Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

PREAMBLE
Pharmacistsarehealthprofessionalswhoassistindividualsinmakingthebestuseofmedications.ThisCode,preparedandsupportedbypharmacists,is
intendedtostatepubliclytheprinciplesthatformthefundamentalbasisoftherolesandresponsibilitiesofpharmacists.Theseprinciples,basedonmoral
obligationsandvirtues,areestablishedtoguidepharmacistsinrelationshipswithpatients,healthprofessionals,andsociety.

I. A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship between the patient and pharmacist.
Consideringthepatientpharmacistrelationshipasacovenantmeansthatapharmacisthasmoralobligationsinresponsetothegiftoftrustreceivedfrom
society.Inreturnforthisgift,apharmacistpromisestohelpindividualsachieveoptimumbenefitfromtheirmedications,tobecommittedtotheirwelfare,
andtomaintaintheirtrust.

II. A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in a caring, compassionate, and confidential manner.
Apharmacistplacesconcernforthewellbeingofthepatientatthecenterofprofessionalpractice.Indoingso,apharmacistconsidersneedsstatedby
thepatientaswellasthosedefinedbyhealthscience.Apharmacistisdedicatedtoprotectingthedignityofthepatient.Withacaringattitudeanda
compassionatespirit,apharmacistfocusesonservingthepatientinaprivateandconfidentialmanner.

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

Apharmacistpromotestherightofselfdeterminationandrecognizesindividualselfworthbyencouragingpatientstoparticipateindecisionsabouttheir
health.Apharmacistcommunicateswithpatientsintermsthatareunderstandable.Inallcases,apharmacistrespectspersonalandculturaldifferences
amongpatients.

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

Apharmacisthasadutytotellthetruthandtoactwithconvictionofconscience.Apharmacistavoidsdiscriminatorypractices,behaviororwork
conditionsthatimpairprofessionaljudgment,andactionsthatcompromisededicationtothebestinterestsofpatients.

V. A pharmacist maintains professional competence.

Apharmacisthasadutytomaintainknowledgeandabilitiesasnewmedications,devices,andtechnologiesbecomeavailableandashealthinformation
advances.

VI. A pharmacist respects the values and abilities of colleagues and other health professionals.

Whenappropriate,apharmacistasksfortheconsultationofcolleaguesorotherhealthprofessionalsorrefersthepatient.Apharmacistacknowledgesthat
colleaguesandotherhealthprofessionalsmaydifferinthebeliefsandvaluestheyapplytothecareofthepatient.

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

Theprimaryobligationofapharmacististoindividualpatients.However,theobligationsofapharmacistmayattimesextendbeyondtheindividualtothe
communityandsociety.Inthesesituations,thepharmacistrecognizestheresponsibilitiesthataccompanytheseobligationsandactsaccordingly.

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

Whenhealthresourcesareallocated,apharmacistisfairandequitable,balancingtheneedsofpatientsandsociety.
*adoptedbythemembershipoftheAmericanPharmacistsAssociationOctober27,1994.
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