Board of Nursing Resolution No. 220 (2004)

PROMULGATION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR REGISTERED NURSES

• Whereas, the Board of Nursing has the power to promulgate a Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses in coordination and consultation with the accredited professional organization (Sec. 9, (g), Art. III of RA 9173, known as "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002);
• Whereas, in the formulation of the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, the Code of Good Governance for the Professions in the Philippines was utilized as the principal basis therefore: All the principles under the said Code were adopted and integrated into the Code of Ethics as they apply to the nursing profession;
• Whereas, the promulgation of the said Code as a set of guidelines, regulations or measures shall be subject to approval by the Commission (Sec. 9, Article II of RA 9173); and
• Whereas, the Board, after consultation on October 23, 2003 at Iloilo City with the accredited professional organization of registered nurses, the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. (PNA), and other affiliate organizations of Registered Nurses, decided to adopt a new Code of Ethics under the afore-mentioned new Law;
• Now, Therefore, the Board hereby resolved, as it now resolves, to promulgate the hereunder Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses.

ARTICLE I: PREAMBLE

Section 1

• Health is a fundamental right of every individual
• The Filipino registered nurse, believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the primary responsibility to preserve health at all cost
• This responsibility encompasses promotion of health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering, and restoration of health
• However, when the foregoing are not possible, assistance towards a peaceful death shall be his/her obligation

Section 2

• To assume this responsibility, registered nurses have to gain knowledge and understanding of man's cultural, social, spiritual, physiological, psychological and ecological aspects of illness, utilizing the therapeutic process
• Cultural diversity and political and socio-economic status are inherent factors to effective nursing care

Section 3

• The desire for the respect and confidence of clientele, colleagues, co-workers and the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct

ARTICLE II: Registered Nurses and People

Section 4. Ethical Principles

1. Values, customs, and spiritual beliefs held by individuals shall be respected
2. Individual freedom to make rational and unconstrained decisions shall be respected
3. Personal information acquired in the process of giving nursing care shall be held in strict confidence

Section 5. Guidelines to be Observed - Registered Nurses must:

1. Consider the individuality and totality of patients when they administer care
2. Respect the spiritual beliefs and practices of patients regarding diet and treatment
3. Uphold the rights of individuals
4. Take into consideration the culture and values of patients in providing nursing care. However, in the event of conflicts, their welfare and safety must take precedence.

ARTICLE III: Registered Nurses and Practice

Section 6. Ethical Principles

1. Human life is inviolable
2. Quality and excellence in the care of the patients are the goals of nursing practice
3. Accurate documentation of actions and outcomes of delivered care is the hallmark of nursing accountability

Section 7. Guidelines to be Observed - Registered Nurses must:

1. Know the definition and scope of nursing practice which are in the provisions of RA 9173 known as the "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" and Board Resolution 425, s. of 2003, the "Rules and Regulations Implementing the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" (IRR)
2. Be aware of their duties and responsibilities in the practice of their profession as defined in the "Philippine Nursing Act of 2002" and the IRR
3. Acquire and develop the necessary competence in knowledge, skills and attitudes to effectively render appropriate nursing services through varied learning situations
4. If they are administrators, be responsible in providing favorable environment for the growth and developments of Registered Nurses in their charge
5. Be cognizant that professional programs for specialty certification by the BON are accredited through the Nursing Specialty Certification Council (NSCC)
6. See to it that quality nursing care and practice meet the optimum standard of safe nursing practice
7. Ensure that modification of practice shall consider the principles of safe nursing practice
8. If in position of authority in a work environment, be normally and legally responsible in devising a system of minimizing occurrences of ineffective and unlawful nursing practice
9. Ensure that patient's records shall be available only if they are to be issued to those who are professionally and directly involved in their care and when they are required by law

Section 8. Ethical Principle

• Registered Nurses are the advocates of the patients: they shall take appropriate steps to safeguard their rights and privileges

Guidelines to be Observed - Registered Nurses must:

1. Respect the "Patient's Bill of Rights" in the delivery of nursing care
2. Provide the patients or their families with all pertinent information except those which may be deemed harmful to their well-being
3. Uphold the patient's rights when conflict arises regarding management of their care

Section 10. Ethical Principle

• Registered Nurses are aware that their actions have professional, ethical, moral and legal dimensions. They strive to perform their work in the best interest of all concerned

Section 11. Guidelines to be Observed - Registered Nurses must:

1. Perform their professional duties in conformity with existing laws, rules, regulations, measures, and generally accepted principles of moral conduct and proper decorum
2. Not allow themselves to be used in advertisement that should demean the image of the profession (i.e. indecent exposure, violation of dress code, seductive behavior, etc)
3. Decline any gift, favor or hospitality which might be interpreted as capitalizing on patients
4. Not demand and receive any commission, fee or emolument for recommending or referring a patient to a physician, a co-nurse or another health care worker; not to pay any commission, fee other compensations to the one referring or recommending a patient to them for nursing care
5. Avoid any abuse of the privilege relationship which exists with patients and of the privilege access allowed to their property, residence or workplace

ARTICLE IV: Registered Nurse and Co-Workers

Section 12. Ethical Principles

1. The Registered Nurse is in solidarity with other members of the healthcare team in working for the patient's best interest
2. The Registered Nurse maintains collegial and collaborative working relationship with colleagues and other health care providers

Section 13. Guidelines to be Observed - Registered Nurses must:

1. Maintain their professional role/identity while working with other members of the health team
2. Conform with group activities as those of a health team should be based on acceptable, ethico-legal standards
3. Contribute to the professional growth and development of other members of the health team
4. Actively participate in professional organizations
5. Not act in any manner prejudicial to other professions
6. Honor and safeguard the reputation and dignity of the members of nursing and other professions; refrain from making unfair and unwarranted comments or criticisms on their competence, conduct and procedures; or not do anything that will bring discredit to a colleague and to any member of other professions
7. Respect the rights of their co-workers

ARTICLE V: Registered Nurses, Society and Environment

Section 14. Ethical Principles

1. The preservation of life, respect for human rights, and promotion of healthy environment shall be a commitment of a Registered Nurse
2. The establishment of linkages with the public in promoting local, national and international efforts to meet health and social needs of the people as a contributing member of society is a noble concern of a Registered Nurse

Section 15. Guidelines to be Observed - Registered Nurses must:

1. Be conscious of their obligations as citizens and as such, be involved in community concerns
2. Be equipped with knowledge of health resources within the community, and take active roles in primary health care
3. Actively participate in programs, projects and activities that respond to the problems of Society
4. Lead their lives in conformity with the principles of right conduct and proper decorum
5. Project an image that will uplift the nursing profession at all times

ARTICLE VI: Registered Nurse and the Profession

Section 16. Ethical Principles:

1. Maintenance of loyalty to the nursing profession and preservation of its integrity are ideal
2. Compliance with the by-laws of the accredited professional organization (PNA), and other professional organizations of which the Registered Nurse is a member in a lofty duty
3. Commitment to continual learning and active participation in the development and growth of the profession are commendable obligations
4. Contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions and general welfare of nurses through appropriate legislation is a practice and a visionary mission

Section 17. Guidelines to be Observed - Registered Nurses must:

1. Be members of the Accredited Professional Organization (PNA)
2. Strictly adhere to the nursing standards
3. Participate actively in the growth and development of the nursing profession
4. Strive to secure equitable socio-economic and work conditions in nursing through appropriate legislation and other means
5. Assert for the implementation of labor and work standards

ARTICLE VII: Administrative Penalties, Repealing Clause and Effectivity

Section 18.

• The Certificate of Registration of Registered Nurse shall either be revoked or suspended for violation of any provisions of this Code pursuant to Section 23 (f), Article   IV of RA 9173 and Section 23 (f), Rule II of Board Resolution 425, s. of 2003, the IRR

Section 19

• The Amended Code of Ethics promulgated pursuant to RA 877 and PD 223 is accordingly repealed or superseded by the herein Code

Section 20

• This Code of Ethics for Nurses shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its full and complete publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspapers of general circulation. Done in the City of Manila, this 14th day of July, 2004 (original signed)