscience. A pharmacist avoids
discriminatory practices, behavior or work conditions that impair professional judgment, and actions that compromise
dedication to the best interests of patients.
V. A pharmacist maintains professional competence.
Interpretation: A pharmacist has a duty to maintain knowledge and abilities as new medications, devices, and
technologies become available and as health information advances.
VI. A pharmacist respects the values and abilities of colleagues and other health professionals.
Interpretation: When appropriate, a pharmacist asks for the consultation of colleagues or other health professionals or
refers the patient. A pharmacist acknowledges that colleagues and other health professionals may differ in the beliefs
and values they apply to the care of the patient.
VII. A pharmacist serves individual, community, and societal needs.
Interpretation: The primary obligation of a pharmacist is to individual patients. However, the obligations of a
pharmacist may at times extend beyond the individual to the community and society. In these situations, the
pharmacist recognizes the responsibilities that accompany these obligations and acts accordingly.
VIII. A pharmacist seeks justice in the distribution of health resources.
Interpretation: When health resources are allocated, a pharmacist is fair and equitable, balancing the needs of
patients and society.
This endorsed document was reviewed in 2002 by the Council on Legal and Public Affairs and by the Board of
Directors and was found to still be appropriate. Copyright American Pharmacists Association. Adopted by the
membership of the American Pharmaceutical Association on October 27, 1994. Endorsed by the American Society of
Health-System Pharmacists House of Delegates on June 3, 1996 (ASHP Policy 9607). Proceedings of the 47th
annual session of the ASHP House of Delegates. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 1996; 53:1805.
American Academy of Physician Assistants (PA)
Code of Ethics
Statement of Values of the Physician Assistant Profession
• Physician assistants hold as their primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare, and dignity of all human
beings.
• Physician assistants uphold the tenets of patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice.
• Physician assistants recognize and promote the value of diversity.
• Physician assistants treat equally all persons who seek their care.
• Physician assistants hold in confidence the information shared in the course of practicing medicine.
• Physician assistants assess their personal capabilities and limitations, striving always to improve their medical
practice.
• Physician assistants actively seek to expand their knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in
medicine.
• Physician assistants work with other members of the health care team to provide compassionate and effective
care of patients.
• Physician assistants use their knowledge and experience to contribute to an improved community.
• Physician assistants respect their professional relationship with physicians.
• Physician assistants share and expand knowledge within the profession