Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics is a set of principles that delineates responsible conduct and the ethical and moral behaviour of members of the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO). It has as its foremost goal the welfare and protection of patients and the public. The Code of Ethics provides direction and guidance for all Medical Radiation Technologists (M.R.T.s) in the province of Ontario. It shall serve as a guide by which they may evaluate their professional conduct as it relates to patients, health care consumers, employers, colleagues and other members of the health care team. It is meant to serve not only M.R.T.s who provide clinical services, but also managers and educators who may be called upon to make judgments about ethical issues. It will also serve CMRTO Committees that may be called upon to make judgments about ethical issues in determining professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity.

The Code of Ethics is intended to help M.R.T.s choose the right, fair, good and just action. Each M.R.T. is personally responsible for behaving according to the ethical principles set down in the Code.

The consideration of ethical issues is an essential component of providing service. The Code of Ethics is to be used in conjunction with the Essential Competencies and the Comprehensive Guidelines as a basis for acting in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act Scope of Practice/Controlled Acts Model. Together, these documents provide a model for ensuring safe, effective and ethical professional performance to ensure safe, effective and ethical outcomes for patients.

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

Responsibility to the Public
M.R.T.s act to ensure the trust and respect of the public by:

maintaining high standards of professional conduct, competence and appearance;
providing only those services for which they are qualified by education, training or experience;
not making false, misleading or deceptive statements, orally or in writing; and
advancing and supporting health promotion and research.

Responsibility to Patients
M.R.T.s act in the best interests of their patients by:

upholding the principle of informed consent including the right of the patient, or the patient’s substitute decision maker, to refuse service;
respecting the dignity, privacy and autonomy of their patients;
maintaining clear and appropriate professional boundaries in the M.R.T. – patient relationship;
treating all patients equitably, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, same sex partnership status, family status, disability or type of illness;
providing individualized, comprehensive and safe treatment during examinations or therapy sessions, taking into account the patient’s particular physical and emotional needs, values and cultural background; and
preserving and protecting the confidentiality of information acquired through professional contact with the patient, except to facilitate diagnosis or treatment of the patient, or when legally obliged or allowed to disclose such information.

Responsibility to the profession
M.R.T.s promote excellence in the profession by:

assisting each other and the CMRTO in upholding the spirit and the letter of the law, the Regulated Health Professions and Medical Radiation Technology Acts, their respective regulations and the standards of practice set by the CMRTO;
contributing to the development of the art and science of medical radiation technology through continuing education and research; and
conducting all professional activities, programs and relations honestly and responsibly, and by avoiding any actions that might discredit the profession.

Responsibility to Colleagues and other Health Professionals
M.R.T.s develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues and other health professionals by:

consulting with, referring to and co-operating with other professionals to the extent needed to serve the best interests of their patients;
ensuring the safety of other health professionals when in practice or in areas under the M.R.T.’s responsibility; and
educating colleagues and other health professionals about practices and procedures relating to medical radiation technology.

Personal Responsibility
M.R.T.s are accountable for all of their professional undertakings and shall:

aspire to a high level of professional efficacy at all times;
maintain and apply current and relevant scientific and professional knowledge and skill in every aspect of practice;
avoid conflict of interest; and
provide professional service only when free from the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances or any condition that might impede the delivery of safe service.

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