Physician "in office" vs. the Code of Medical Ethics. There is a proposal for changes

Currently, Article 61 of the KEL reads:

A doctor of a state or local government office or any public or private institution should honestly perform the obligations incurred to these institutions, but the doctor should not comply with the employer's instructions that are contrary to the principles of medical ethics and deontology.

The NRL Committee on Medical Ethics proposes the following change:

A doctor employed in a state office, local government, public or private institution should diligently perform the duties of his employment. A doctor may not carry out the employer's instructions that are inconsistent with the principles of KEL.

• The reasoning behind the introduction of the changes of the NRL Medical Ethics Committee:

The article deals with the behavior of physicians holding positions in state, local government or private institutions. Doctors with an active Right to Practice are bound by the provisions of the KEL. Therefore, in their work they cannot embezzle from complying with its provisions, and they are subject to professional liability for failure to do so. They should perform their work diligently, always remembering that they are physicians. The obligation to comply with the principles of medical ethics contained in the KEL also extends to physicians who perform the functions of an expert witness or forensic physician. Doctors performing these functions maintain their work independence as to the content of the opinions given in accordance with current medical knowledge and the principles of medical ethics. Refusal to carry out an order, the implementation of which would constitute a violation of a provision of the KEL, does not constitute a breach of labor duties.

• Context for making changes:

Physicians' performance of duties as a member of the Polish Parliament, senator, minister, mayor, etc. does not constitute practicing medicine. A doctor who anticipates that he or she will not comply with the principles of KEL while performing these functions should suspend the right to practice medicine. He is then not subject to professional liability. However, he must keep in mind that reapplying for the KEL may entail an evaluation of his conduct during the period of suspension of professional privileges as well.

• Related KEL articles:

Article.6 The doctor is free to choose the methods of treatment he deems most effective

Article.8 The doctor should carry out all diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive procedures with due diligence.

Source: NIL