close
  • Home
  • About TCAS
  • Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

  • Purpose

    The Code of Ethics (?the Code?) of The Chiropractors Association (Singapore) sets out standards of conduct and practice expected of its Doctors of Chiropractic (hereafter known as chiropractors). The Code is not an exhaustive set of rules and conduct not specifically covered will be judged in relation to what is considered the current sound practice of a reasonable and competent chiropractor.

  • Principles

    The Code is founded on the principle that the welfare of the patient is paramount. It also assumes that chiropractors are personally responsible for their actions regardless of the clinical environment in which they work. In terms of practice, any action must demonstrate competency and safety to be deemed acceptable practice in the care of patients. Actions must also be considerate of environmental, societal and cultural values prevailing at the time.

  • Outline of the Code

    The Code is divided into three main sections:

    A. Duties owed to patient
    B. Duties owed to the public
    C. Duties owed to the profession

  • Duties owed to Patient, the public and the profession

    • 1. Freedom to choose patients

      1. a. Chiropractors are free to choose who they accept or reject as patients
      2. b. If a patient presents as an acute case and the chiropractor is unable to undertake treatment or care, the chiropractor should make whatever onward referral is necessary as soon as is practicable.

    • 2. Respect

      1. a. Chiropractors shall listen to patients and shall respect their views and opinions in respect of their health. They will treat patients with courtesy and consideration.
      2. b. Chiropractors shall at all times observe patient confidentiality. This duty extends to the communication of information verbally, electronically and in writing. Chiropractors shall take all steps to preserve confidentially by adopting such practice procedures as are necessary, including training of staff members.
      3. c. Any release of information should be expressly permitted by the patient and chiropractors are strongly encouraged to obtain consent for disclosure in writing.
      4. d. There are exceptions to this rule of confidentiality: (a) when the chiropractor believes it is in the patient?s best interests to disclose information to another health professional or relevant agency; (b) if the chiropractor believes that disclosure to someone other than a health professional is essential for the sake of the patient?s health; (c) if the disclosure is ordered by someone having the legal power to order it; (d) the chiropractor is advised that disclosure is required in the public interest. In all cases, other than when disclosure might endanger the chiropractor?s personal safety, the patient should be informed that disclosure will be made.
      5. e. Chiropractors shall respect the privacy and dignity of patients. This includes a patient?s right to be treated in private and the provision of private changing facilities. When an open plan clinic is in use, a private treatment room must be provided upon request or the doctor must make a referral to a clinic that does provide private treatment rooms. Gowns should be provided for use by patients should they wish to use one. Dignity should be maintained at all times when assessing or caring for patients. This includes using appropriate language and respect for cultural or religious sensitivities or needs. A chaperone or appropriate third party should be considered wherever the proposed assessment or care may involve intimate areas or where the patient is a child under the age of 16 years.
      6. f. Chiropractors shall treat patients equally regardless of their gender, lifestyle, culture, sexuality, religion, political views, social status or country of origin. At no time will they endeavour to exert influence by imposing their own views, beliefs or prejudices on a patient.

    • 3. Openness

      1. a. Chiropractors shall be open with their patients and encourage patients to be responsible for their health.
      2. b. They shall not do anything which may be seen as placing undue influence on a patient to choose a particular style of treatment and must respect a patient?s right to make his/her own decision.
      3. c. They will be open with patients as to the risks and benefits of care.