CODE OF ETHICS
Introduction
The Health Information Management profession has developed a Code of Ethics to define the principles governing the
professional conduct of its members.
Every member of the Health Information Management Association of Australia Limited shall abide by this Code of
Ethics.
Any action which is in violation of the spirit and purpose of this Code shall be considered unethical as stated in Article 22
of the Articles of Association of the Health Information Management Association of Australia Limited.
Failure to specify any particular responsibility or practice in this Code of Ethics should not be construed as denial of the
existence of other responsibilities and practices.
Ethical Principles
Members of the Health Information Management Association of Australia Limited shall:
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Adopted 1992
Respect the rights and dignity of all individuals.
Show courtesy to and respect all professional colleagues.
Undertake their professional duties in an efficient, proper and responsible manner.
Not engage in dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or other forms of illegal conduct that adversely
reflect on the profession or the individual’s fitness for membership in the profession.
Preserve and protect the integrity of health records in their control and the information they contain.
Ensure, within the scope of their responsibility, that all patient identifiable information will be kept
confidential. Ensure the release of information is in accordance with current laws and regulations and
institutional policies. Preserve the confidential nature of professional findings and recommendations
made by committees of health institutions unless compelled otherwise by legal means. Strive to ensure
that a judgement made in conflict between the patient’s right to confidentiality and the public’s right to
know is ethically and legally correct.
Report to the appropriate authorities any evidence of conduct or practice that indicates possible violation
of established rules and regulations of the employer or of professional practice.
Set and accept an appropriate and lawful fee for services rendered in their official capacity.
Not assume the right to make determinations in professional areas outside the scope of their assigned
responsibilities and knowledge.
State truthfully and accurately their professional credentials, education and experience.
Discharge honourably the responsibilities of any national or state association position and preserve the
confidentiality of any privileged information obtained whilst acting in an official capacity.
Seek to maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence by undertaking appropriate study
and participating in continuing education activities.
Contribute to the planning and development of services which enable individuals within the community
to achieve optimum health.
Strive at all times to promote the objectives of the Health Information Management Association of
Australia Limited.