As registered respiratory therapists (RRT), we individually and collectively strive to maintain the highest ethical, professional and moral standards. RRTs are obliged to provide competent, safe and respectful care, which respects the integrity of the clinician/patient relationship. We must deal in a dignified manner with colleagues, patients and members of the public, and demonstrate accountability for our actions.
The following principles outline the expectations:
- Each RRT shall do what is reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances to gain the respect and confidence of other health care personnel, as well as respecting the human dignity of their colleagues and associates.
- Each RRT must execute their professional responsibilities in a competent, efficient and effective manner. The patient’s well-being and safety shall always be of paramount concern.
- Each RRT shall limit their performance of health services to their level of competence (as defined in the Health Professions Act), irrespective of their authorization. This limitation is guided by the RRT’s education, experience and “currency in practice”.
- Each RRT shall keep in confidence all privileged patient information. Each RRT shall collect and disseminate patient information in accordance with federal and provincial legislation.
- Each RRT shall guard against conflicts of professional interest. A “conflict of professional interest” is any situation where an RRT has competing motivations or responsibilities, whether real or perceived, where the resulting action may be to the detriment of the respiratory therapy profession, other members of the profession, or their responsibility as an RRT.
The RRT should proactively consult with the Registrar in these circumstances, ideally to prevent a real or perceived conflict of interest. - Each RRT shall ensure that their patients provide informed consent, by reviewing the risks and benefits, as well as the specific health services and procedures. Informed consent implies (1) appropriate disclosure of information, (ii) patient understanding of the information, and (iii) the patient expressing a voluntary choice to proceed with the recommended assessment and/or treatment.
- Each RRT shall assume responsibility for referring instances of actual or perceived “unprofessional conduct” (as defined in the Health Professions Act) to the applicable College’s (including CRTA) Complaints Director.
