Australian Society for Psychological Medicine Code of Ethics
Acceptance of this Code of Ethics is a requirement of membership of the Australian Society for Psychological Medicine.
Members and fellows:
- Treat patients with compassion and respect.
- Maintain a high standard of professional competence.
- Work within the scope and limitations of their expertise and experience.
- Seek to encourage patient autonomy and minimise inappropriate dependence.
- Avoid discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, culture, creed, gender, age, or social status.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients at all times.
- Under no circumstances engage in sexual activity with a patient.
- Avoid any conflict of interest while treating patients. Where a conflict arises, maintaining a high standard of care for the patient takes priority over the interests of an employer or employing body.
- Attend to personal health and well-being in such a way as to maintain competence and avoid professional burnout.
- Make available information concerning the member’s or fellow’s qualifications, style of therapy, availability and fee structure.
- When required, only refer patients to other health professionals who are appropriately qualified.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with standard medico-legal requirements.
- Ensure security of storage of patient records and other confidential information.
- Abide by the rules and requirements of the Society including this code.