Australian College of Psychological Medicine
Code of Ethics

Acceptance of this Code of Ethics is a requirement of membership of the Australian College of Psychological Medicine.

1. Abide by the rules and requirements of the Australian College of Psychological Medicine which includes a professional commitment to this Code of Ethics.
2. Treat patients with compassion and respect.
3. Show no discrimination between patients by reason of race, culture, creed, gender, age, or social status.
4. Continue self-education throughout working life in order to maintain a high standard of professional competence.
5. Ensure you work within the scope and limitations of your expertise and experience.
6. When required, only refer patients to other health professionals who are appropriately qualified.
7. Maintain accurate records in a confidential manner. Confidential information can only be disclosed after the express permission of the patient has been obtained. The only exceptions to this include circumstances where there exists serious and life threatening risk to the patient or another person, and where you are legally entitled or obliged to disclose confidential information.
8. Ensure security of storage of patient records and other confidential information.
9. Under no circumstances whatsoever engage in sexual activity with a patient, and maintain appropriate professional and therapeutic boundaries with their patients at all times.
10. Seek to encourage autonomy of patients and avoid dependence.
11. Clarify from the time of initial contact with a patient the Member’s or Fellow’s qualifications, style of therapy, availability and fee structure. Ensure these parameters are appropriate to meet the patient's expectations and needs.
12. Respect the patient’s right of choice of doctor.
13. Attend to personal health and well-being in such a way that the member or fellow can be effective in the work situation.
14. Avoid treating patients where a conflict exists between the interest of the Member or Fellow and the patient. When working in a practice or institution, the interest of the patients’ wellbeing should take priority over the interest of owners and others who work in the premises.