Code of Ethics
The Ontario Professional Association of Osteopathic Medicine has formulated this Code to guide its members—osteopathic service providers—in their professional conduct. The standards outlined address the ethical and professional responsibilities of osteopathic service providers to patients, to society, to the Association, to colleagues in healthcare, and to themselves.
The Association also maintains that service providers should play a significant role in the development and teaching of medical ethics.
Section 1
The service provider shall keep confidential all information learned about a patient in the course of professional duties. Information may be disclosed only when required by law or when authorized by the patient.
Section 2
The service provider shall give a candid and accurate account of the patient’s condition to the patient or to those responsible for the patient’s care.
Section 3
The service provider–patient relationship must be based on mutual trust, cooperation, and respect. Patients must have complete freedom to choose their service provider, and service providers must have the freedom to choose the patients they serve. However, a service provider shall not refuse patients on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, or disability. In emergencies, the service provider should make services available.
Section 4
A service provider is never justified in abandoning a patient. When withdrawing from a case, the service provider shall give appropriate notice to the patient or their responsible party so that another provider may be engaged.
Section 5
The service provider shall practice in accordance with systematized and scientific knowledge related to the healing arts and shall maintain competence through ongoing study and clinical application.
Section 6
The osteopathic profession has an obligation to society to maintain high standards and to regulate itself. Much of this regulation is carried out through recognized local, provincial, and national associations. Service providers should maintain membership in, actively support, and abide by the rules and regulations of such associations.
Section 7
A service provider may advertise as permitted by law, but shall not advertise or solicit patients through false or misleading statements or activities.
Section 8
A service provider shall not claim or imply possession of any degree used as the basis for licensure unless they are actually licensed on that basis in the jurisdiction in which they practice. The service provider shall identify their osteopathic school or tradition in all professional uses of their name. Indications of specialty practice, professional memberships, and related matters shall comply with the rules of the Ontario Professional Association of Osteopathic Medicine.
Section 9
The service provider should seek consultation whenever it is advisable for the care of the patient.
Section 10
Disputes among service providers involving ethical or organizational matters should first be referred to the appropriate professional arbitration bodies.
Section 11
In disputes among service providers regarding diagnosis or treatment, the attending service provider holds responsibility for final decisions, consistent with applicable osteopathic hospital rules or regulations.
Section 12
Any fee charged by a service provider shall reflect services actually rendered. Professional fees shall not be divided for patient referrals.
Section 13
A service provider shall respect the law and, when necessary, work through proper means to help shape laws that improve patient care and public health.
Section 14
In addition to adhering to ethical standards, a service provider has a responsibility to participate in community activities and services.
Section 15
It is considered sexual misconduct for a service provider to have sexual contact with any current patient whom the provider has interviewed or upon whom a medical or surgical procedure has been performed.
Section 16
Sexual harassment by a service provider is unethical. Sexual harassment includes physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature involving a colleague or subordinate in a workplace or academic setting when such conduct creates an unreasonable, intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Section 17
Industry may occasionally provide gifts to members. Service providers who use products or services as a result of such gifts—rather than solely for the benefit of their patients and the improvement of care—are acting unethically. (Approved July 2003)
Section 18
A service provider shall not intentionally misrepresent themselves or their research in any way.
Section 19
When participating in research, a service provider shall follow all applicable laws, regulations, and standards of the country in which the research is conducted. This applies to all levels of involvement, including research design, funding, participation as an examining or treating provider, supervision of research staff, data analysis, and publication of results.