Code Of Ethics for Members* of the Ontario College of Pharmacists
- December 2006
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The proposed revision to the Code of Ethics was initially approved by Council in June, 2006 and published in the July/August 2006 issue of Pharmacy Connection for member information and comment. Council ratified the new Code of Ethics at its December 2006 meeting.
Preamble
All members of the College have moral obligations in return for the trust given them by society. They are obliged to act in the best interest of and advocate for the patient, observe the law, uphold the dignity and honour of the profession, and practice in accordance with ethical principles and their respective standards of practice.
Principle One
The patient's well-being is at the centre of the member’s professional and/or business practices. Each member develops a professional relationship with each patient at a level that is consistent with his or her scope of practice. Patients have the right to self-determination and are encouraged to participate in decisions about their health.
Principle Two
Each member exercises professional judgment in the best interest of the patient, at a level consistent with his or her scope of practice to ensure that patient needs are met.
Principle Three
Each member preserves the confidentiality of patient information acquired in the course of his or her professional practice and does not divulge this information except where authorized by the patient, required by law, or where there is a compelling need to share information in order to protect the patient or another person from harm.
Principle Four
Each member respects the autonomy, individuality and dignity of each patient and provides care with respect for human rights and without discrimination. No patient shall be deprived of access to pharmaceutical services because of the personal convictions or religious beliefs of a member. Where such circumstances occur, the member refers the patient to a pharmacist who can meet the patient’s needs.
Principle Five
Each member acts with honesty and integrity.
Principle Six
Each member commits to continually improve his or her professional competence.
Principle Seven
Each member collaborates with other health care professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for the patient, understanding the individual roles and contributions of other health care providers and consulting with or referring to them as appropriate.
Principle Eight
Each member practices under conditions which neither compromise professional standards nor impose such conditions on others
* Members are defined as pharmacists, registered pharmacy students, interns and registered pharmacy technicians (pending).