AMA Code of Ethics - The foundation of the doctor-patient relationship
Launching the revised AMA Code of Ethics in Canberra today, AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said the doctor-patient relationship was more of a partnership than ever before.
Dr Phelps said the revised Code - updated for the first time since 1996 - reflects the contemporary nature of this partnership.
"Our relationship with our patients is based on mutual respect and collaboration," Dr Phelps said.
"Doctors and patients both have rights as well as responsibilities.
"The doctor-patient partnership is all about achieving the best possible patient health outcomes and, at the same time, protecting the doctor's clinical judgment and independence through greater trust, respect, and communication.
"Through our Code of Ethics, the AMA acknowledges and supports the need for patient autonomy - the right of patients to participate in their own health care decisions.
"The doctor and the patient must work together towards agreed health care goals that incorporate the patient's values and specific health care needs and the doctor's clinical assessments and judgements.
"The AMA's Code of Ethics sets the standard for ethical behaviour expected of doctors in Australia.
"Doctors must be free to exercise their clinical judgement and make clinical decisions based on their patients' best interests, not the interests of others such as employers, commercial entities, allied health professionals, and even governments.
"A doctors' primary duty must always be to the patient," Dr Phelps said.
The revised AMA Code of Ethics was launched jointly by AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, and Vice-President and Chair of the AMA's Medico-Legal Committee, Dr Trevor Mudge, at Parliament House in Canberra.
The AMA Code of Ethics can be viewed on the AMA website at AMA Code of Ethics.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306