Code of Professional Conduct

for the Guidance of Registered Medical Practitioners

(Revised in January 2009)

23 January 2009

Dear Doctors,

I am pleased to promulgate the complete Code of Professional Conduct (revised in January 2009) which supersedes the old Professional Code and Conduct (revised in November 2000) with immediate effect. A copy of the complete new Code is enclosed for perusal and compliance by Members of the medical profession.

Since January 2005, the Medical Council has been updating the old Code issued in November 2000 to incorporate previously approved changes, to improve clarity and remove ambiguities, and to re-arrange the provisions in a more systematic manner. The updated version is renamed as the Code of Professional Conduct.

The major changes to the latest version are in the following sections:-

  1. A new "Introduction" to emphasize the moral duty of care of doctors;
  2. Section 1 - "Medical records and confidentiality";
  3. Section 4 - "Fitness to practise";
  4. Section 5 - "Professional communication and information dissemination";
  5. Section 6 - "Health education activities";
  6. Section 7 - "Specialists title";
  7. Section 10 - "Supply of dangerous or scheduled drugs";
  8. Sections 12 to 16 - provisions relating to financial arrangement;
  9. Section 18 - "Relationship with health care and health products organizations";
  10. Section 20 - "Practice in association with non-qualified persons";
  11. Section 26 - "Untrue or misleading certificates and similar documents";
  12. Sections 27 to 29 - "Conviction of an offence and professional proceedings"; and
  13. Section 30 - "Pre-natal diagnosis and intervention; scientifically assisted reproduction and related technology"

Medical practitioners are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with this latest version of the Code.

Members of the profession will appreciate that in order to maintain impartiality in its quasi-judicial function in disciplinary proceedings, the Council will not advise individuals. A doctor seeking advice on questions of professional conduct arising in particular circumstances should consult an appropriate authority, a professional association or his own legal adviser.

Yours faithfully,

(Prof. Felice LIEH-MAK, CBE, JP)
Chairman
Medical Council of Hong Kong

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