Code of Ethics American Pharmaceutical Association
Preamble
These principles of professional conduct for pharmacists
are established to guide the pharmacists in his relationships
with patients, fellow practitioners, other health professionals,
and the public.
A Pharmacist should hold the health and safety
of patients to be of first consideration; he should render
to each patient the full measure of his ability as an essential
health practitioner.
A Pharmacist should never knowingly condone the
dispensing, promoting, or distributing of drugs or medical
devices, or assist therein, which are not of good quality,
which do not meet standards required by law, or which lack
therapeutic value for the patient.
A Pharmacist should always strive to perfect and
enlarge his professional knowledge. He should utilize and
make available this knowledge as may be required in accordance
with his best professional judgment.
A Pharmacist has the duty to observe the law, to
uphold the dignity and honor of the profession, and to accept
its ethical principles. He should not engage in any activity
which will bring discredit to the profession and should expose,
without fear or favor, illegal or unethical conduct in the
profession.
A Pharmacist should seek at all times only fair
and reasonable remuneration for his services. He should never
agree to, or participate in, transactions with practitioners
of other health professions or any other person under which
fees are divided or which may cause financial or other exploitation
in connection with the rendering of professional services.
A Pharmacist should respect the confidential and
personal nature of his professional records; except where
the best interest of the patient requires or the law demands,
he should not disclose such information to anyone without
proper patient authorization.
A Pharmacist should not agree to practice under
terms or conditions which tend to interfere with or impair
the proper exercise of professional judgment and skill, which
tend to cause a deterioration of the quality of his service,
or which require him to consent to unethical conduct.
A Pharmacist should strive to provide information
to patients regarding professional services truthfully, accurately,
and fully and should avoid misleading patients regarding the
nature, cost, or value of the pharmacist's professional services.
A Pharmacist should associate with organizations having for their objective the betterment of the profession of pharmacy; he should contribute of his time and funds to carry on the work of these organizations.
Approved by APHA Active and Life members August 1969
Amended December 1975
