Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

PREAMBLE

Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized education, training, and experience in medical genetics and counseling.

The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC is an organization that furthers the professional interests of genetic counselors, promotes a network for communication within the profession, and deals with issues relevant to human genetics.With the establishment of this code of ethics the NSGC affirms the ethical responsibilities of its members and provides them with guidance in their relationships with self, clients colleagues, and society. NSGC members are expected to be aware of the ethical Implications of their professional actions and to adhere to the guidelines and principles get forth in this code.

INTRODUCTION

A code of ethics is a document which attempts to clarify and guide the conduct of a professional so that the goals and values of the profession might best be served. The NSGC Code of Ethics is based upon relationship. The relationships outlined in this code describe who genetic counselors are for themselves their clients. their colleagues, and society. Each major section of this code will with an explanation of all of these relationships along with some of its values and characteristics. Although certain values me found in more dim one relationship, the common values result in different guidelines within each relationship. No set of guidelines can provide all the assistance needed in every situation. especially when different relationships appear to conflict. Therefore when considered appropriate for this code specific guidelines for prioritizing the relationships have been stated. In other areas some ambiguity remains, allowing for the experience of genetic counselors to provide the proper balance in responding to difficult situations.

SECTION I. GENETIC COUNSELORS THEMSELVES

Genetic counselors value competence integrity. dignity, and self-respect in themselves as well as in each other. Therefore, in order to be the best possible human resource to themselves their clients, their colleagues, and society, genetic counselors strive to.
I . Seek out and acquire all relevant information required for any given situation.
2. Continue their education and training.
3. Keep abreast of current standards of practice.
4. Recognize the limits of their own knowledge, expertise, and therefore competence in any given situation.
5. Be responsible for their own physical and emotional health as it impacts on their professional performance

SECTION II GENETIC COUNSELORS AND THEIR CLIENTS

The counselor-client relationship is based on values of care and respect for the client's autonomy, individuality, welfare and
freedom. Tim primacy concern of genetic counselors is the interests of their clients. Therefore, genetic counselors strive to
t . Equally serve all who seek services.
2. Respect their clients' beliefs, cultural traditions, inclinations, circumstances. and feelings.
3. Enable their clients to make informed independent decisions, free of coercion. by providing or Illuminating the necessary facts
and clarifying the alternatives and anticipated consequences.
4. Refer clients to other competent professionals when they me unable to support the clients.
5- Maintain as confidential any information received from clients, unless released by the client.
6. Avoid the exploitation of their clients for personal advantage, profit, or interest

SECTION III GENETIC COUNSELORS AND THEIR COLLEAGUES

The genetic counselors' relationships with other genetic counselors, genetic counseling students, and health professionals are based
on mutual respect. caring cooperation, support, and a shared loyalty to their professions and goals. Therefore. genetic counselors
strive to:
1. Foster and protect their relationships with other genetic counselors and genetic counseling students by establishing mechanisms for peer support
2. Encourage ethical behavior of colleagues.
3. Recognize the traditions, practices, and areas of competence of other health professionals and cooperate with them in providing the highest quality of service
4. Work with their colleagues to reach consensus when issues &rise about the role responsibilities of various team members so
that clients receive the best possible services.

SECTION IV GEN ETIC COUNSELORS AND SOCIETY

The relationships of genetic counselors to society include interest and participation in activities that have the purpose of promoting the well-being of society. Therefore genetic counselors strive to
I . Keep abreast of societal developments that may endanger the physical and psychological health of individuals.
2. Participate in activities necessary to bring about socially responsible change
3. Serve as a source of reliable information and expert opinion for policy makers and public officials.
4. Keep the public informed and educated about the impact on society of now technological and scientific advances and the possible changes in society that may result from the application of these findings.
Prevent discrimination on the basis of race, sex. sexual orientation. age, religion, genetic status, or socioeconomic status
Adhere to laws and regulations of society- However. when such laws are in conflict with the principles of the profession, genetic counselors work toward change that will benefit the public interest.