Code of Ethics

CCPM Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is intended to aid members of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM) in maintaining ethical conduct in their profession. It is intended as a guideline by which members may determine the appropriateness of their conduct in relationships with patients, employers, co-workers, colleagues, members of other professions, governments, and the public.

A.1.1. Medical Physicists must be committed to using their education, experience, skills, and talents for the benefit of society.

A.1.2. Medical Physicists shall always actively promote and safeguard the well-being and interests of the patient, public, and co-workers.

A.1.3. Medical Physicists shall accept responsibility for their own work and also that carried out under their supervision or direction. A Medical Physicist shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that those working under their guidance are competent to carry out the tasks assigned to them, and that they accept responsibility for their work.

A.1.4. All relations with patients, employers, employees, co-workers, colleagues, and members of other professions shall be conducted with integrity, fairness, and appropriate confidentiality.

A.1.5. The Medical Physicist shall strive to avoid conflict of interest and to declare to those affected or potentially affected any situation that could lead to conflict of interest.

A.1.6. Medical Physicists engaged in private practice or consulting shall compete with others primarily on the basis of professional credentials, knowledge, expertise, and caliber of service rendered.

A.1.7. Medical Physicists must realize their own limitations, refuse assignments for which they are not qualified, and seek consultation when appropriate.

A.1.8. Within their practice Medical Physicists shall continually strive to improve and keep current their professional knowledge and skills, and apply these where appropriate.

A.1.9. Medical Physicists shall strive to advise authorities, governments, and agencies on public policies affecting the safety, quality, and economics of all applications of physics in medicine.

A.1.10. In the preparation of publications, reports, and statements, Medical Physicists shall ensure that information is accurate, and that conclusions and recommendations are based on sound research and knowledge. Resource materials shall be appropriately referenced when applicable.

A.1.11. Medical Physicists shall assist colleagues at all levels of experience in the field in furthering their technical competence and professional development, and shall support them in following this Code of Ethics.

A.1.12. When providing instruction to workers in other disciplines concerning physics in medicine, the Medical Physicist shall emphasize to those given instruction the need to be aware and respectful of the limitations of their knowledge and experience, so that patient care and public safety are not compromised.

A.1.13. Medical Physicists shall uphold the stature of their profession by exhibiting sound ethical behavior. Unethical conduct should be reported to the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine and to the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists.