THE INSTITUTE OF CHIROPODISTS AND PODIATRISTS
CODE OF ETHICS
In accordance with the Memorandum and Articles, all Members and Students of the Institute shall in writing undertake to adhere to the following:- (since this is not a fully exhaustive Code, members must note that because an item is not mentioned, it does not mean that it cannot constitute a breach of Ethics).
PROFESSIONAL DEFINITION
1. "Chiropody/Podiatry" and " Foot Health Care" mean the scientific care of the foot in health and disease.
A "Chiropodist/Podiatrist" and a "Foot Care Practitioner" mean a person who is fully trained to diagnose and undertake the surgical and mechanical treatment of abnormal nails, all superficial excrescences occurring on the feet, including, but not limited to, corns, callosities and verrucae; the corrective and preventive treatment of congenital or acquired deformities of the feet, including prescribing and providing appliances, orthoses and prosthetics; but does not include the right to operate on conditions requiring the use of general or local anaesthetics; except in respect of those members who are duly qualified and licensed in local analgesia, nor may incisions be made which involve the structure below the level of the true skin.
A Chiropodist/Podiatrist has the right to examine, diagnose and treat the conditions for which he/she has been trained, without reference to a medical practitioner.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
2. A member shall uphold the dignity and honour of the profession.
3. A member shall in all cases beyond the scope of Chiropody/Podiatry and Foot Health Care as defined in Clause 1 of these Bye-Laws, advise or refer the patient to consult a medical practitioner.
4. A member shall not give treatment to any patient, who to his knowledge is under the care of a medical practitioner, for a lower leg or foot problem, without the knowledge and consent of that practitioner.
5. A member shall not for any reason offer treatment and/or advice to any patient known to be under the care of another member of the Institute without the consent of such member.
6. A member having been employed as an assistant by another member, shall not at the termination of such employment, or at any future time attempt to induce any patient to leave the former employer's practice.
7. The friendly relations which exist between professional persons should not be affected if another member should set up in practice nearby, or by a patient changing chiropodist. Institute members are expected to use their discretion in not setting up in close proximity to other members.
8. A member shall not use the Crest of the Institute without the permission of the Institute.
9. A member shall respect all duly constituted medical bodies, and shall endeavour to merit the esteem of all Medical Practitioners and shall respect the confidence of Medical Practitioners, especially regarding their mutual patients.
10. A member shall not offer to give tuition in the theory or practice of Chiropody/Podiatry or Foot Health Care unless he is a tutor, a licensed teacher, mentor or instructor of the Institute.
11. All Registered Chiropodists/Podiatrists shall:
(i) Abide by the Standards of Proficiency from time to time required by the Health Professions Council or the Department of Health in Ireland: and
(ii) abide by the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists Standards of Proficiency from time to time required: and
(iii) maintain a personal profile of their learning activities and continuous professional development.
PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
12. A member may write privately to, or send professional cards or letters to patients who have been attended by them as a principal and not as an assistant or employee of another member, giving notice of change of address or letters of recall, in accordance with the appropriate Schedule of these Bye-Laws.
13. The headings on all professional printed matter to be limited to the name, address, telephone number, hours of attendance, designatory letters and Crest of the Institute of Chiropodists/Podiatrists, and such qualifications and honours approved by the Board of Ethics. e.g. Qualifications approved by the Health Professions Council.
(Registered Chiropodists must bear in mind their obligations under the Code of Conduct of the Health Professions Council).
14. A member may display the Certificate of Membership and Diplomas of the Institute and/or the Certificate of the Joint Council of Chiropodists of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or any copy or replica thereof, only within the confines of the surgery or waiting room.
PROFESSIONAL TITLES
15. Only registered Chiropodists/Podiatrists (being Fellows, Diplomates, Licentiates and Members) may use the protected titles "Chiropodist" or "Podiatrist" upon premises or literature.
Associates, (and any member of any other class who is not a Registered Chiropodist/Podiatrist) must use an Alternative Title approved by the Institute eg. Foot Health Practitioner.
16. Window displays must reflect a professional and dignified image .