Introduction: Code of Ethics/ Standards of Practice

The Canadian Association of Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists (CACPT) is committed to maintaining the highest standards possible for all members of the association. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct set out the professional guidelines for each member.

The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice are based on the premises that personal and professional growth is a developmental process and that technologists move through a variety of career and life stages. The professional learning programs must address the professional growth needs of members from the time they prepare to enter the profession, to the time they retire. The CACPT education curricula are based on the foundation prepared by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.

The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice describe what it means to be a registered member of the CACPT. They describe the knowledge, skills, and values that are inherent to Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists and articulate the goals and aspirations of the profession. They are reflective of the beliefs and values of the membership and the larger medical community. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice provide the foundation for ongoing professional growth through the professional learning programs.

Code of Ethics

Cardio-Pulmonary Technology is a very specific branch of medical science. Their respective technologists, as competent members of the medical community and registered members of the CACPT, appreciate their contribution to diagnostic accuracy and the well-being of the patient. Technical competence, respect for the patient, and colleague cooperation are the ultimate desires of Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists and the basis for the following Code of Ethics.

Registered Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists shall:
· care for and comfort the patient whom they are testing;
· maintain the dignity of the patient;
· demonstrate respect for the patient in all circumstances;
· work in cooperation with all other members of the healthcare team;
· demonstrate an awareness that the usefulness of the test result is ultimately dependent upon the accuracy of the data produced;
· maintain clear and complete records;
· consider all patient information confidential;
· demonstrate an awareness that the diagnosis of disease is the responsibility of the physician;
· demonstrate an awareness of their limitations and make appropriate referrals to other members of the healthcare team;
· demonstrate an understanding of the need for continual education to maintain and advance their base of knowledge and to teach others;
· maintain a high level of professionalism in all matters related to personal behaviour and dress code;
· maintain the dignity and respect of their profession, considering reliability, courtesy, patience, tact, efficiency and personal integrity as fundamental professional attributes; and
· demonstrate loyalty to their colleagues and support their professional organization by interest and active participation.

Professional Standards

Standard 1: Respect the integrity and individuality of the patient.
Registered Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists shall:

· demonstrate an understanding that the quality of the data is often ultimately dependent upon the understanding and cooperation of the patient; 
· assess the cooperation of the patient and adjust instructions or methodology appropriately to ensure the best results; 
· demonstrate an awareness of the contraindications to particular tests procedures and know when to terminate a procedure, should there be a question of patient safety or comfort; and 
· respect patient confidentiality.

Standard 2: Maintain, improve and apply the knowledge and skills pertaining to the science of Cardio-Pulmonary technology.
Registered Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists shall:

· provide laboratory test results that are used to assess the health status of an individual; 
· use specialized knowledge and skills to maintain the laboratory and its’ equipment in order to ensure quality of the technical procedure performed; 
· identify priorities and organize the workload in order to maintain laboratory efficiency and thus provide test results in a reasonable length of time; 
· perform the required tests according to established criteria and identify additional tests to provide further information; 
· update and improve knowledge and skills, including laboratory methodology to provide precise, accurate and reproducible results; and 
· maintain accurate and complete records of all laboratory procedures.

Standard 3: Participate as a member of the health care team.
Registered Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists shall:

· collaborate with other members of the health care team; 
· coordinate laboratory test procedures with other aspects of health care; and 
· refer and report pertinent laboratory results to other members of the health care team.

Standard 4: Participate as a member of the laboratory service team.
Registered Cardio-Pulmonary Technologists shall:

· collaborate and cooperate with other members of the laboratory; 
· provide effective supervision of subordinate staff members or students; 
· demonstrate a commitment to the CACPT Code of Ethics; 
· demonstrate a commitment to the policies and practices of the employing agency; and 
· accept responsibility for personal actions and seek aid and guidance when appropriate.