Code of Ethics of the Physician Assistant profession

The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants recognizes the responsibility of its members to practice and maintain the highest standard of ethics in the delivery and provision of quality health care services to all patients.

• Physician Assistants shall be committed to providing competent medical care, assuming as their primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare, and dignity of all.

• Physician Assistants shall extend to each patient the full measure of their ability as dedicated, empathetic health care providers and shall assume responsibility for the skillful and proficient performance of their professional duties.

• Physician Assistants shall deliver needed health care services to health consumers without regard to gender, age, race, handicap, creed, colour, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, socio-economic and/or political status.

• Physician Assistants shall seek consultation with their supervising physician, other healthcare providers, or qualified professionals having special skills, knowledge, or experience whenever the welfare of the patient will be safeguarded or advanced by such consultation.

• Physician Assistants shall provide only those services for which they are qualified by way of education and/or experience and in accordance with pertinent legal and regulatory authorities.

• Physician Assistants shall not misrepresent in any manner, either directly or indirectly, their skills, training, professional credentials, identity, or services.

• Physician Assistants shall strive to maintain and increase the quality of individual health care service through individual study and continuing medical education.

• Physician Assistants shall have the duty to respect the law, to uphold the dignity of the Physician Assistant profession, and to accept its ethical principles. The Physician Assistant shall not participate in or conceal any activity that will bring discredit or dishonour to the Physician Assistant profession and shall expose. Without fear or favour, any illegal or unethical conduct in the delivery of medical services.

• Physician Assistants ever cognizant of the needs of the community shall use the knowledge and experience acquired as professionals to contribute to an improved community.

• Physician Assistants shall place service before material gain and must carefully guard against professional conflicts of interest.

• Physician Assistants shall strive to maintain a spirit of cooperation and collegiality with their professional organizations and respect for the general public.
 

To download the PA code of ethics in a pdf format, click here.