Principles
of the Ethical Practice of Public Health
Public health should address
principally the fundamental causes of disease and requirements for health,
aiming to prevent adverse health outcomes.
Public health should achieve
community health in a way that respects the rights of individuals and the
community.
Public health policies,
programs, and priorities should be developed and evaluated through processes
that ensure an opportunity for input from community members.
Public health should advocate
and work for the empowerment of disenfranchised community members, aiming to
ensure that the basic resources and conditions necessary for health are
accessible to all.
Public health should seek the
information needed to implement effective policies and programs that protect
and promote health.
Public health institutions
should provide communities with the information they have that is needed for
decisions on policies or programs and should obtain the community’s consent for
their implementation.
Public health institutions
should act in a timely manner on the information they have within the resources
and the mandate given to them by the public
Public health programs and
policies should incorporate a variety of approaches that anticipate and respect
diverse values, beliefs, and cultures in the community.
Public health programs and
policies should be implemented in a manner that most enhances the physical and
social environment
Public health institutions
should protect the confidentiality of information that can bring harm to an
individual or community if made public.
Exceptions must be justified on the basis of the high likelihood of
significant harm to the individual or others.
Public health institutions
should ensure the professional competence of their employees.
Public health institutions and
their employees should engage in collaborations and affiliations in ways that
build the public’s trust and the institution’s effectiveness.
Values and Beliefs
Underlying the Code
Health
Humans have a right to the
resources necessary for health.
Community
Humans are inherently social and
interdependent.
The effectiveness of
institutions depends heavily on the public’s trust.
Collaboration is a key element
to public health.
People and their physical
environment are interdependent.
Each person in a community
should have an opportunity to contribute to public discourse.
Identifying and promoting the
fundamental requirements for health in a community are a primary concern to
public health.
Bases for Action
Knowledge is important and
powerful
Science is the basis for much of
our public health knowledge.
People are responsible to act on
the basis of what they know.
Action is not based on
information alone.
Ethical Concerns for Health Promotion Activities
Respect individual dignity,
despite personal attitudes or preference.
Practice within the scope of
his/her abilities and maintain competence
Maintain high standards for
teaching and research
Respect confidentiality
Discourage incompetence or
unethical behavior by peers
Maintain high standards of
personal ethics.
Be accountable for actions and
judgments.
Take seriously the role of model
for others.
Develop a responsible attitude
regarding public policy and public statements.
Use his/her knowledge and skill
to enhance human welfare.
AAHE/SOPHE The code specific to health education.
We are bound by all.
Basics:
Honesty
Trustworthiness
Do no harm
Do good
Freedom of
choice