Code of Ethics for Filipino Nurses PDF

# NCM 119: Nursing Leadership and Management ## CODE OF ETHICS for Filipino Nurses Presented by: Prof. Dodie Dichoso ### Code of Ethics Ethical codes are systematic guides for developing ethical behavior. They answer normative questions of what beliefs and values should be morally accepted. It shou...

# NCM 119: Nursing Leadership and Management ## CODE OF ETHICS for Filipino Nurses Presented by: Prof. Dodie Dichoso ### Code of Ethics Ethical codes are systematic guides for developing ethical behavior. They answer normative questions of what beliefs and values should be morally accepted. It should be noted, however, that no code could possibly provide ### CODE OF GOOD GOVERNANCE The Code of Good Governance promulgated by the Professional Regulation Commission on July 23, 2003 states that the hallmark of all professionals is their willingness to accept a set of professional and ethical principles which they will follow in the conduct of their daily lives. The acceptance of these principles requires the maintenance of a standard of conduct higher than what is required by law. This code is adopted by the Professional Regulation Commission and the 42 Professional Regulatory Boards to cover an environment of good governance in which all Filipino professionals shall perform their duties. ## GENERAL PRINCIPLES The general principles of the Code of Good Governance include the following: 1. Service to Others: Commit to selflessly serving others, even at personal cost. 2. Integrity and Objectivity: Act with integrity, avoid conflicts of interest, and ensure your actions are ethical and clear. 3. Professional Competence: Maintain and improve your skills and knowledge through continuous education. 4. Solidarity and Teamwork: Support and work together with your professional organization and colleagues. 5. Social and Civic Responsibility: Consider the public's interest and contribute to national goals. 6. Global Competitiveness: Meet global standards and adapt to a connected world. 7. Equality of All Professions: Treat all professionals with respect and fairness, recognizing the value of every profession. ### CODE OF ETHICS FOR FILIPINO NURSES The professional code of ethics for Filipino nurses provides direction for the nurses to act morally. It strongly emphasizes the four-fold responsibility of the nurse, the universality of the nursing practice, the scope they serve, to society and environment, and to their profession. ### The Code of Ethics Pursuant to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 877, known as the Philippine Nursing Law, and Section 6 of P.D. No. 223, the amended Code of Ethics for Nurses recommended and endorsed by the Philippine Nurse Association was adopted to govern the practice of nursing in the Philippines. A new Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses has been promulgated by the Board of Nursing, in coordination and in consultation with the Accredited Professional Organization (PNA). In its formulation, the Code of Good Governance for the Professions was adopted and integrated, as they apply to the Nursing Profession (see Appendix D). After consultation on October 23, 2003 at Iloilo City with the accredited professional organization of registered nurses, the PNA, and other affiliated organizations of registered nurses, the Code was adopted under Republic Act 9173 and promulgated by the Board of Nursing under Resolution No. 220 Series of 2004 last July 14, 2004. ## ARTICLE I: PREAMBLE **Sec. 1** Health is a fundamental right of every individual. The Filipino registered nurse believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary responsibility to preserve health at all cost. This responsibility encompasses promotion of health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, and restoration of health. However, when the foregoing are not possible, assistance towards a peaceful death shall be his/her obligation. **Sec. 2** To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have to gain knowledge and understanding of man's cultural, social, spiritual, psychological, and ecological aspects of illness, utilizing the therapeutic process. Cultural diversity and political and socioeconomic status are inherent factors to effective nursing care. **Sec. 3** The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele, colleagues, co-workers, and the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct. ## ARTICLE II: REGISTERED NURSES AND PEOPLE **Sec. 4** Ethical Principles 1. Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals shall be represented. 2. Individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained decisions shall be respected 3. Personal information acquired in the process of giving nursing care shall be held in strict confidence. **Sec. 5** Guidelines to be observed Registered Nurses must: a. consider the individuality and totality of patients when they administer care; b. respect the spiritual beliefs and practices of patients regarding diet and treatment; c. uphold the rights of individuals, and d. take into consideration the culture and values of patients in providing nursing care. However, in the event of conflicts, their welfare and safety must take precedence. ## ARTICLE III: REGISTERED NURSES AND PRACTICE **Sec. 6** Ethical Principles 1. Human life is inviolable. 2. Quality and excellence in the care of patients are the goals of nursing practice. 3. Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes of delivered care is the hallmark of nursing accountability. **Sec. 7** Guidelines to be observed Registered Nurses must a. know the definition and scope of nursing practice which are in the provisions of R.A. No. 9173, known as the "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" and Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the "Rules and Regulations Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002", (the IRR); b. be aware of their duties and responsibilities in the practice of their profession as defined in the "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" and the IRR; c. acquire and develop the necessary, competence in knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively render appropriate nursing services through varied learning situations; d. if they are administrators, be responsible in providing favorable environment for the growth and development of Registered Nurses in their charge; e. be cognizant that professional programs for specialty certification by the BON are accredited through the Nursing Specialty Certification Council (NSCC); f. see to it that quality nursing care and practice meet the optimum standard of safe nursing practice; g. insure that modification of practice shall consider the principles of safe nursing practice; h. if in position of authority in a work environment, be normally and legally responsible for devising a system of minimizing occurrences of ineffective and unlawful nursing practice; and i. ensure that patient's records shall be available only if they are to be issued to those who are professionally and directly involved in their care and when they are required by law. **Sec. 8** Ethical Principle 4. Registered Nurses are the advocates of the patients: they shall take appropriate steps to safeguard their rights and privileges. **Sec. 9** Guidelines to be observed Registered Nurses must a. respect the "Patients' Bill of Rights" in the delivery of nursing care; b. provide the patients or their families with all pertinent information except those which may be deemed harmful to their well-being; and c. uphold the patients' rights when conflict arises regarding management of their care. **Sec. 10** Ethical Principle 5. Registered Nurses are aware that their actions have professional, ethical, moral and legal dimensions. They strive to perform their work in the best interest of all concerned. **Sec. 11** Guidelines to be observed Registered Nurses must a. perform their professional duties in conformity with existing laws, rules, regulations, measures, and generally accepted principle of moral conduct and proper decorum; b. not allow themselves to be used in advertisement that should demean the image of the profession (i.e., indecent exposure, violation of dress code, seductive behavior, etc.); c. decline any gift, favor or hospitality which might be interpreted as capitalizing on patients; d. not demand and receive any commission, fee or emolument for recommending or referring a patient to a physician, a co-nurse or another health care worker; not to pay any commission, fee or other compensations to the one referring or recommending a patient to them for nursing care; e. avoid any abuse of the privilege relationship which exists with patients and of the privilege access allowed to their property, residence or workplace ## ARTICLE IV: REGISTERED NURSES AND CO-WORKERS **Sec. 12** Ethical Principles 1. The Registered Nurse is in solidarity with other members of the healthcare team in working for the patient's best interest. 2. The Registered Nurse maintains collegial and collaborative working relationship with colleagues and other health care providers. **Sec. 13** Guidelines to be observed Registered Nurses must a. maintain their professional role/identity while working with other members of the health team; b. conform with group activities as those of a health team should be based in acceptable, ethico-legal standards; c. contribute to the professional growth and development of other members of the health team; d. actively participate in professional organizations; e. not act in any manner prejudicial to other professions; f. honor and safeguard the reputation and dignity of the members of nursing and other professions; refrain from making unfair and unwarranted comments or criticisms on their competence, conduct, and procedures; or not do anything that will bring discredit to a colleague and to any member of other professions; and g. respect the rights of their co-workers ## ARTICLE V: REGISTERED NURSES, SOCIETY, AND ENVIRONMENT **Sec. 14** Ethical Principles 1. The preservation of life, respect for human rights, and promotion of healthy environment shall be a commitment of a Registered Nurse. 2. The establishment of linkages with the public in promoting local, national, and international efforts to meet health and social needs of the people as a contributing member of society is a noble concern of a Registered Nurse. **Sec. 15** Guidelines to be observed Registered Nurses must a. be conscious of their obligations as citizens and, as such, be involved in community concerns; b. be equipped with knowledge of health resources within the community, and take active roles in primary health care; c. actively participate in programs, projects, and activities that respond to the problems of society; d. lead their lives in conformity with the principles of right conduct and proper decorum; and e. project an image that will uplift the nursing profession at all times. ## ARTICLE VI: REGISTERED NURSES AND THE PROFESSION **Sec. 16** Ethical Principles 1. Maintenance of loyalty to the nursing profession and preservation of its integrity are ideal. 2. Compliance with the by-laws of the accredited professional organization (PNA), and other professional organizations of which the Registered Nurse is a member is a lofty duty. 3. Commitment to continual learning and active participation in the development and growth of the profession are commendable obligations. 4. Contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions and general welfare of nurses through appropriate legislation is a practice and visionary mission. ## ARTICLE VII: REGISTERED NURSES AND THE PROFESSION **Sec. 17** Guidelines to be observed Registered Nurses must a. be members of the accredited professional organization which is the PNA. b. strictly adhere to the nursing standards; c. participate actively in the growth and development of the nursing profession; d. strive to secure equitable socio-economic and work conditions in nursing through appropriate legislation and other means; and e. assert for the implementation of labor and work standards. ## ARTICLE VIII: ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES, REPEALING CLAUSE, AND EFFECTIVITY Section 18 The Certificate of Registration of the Registered Nurse shall either be revoked or suspended for violation of any provisions of this Code pursuant to Sec. 23 (f), Art. IV of R.A. No. 9173 and Sec. 23 (f), rule III of Board Res. No. 425, Series of 2003, the IRR # ICN Code of Ethics For Nurses NCM 119: Nursing Leadership and Management An international code of ethics for nurses was first adopted by the International Council Of Nurses (ICN) in 1953. ## Purposes The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses is a statement of the ethical values, responsibilities, and professional accountabilities of nurses and nursing students that defines and guides ethical nursing practice within the different roles nurses assume. It is not a code of conduct but it can serve as a framework for ethical nursing practice and decision-making to meet professional standards set by regulatory bodies. The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses provides ethical guidance in relation to nurses' roles, duties, responsibilities, behaviors, professional judgment, and relationships with patients, other people who are receiving nursing care or services, co-workers, and allied professionals. The Code is foundational and to be built upon in combination with the laws, regulations, and professional standards of countries that govern nursing practice. The values and obligations expressed in this Code apply to nurses in all settings, roles, and domains of practice. ## PREAMBLE From the origins of organized nursing in the mid-1800s and recognizing nursing care is deeply rooted in the traditions and practices of *equity* and inclusion and in the appreciation of diversity, *nurses* have consistently recognized four fundamental nursing responsibilities: to promote health, to prevent illness, to restore health, and to alleviate suffering and promote a dignified death. The need for nursing is universal. Inherent in nursing is a respect for *human rights*, including cultural rights, the right to life and choice, the right to *dignity* and to be treated with respect. Nursing care is respectful of and unrestricted by considerations of age, color, culture, ethnicity, disability or illness, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, politics, language, race, religious or spiritual beliefs, legal, economic or social status. *Nurses* are valued and respected for their contributions to improving the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations locally, nationally, and globally. They coordinate services with those of other health care professionals and *related groups*. *Nurses* demonstrate values of the profession such as respect, justice, empathy, responsiveness, caring, compassion, trustworthiness, and integrity. ## THE ICN CODE The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses has four principal elements that provide a framework for ethical conduct: **nurses and patients or other people requiring care or services**, **nurses and practice**, **nurses and the profession**, and **nurses and global health**. ## NURSES AND PATIENTS OR OTHER PEOPLE REQUIRING CARE OR SERVICES 1.1 Nurses’ primary professional responsibility is to people requiring nursing care and services now or in the future, whether individuals, families, communities, or populations (hereinafter referred to as either ‘patients’ or ‘people requiring care’). 1.2 Nurses promote an environment in which the human rights, values, customs, religious and spiritual beliefs of the individual, families and communities are acknowledged and respected by everyone. Nurses’ rights are included under human rights and should be upheld and protected. 1.3 Nurses ensure that the individual and family receive understandable, accurate, sufficient, and timely information in a manner appropriate to the patient’s culture, linguistic, cognitive and physical needs, and psychological state on which to base consent for care and related treatment. 1.4 Nurses hold in confidence personal information and respect the privacy, confidentiality, and interests of patients in the lawful collection, use, access, transmission, storage and disclosure of personal information. 1.5 Nurses respect the privacy and confidentiality of colleagues and people requiring care and uphold the integrity of the nursing profession in person and in all media, including social media. 1.6 Nurses share with society the responsibility for initiating and supporting action to meet the health and social needs of all people. 1.7 Nurses advocate for equity and social justice in resource allocation, access to health care, and other social and economic services. 1.8 Nurses demonstrate professional values such as respect, justice, responsiveness, caring, compassion, empathy, trustworthiness, and integrity. They support and respect the dignity and universal rights of all people, including patients, colleagues, and families. 1.9 Nurses facilitate a culture of safety in health care environments, recognizing and addressing threats to people and safe care in health practices, services, and settings. 1.10 Nurses provide evidence-informed, person-centred care, recognizing and using the values and principles of primary health care and health promotion across the lifespan. 1.11 Nurses ensure that the use of technology and scientific advances are compatible with the safety, dignity, and rights of people. In the case of artificial intelligence or devices such as care robots or drones, nurses ensure that care remains person-centred and that such devices support and do not replace human relationships. ## NURSES AND PRACTICE 2.1 Nurses carry personal responsibility and accountability for ethical nursing practice, and for maintaining competence by engaging in continuous professional development and lifelong learning. 2.2 Nurses maintain fitness to practice so as not to compromise their ability to provide quality, safe care. 2.3 Nurses practice within the limits of their individual competence and regulated or authorized scope of practice and use professional judgment when accepting and delegating responsibility. 2.4 Nurses value their own dignity, well-being, and health. To achieve this requires positive practice environments, characterized by professional recognition, education, reflection, support structures, adequate resourcing, sound management practices, and occupational health and safety. 2.5 Nurses maintain standards of personal conduct at all times. They reflect well on the profession and enhance its image and public confidence. In their professional role, nurses recognize and maintain personal relationship boundaries. 2.6 Nurses share their knowledge and expertise and provide feedback, mentoring, and supporting the professional development of student nurses, novice nurses, colleagues, and other health care providers. 2.7 Nurses are patient advocates, and they maintain a practice culture that promotes ethical behavior and open dialogue. 2.8 Nurses may conscientiously object to participating in particular procedures or nursing or health-related research but must facilitate respectful and timely action to ensure that people receive care appropriate to their individual needs. 2.9 Nurses maintain a person's right to give and withdraw consent to access their personal, health, and genetic information. They protect the use, privacy, and confidentiality of genetic information and human genome technologies. 2.10 Nurses take appropriate actions to safeguard individuals, families, communities, and populations when their health is endangered by a co-worker, any other person, policy, practice, or misuse of technology. 2.11 Nurses are active participants in the promotion of patient safety. They promote ethical conduct when errors or near misses occur, speak up when patient safety is threatened, advocate for transparency, and work with others to reduce the potential of errors. 2.12 Nurses are accountable for data integrity to support and facilitate ethical standards of care. ## NURSES AND THE PROFESSION 3.1 Nurses assume the major leadership role in determining and implementing evidence-informed, acceptable standards of clinical nursing practice, management, research, and education. 3.2 Nurses and nursing scholars are active in expanding research-based, current professional knowledge that supports evidence-informed practice. 3.3 Nurses are active in developing and sustaining a core of professional values. 3.4 Nurses, through their professional organizations, participate in creating a positive and constructive practice environment where practice encompasses clinical care, education, research, management, and leadership. This includes environments which facilitate a nurse’s ability to practice to their optimal scope of practice and to deliver safe, effective, and timely health care, in working conditions which are safe as well as socially and economically equitable for nurses. 3.5 Nurses contribute to positive and ethical organizational environments and challenge unethical practices and settings. Nurses collaborate with nursing colleagues, other (health) disciplines and relevant communities to engage in the ethical creation, conduct, and dissemination of peer-reviewed and ethically responsible research and practice development as they relate to patient care, nursing, and health. 3.6 Nurses engage in the creation, dissemination, and application of research that improves outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. 3.7 Nurses prepare for and respond to emergencies, disasters, conflicts, epidemics, pandemics, social crises, and conditions of scarce resources. The safety of those who receive care and services is a responsibility shared by individual nurses and the leaders of health systems and organizations. This involves assessing risks and developing, implementing, and resourcing plans to mitigate these. ## NURSES AND GLOBAL HEALTH 4.1 Nurses value health care as a human right, affirming the right to universal access to health care for all. 4.2 Nurses uphold the dignity, freedom, and worth of all human beings, and oppose all forms of exploitation, such as human trafficking and child labor. 4.3 Nurses lead or contribute to sound health policy development. 4.4 Nurses contribute to population health and work towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (UN n.d.) 4.5 Nurses recognize the significance of the social determinants of health. They contribute to, and advocate for, policies and programs that address them. 4.6 Nurses collaborate and practice to preserve, sustain, and protect the natural environment and are aware of the health consequences of environmental degradation, e.g., climate change. They advocate for initiatives that reduce environmentally harmful practices to promote health and well-being. 4.7 Nurses collaborate with other health and social care professions and the public to uphold principles of justice by promoting responsibility in human rights, equity and fairness, and by promoting the public good and a healthy planet. 4.8 Nurses collaborate across countries to develop and maintain global health and to ensure policies and principles for this. ## ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses Professional Values - **Nurses and Patients or People Requiring Care and Services** - Respect - Privacy - Advocacy - Confidentiality - Empathy - Inclusivity - Care - Dignity - Compassion - Responsiveness - Equity - Solidarity - Collaboration - Research - Individual - Family - Community - Population - Policy - Education - Justice - Fairness - Responsibility - Accountability - **Nurses and Practice** - Clinical Practice - Safety - Competence - Trust - Leadership - Skill - Judgment - Service - Expertise - Integrity - Knowledge - Public Good - **Nurses and Global Health** - **Nurses and the Profession**