The ATMS Code of Conduct

The ATMS Code of Conduct was revised late last year to align with the National Code of Conduct for healthcare workers. In May 2015, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to implement a National Code for Healthcare Workers. According to the COAG website, "The purpose of the National Code of Conduct, also referred to as the National Code or code-regulation regime, is to protect the public by setting minimum standards of conduct and practice for all unregistered health care workers who provide a health service". It further states that, "It will set national standards against which disciplinary action can be taken and if necessary a prohibition order issued, in circumstances where a health care worker's continued practice presents a serious risk to public health and safety". The Code applies to all the modalities that are accredited by ATMS.

The 2016 ATMS Code of Conduct aligns with the National Code and includes specific ATMS member conduct. As with the National Code, disciplinary action can be taken against a member if a complaint is found to be substantiated and that member has breached the Code of Conduct.

Every ATMS member (accredited, life, student and associate) should be familiar with the ATMS Code of Conduct and the National Code for Healthcare Workers and make sure that they abide and do not breach any part of both codes. Any complaint received by ATMS will be investigated against the sections of the ATMS Code of Conduct as described below.

Section 1: Ethical Principles

Members must provide their services in an ethical, safe and professional manner.

Crucial in this section are the requirements to:

* act within your scope of practice - it is unethical...