CODE OF ETHICS FOR PHARMACISTS

PREAMBLE

Pharmacists are health professionals who help individuals protect themselves against diseases,
maintain good health and make the best use of their medications. The pharmacists promote rational use of
drugs and ensure the provision of safe, effective and quality drugs for improved patient care and quality of
life. This Code, prepared and supported by pharmacists, is intended to state publicly the principles that form
the fundamental basis of their roles and responsibilities whicha re based on moral obligations and virtues
and to guide pharmacists in their relationship with patients, health professionals and society.

1. A pharmacist places the well being of the patient at the center of professional practice.

2. A pharmacist promotes the welfare of each individual in a caring and compassionate manner.

3. A pharmacist serves the needs of the individual, community and society and provides health for all.

4. A pharmacist respects the rights of patients and upholds confidentiality of patients records.

5. A pharmacist acts with honesty, integrity and professionalism in relationship with the patients and
other health professionals.

6. A pharmacist respects the abilities, values and contributions of colleagues and other health
professionals and work with them closely to ensure better patient care.

7. A pharmacist is committed to continuously enhance professional competence.

8. A pharmacist, in coordination with the government and other health professionals helps in the
formulation and implementation of health care policies, standards and programs designed for the
benefit of society.
 Code of Ethics for Pharmacists
PREAMBLE
Pharmacists are health professionals who assist individuals in making the best use of medications. This Code,
prepared and supported by pharmacists, is intended to state publicly the principles that form the
fundamental basis of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists. These principles, based on moral
obligations and virtues, are established to guide pharmacists in relationships with patients, health
professionals, and society.

I. A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship between the patient and pharmacist.
Considering the patient-pharmacist relationship as a covenant means that a pharmacist has moral
obligations in response to the gift of trust received from society. In return for this gift, a pharmacist promises
to help individuals achieve optimum benefit from their medications, to be committed to their welfare, and
to maintain their trust.

II. A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in a caring, compassionate, and confidential
manner.
A pharmacist places concern for the well-being of the patient at the center of professional practice. In
doing so, a pharmacist considers needs stated by the patient as well as those defined by health science. A
pharmacist is dedicated to protecting the dignity of the patient. With a caring attitude and a
compassionate spirit, a pharmacist focuses on serving the patient in a private and confidential manner.

III. A pharmacist respects the autonomy and dignity of each patient.

A pharmacist promotes the right of self-determination and recognizes individual self-worth by encouraging
patients to participate in decisions about their health. A pharmacist communicates with patients in terms
that are understandable. In all cases, a pharmacist respects personal and cultural differences among
patients.

IV. A pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity in professional relationships.

A pharmacist has a duty to tell the truth and to act with conviction of conscience. A pharmacist avoids
discriminatory practices, behavior or work conditions that impair professional judgment, and actions that
compromise dedication to the best interests of patients.

V. A pharmacist maintains professional competence.

A pharmacist has a duty to maintain knowledge and abilities as new medications, devices, and
technologies become available and as health information advances.

VI. A pharmacist respects the values and abilities of colleagues and other health professionals.
When appropriate, a pharmacist asks for the consultation of colleagues or other health professionals or
refers the patient. A pharmacist acknowledges that colleagues and other health professionals may differ in
the beliefs and values they apply to the care of the patient.

VII. A pharmacist serves individual, community, and societal needs.

The primary obligation of a pharmacist is to individual patients. However, the obligations of a pharmacist
may at times extend beyond the individual to the community and society. In these situations, the
pharmacist recognizes the responsibilities that accompany these obligations and acts accordingly.

VIII. A pharmacist seeks justice in the distribution of health resources.

When health resources are allocated, a pharmacist is fair and equitable, balancing the needs of patients
and society.

* adopted by the membership of the American Pharmacists Association October 27, 1994.
CORE COMPETENCY STANDARDS FOR NURSING PRACTICE IN THE PHILIPPINES
I. SAFE AND QUALITY NURSING CARE VII. RESEARCH
CORE COMPETENCY 1: CORE COMPETENCY 1:
Demonstrate knowledge based on health/illness status Gathers data using different methodologies
of individual/ groups Indicators:
Indicators : Identifies researchable problems regarding patient
Identifies health needs of patients/groups care and community health
Explains patient/group status Identifies appropriate methods of research for a
particular patient/community problem
II. MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Combines quantitative and qualitative nursing design
CORE COMPETENCY 1: thru simple explanation on the phenomena observed
Organizes workload to facilitate patient care Analyzes data gathered
Indicators:
Identifies task or activities that need to be VIII. RECORDS MANAGEMENT
accomplished CORE COMPETENCY 1:
Plans the performance of task or activities based on Maintains accurate and updated documentation of
priority patient care
Finishes work assignment on time Indicator:
Completes updated documentation of patient care
III. HEALTH EDUCATION
CORE COMPETENCY 1: IX. COMMUNICATION
Assesses the learning needs of the patient and the CORE COMPETENCY 1:
family Establishes rapport with patients, significant others and
Indicators: members of the health team.
Obtains learning information through interview, Indicators:
observation and validation Creates trust and confidence
Defines relevant information Listens attentively to clients queries and requests
Completes assessment records appropriately Spends time with the client to facilitate conversation
Identify priority needs that allows client to express concern.

IV. ETHICO-MORAL RESPONSIBILITY X. COLLABORATION and TEAMWORK

CORE COMPETENCY 1:
Respects the rights of individual/ groups
Indicator:
Renders nursing care consistent with the patients bill
of rights (ie. confidentiality of information, privacy, etc.)
V. LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
CORE COMPETENCY 1:
Adheres to practices in accordance with the nursing
law and other relevant legislation including contract
and informed consent.
Indicators:
Fulfill legal requirements in Nursing Practice
Holds current professional license
Acts in accordance with the terms of contract of
employment and other rules and regulation
Complies with the required CPE
Confirms information given by the doctor for informed
consent
Secures waiver of responsibility for refusal to undergo
treatment or procedures
Check the completeness of informed consent and
other legal forms
VI. PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CORE COMPETENCY 1
Identifies own learning needs
Indicators:
Verbalizes strengths, weaknesses, limitations.
Determines personal and professional goals and
aspirations.
CORE COMPETENCY 1:
Establishes collaborative relationship with colleagues
and other members of the health team
Indicators:
Contributes to decision making regarding patients
needs and concerns
Participates actively in patients care management
including audit
Recommends appropriate intervention to improve
patient care
Respects the role of the other members of the health
team
Maintains good interpersonal relationships with
patients, colleagues and other members of the health
team
XI. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
CORE COMPETENCY 1:
Gathers data for quality improvement
Indicators:
o Demonstrates knowledge of method appropriate for
the clinical problems identified
o Detects variation in the vital signs of the patient from
day to day
o Reports necessary elements at the bedside to
improve patient stay at hospital
o Solicits feedback from patient and significant others
regarding care rendered