26
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS July 2009
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
July 2009
Code of Conduct and Ethics iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABBREVIATIONS ...............................................................................vACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................viFOREWORD ................................................................................... viii
1.0 PREAMBLE ........................................................................... 1 1.1 MissionStatement......................................................................1 1.2 Vision.........................................................................................1 1.3 Values.........................................................................................2
2.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE KSP CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS ................................................................................. 2
3.0 PART I - PRELIMINARY ...................................................... 3 3.1 Citation......................................................................................3 3.2 Definition...................................................................................3 3.3 Application.................................................................................3
4.0 PART 11 - REQUIREMENTS ................................................ 4 4.1 PhysiotherapyEthicalPrinciples.................................................4 4.2 TheRightsandDignityofAllIndividuals...................................4 4.3 RightsofthePatient/Client........................................................5 4.4 Rightsofthephysiotherapist.......................................................6 4.5 Rightsoftheprofession..............................................................7 4.6 Gifts,benefits,favor....................................................................7 4.7 FeesandOtherTypesofRemuneration......................................7 4.8 ConflictofInterest/MisuseofPosition........................................7 4.9 Nepotism/Favoritism..................................................................7 4.10 Outsideemployment/business...................................................8 4.11 ConductinPublic......................................................................8 4.12 Respect.......................................................................................8
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, July 2009iv
4.13 Non-discrimination....................................................................8 4.14 SexualHarassment......................................................................8 4.15 WorkplaceHarassment...............................................................8 4.16 ProfessionalCompetence............................................................8 4.17 MarketingProfessionalServices..................................................9 4.18 Confidentiality...........................................................................9 4.19 CustodyofClientAssets...........................................................11 4.20 ProtectionofAssociationAssets................................................11 4.21 UseofInternet,EmailandElectronicMedia............................11 4.22 AlcoholandSubstanceAbuse....................................................11 4.23 Gambling.................................................................................11 4.24 Dresscode................................................................................11 4.25 PoliticalAssociations.................................................................11 4.26 EnforcementofEthicalStandards.............................................12 4.27 Reporting/ComplaintProcedures.............................................13 4.28 Review......................................................................................13
5.0 CONCLUSION ................................................................... 13
6.0 APPENDICES ..................................................................... 14 6.1 Appendix1...............................................................................15 6.2 Appendix2...............................................................................15
Code of Conduct and Ethics v
1 ABBREVIATIONS
APSEA -AssociationofProfessionalSocietiesinEastAfrica
KACC -KenyaAnti-CorruptionCommission
KSP -KenyaSocietyofPhysiotherapists
MOH -MinistryofHealth
NEC -NationalExecutiveCouncil
NEO -NationalExecutiveOfficials
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, July 2009vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This letter is anofficial acknowledgementof the excellentwork theKenyaAntiCorruptionCommission(KACC)asanorganizationhasdoneinhelpingtheKenyaSocietyofPhysiotherapists(KSP)developaCodeofConductforits members. On behalf of the entire Physiotherapy community in Kenyaandespeciallythosewhoembraceprofessionalism,IcommendKACCanditsentirestafffortheworkwelldone.
In steering the entire process of developing and printing the Code ofConduct,KACChasproventobeofgreatvaluetoourinstitutionandtoourmembers.TheseeffortswerenotinvainastheyareverywellalignedwiththePublicOfficerEthicsActcurrentlyinforceofwhichphysiotherapistsarenotimperviousto.
Working with the KACC during the development of the code allowed usasprofessionalstoconcentrateonkeyaspectsthatwerecrucialandrelevantto the profession without in any way compromising or contradicting ourconstitutionorstandards.ItiswithextremepleasurethereforethatIwritethisacknowledgementknowingverywellthattheCodewillenormouslyfortifyourconstitution.
Intheinitialstages,comingupwiththeCodeappearedunattainablebutwithtimeandconstantvigorandproddingfromtheAssociationoftheProfessionalAssociationsofEastAfrica–APSEAandtheKACCstaff,theeffortsstartedbearing fruit. Thanks to the personal assistance provided by the staff whonevertiredthroughouttheperiod.
LastlymayIalsothanktheAPSEAfororganizingandliaisingwiththestakeholders at every stage of the development. I appeal to other professionalbodies that have not yet developed Codes of Conduct to follow suit asthis will strengthen their governance procedures and effectively improveprofessionalismamongmembers.
WhentheCodeofConductisfullyembracedbyphysiotherapymembers,thequalityofourprofessionalserviceswillnodoubtbeenhanced.
WesincerelythankKACCforajobwelldoneandlookforwardtocontinued
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professionalservicesupport,enablingustohelpourprofessionalbodybecomemoreeffectiveinenforcingtheCode.
WeatKSPlookforwardtoworkingwithAPSEAandKACCandhopetocontinuealongandpositiverelationshipformanyyearstocome.
Nyagah, J.N, MSc. P.T (uwc) SACHAIRMAN, KENYA SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTSNAIROBI-KENYA
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, July 2009viii
FOREWORDPhysiotherapyservicesinKenyawereintroducedaftertheSecondWorldWartotakecareofthewarveteranswhohaddifferentkindsofinjuries,disabilitiesandimpairments.Thisserviceisoneofthosehealthspecialtiesthatplaysacriticalroleinpatientandclientmanagement.
Physiotherapyservicesprovide interventionmeasures to restore integrityofbodysystemsessentialtomovement,maximizingfunction,andrecuperationto enhance the quality to life among individuals / groups of individualswith altered movement behaviours resulting from impairments, functionallimitations, and disabilities. Physiotherapy in Kenya has grown to a fullyfledgedsectioninthehealthprofessionthatisnowrespectedfortheoutputsitprovideswithregardstopatientandclientcare.Withthechangingworldwherequalitycare is required, it is expected that thiscodeofconductwillbe seen as a tool to help Kenya Society of Physiotherapists (KSP) and itsmemberstaketheirservicestostandardsthatarecompliantworldwide.
The Code envisages giving guidance on maintenance and enhancement ofhighstandardsofprofessionalism.ItaimstosustainthedignityandintegrityofKSPanditsmembers.Itshouldalwaysbeborneinmindthatonehastyor ill-consideredactionmaybringdiscredittonotonlythephysiotherapistinvolved,buttothewholeprofession.
Alotofworkhasbeenputinthedevelopmentofthiscode.IthastakenmanymonthsoftirelesscommitmentfromTheKenyasocietyofPhysiotherapists,Association of Professional Societies in East Africa (APSEA) and KenyaAnti-CorruptionCommission(KACC)todevelopthiscodeofconduct.InthisregardKSPwouldsincerelythankAPSEAfortheirunderstandingandfacilitatory stewardship through out this process. Secondly, KSP would tothankallitsmembersinthecivilserviceandtheprivatesectorwhogaveusefulfeedbackduringthiswholeprocess.
LastbutnottheleastKSPwouldliketosincerelythanktheKACCforplayingafacilitatoryroleandguidingtheprocesstechnicallyuptotheend..WithoutyourtechnicalsupportandencouragementfromAPSEAthisprobablywouldhavebeenjustadream.ThroughthiscodetheKenyaSocietyofPhysiotherapistsanditsmemberswillbeexpectedtobehaveinamannerthatwillenhancethe
Code of Conduct and Ethics ix
honouroftheprofessionatalltimes.Thankyou!
Raphael O. Owako MSC. PTHon Secretary General,KENYA SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
Code of Conduct and Ethics �
THE KENYA SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS1.0 PREAMBLE The Kenya Society of Physiotherapists (KSP)isanAssociationformedtoregulatephysiotherapytrainingandpracticeandtoregisterqualifiedtrainedphysiotherapists.TheSocietyhasamandateto;
a. Ensurehighstandardsofphysiotherapypracticeandsafeguardingitsinterests
b. Organizeandholdingmeetings for theenhancementofcontinuedprofessionalandorganizationaldevelopment
c. AdvancetheknowledgeandskillsofmembersoftheSocietythroughappropriateacademiccurriculardevelopment.
d. Developstrongnetworksandcollaborationswithotherphysiotherapy,healthandprofessionalorganizationslocallyandinternationally.
e. Co-ordinate and publish a periodical physiotherapy journal,newsletters, and any other publication for members of the societyandthegeneralpublic.
f. TodoeverythingnecessarytofurthertheinterestsoftheSocietyandtheprofessionatlargewithinthelaw.
Mission Statement
KSPworkstowardsthedevelopmentofnationalhealthby:representing theKenyaphysiotherapyprofessionnationallyandinternationally;promotinghighstandardsofphysiotherapyeducation,practiceandresearch;supporting communicationandexchangeofinformationamongitsmembersandthegeneralpublic;andcollaboratingwithotherinternationalandnationalprofessionalorganizations.
Vision
ThevisionoftheKSPistobealeadingSocietyintheenhancementoftraining,regulation,promotionandwelfareofitsmembersanddeliveranceofqualityphysiotherapyservicestoitsclient.
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Values
KSPoperateswiththefollowingvalues:
Integrity: Upholdinghighstandardsofethicalbehavior;avoidingacceptanceofanygiftsorhospitalitywherethesemaycompromiseormightreasonablyappear to compromise a member’s judgment or place a member under animproperobligation.
Professionalism: Providing the most professional, relevant and timelyservices possible, always reflecting the environment and its current needs;acknowledgingandrespectingourmembersasourhighestpriority;proactivelyandreactivelyundertakingourbusinesswithourmembers,
Excellence:Promotingthehighestqualityofphysiotherapyservicedelivery;encouragingandfosteringcreativityinpractice,leadershipandinourfiscalresponsibilities.
Inclusiveness:Consultingandcollaboratingwithourstakeholders-seekingthe opinions of and strong partnerships with branches, divisions, alliedprofessionals,externaladvisors,staffandthepublic,wheneverpossible.
Respect:Demonstratingrespectforeachother,allopinions,allcontributionsandcontributors;aspiringto fair, justanddemocratic treatment;operatingfromastartingpositionthatweallworkfromaprincipleof“bestintentions”andcontributetothebestofourability.
Diversity: Welcoming members and stakeholders from all backgrounds,regardless of race, religion, culture, ethnicity, language, age, gender orsexualorientation,reflectingtheinclusiveandequitableenvironmentoftheAssociation.
2.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE KSP CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICSThe objective of the Kenya Society of Physiotherapists (KSP) Code ofConductandEthicsistoestablishageneralstandardofprofessionalismandethical behaviour for all KSP members in the public, non-governmentalorganizationsorprivatepractice. It aims to sustain the dignity and integrity of.Itaimstosustainthedignityandintegrityofthephysiotherapists,hallmarkswhichhavebeenassociatedwithprofessional
Code of Conduct and Ethics �
practiceovermanyyears. It assists theKSPmembers in ensuring thathis/herconductisalwaysbasedonobligationstoclients,fellowphysiotherapists,healthworkersandotherprofessionals,andthecommunity.Itshouldalwaysbeborneinmindthatonehastyorill-consideredactionmaybringdiscredittonotonlythe physiotherapistinvolved,buttothewholeprofession.
The Ethical Principles are those which should be observed by all KSPmembersintheexecutionofallaspectsofpractice.AKSPmemberwhoneedsguidanceregardinginterpretation,clarificationsandapplicationorwhenindoubt,shallconsultaseniorcolleagueoramemberoftheNationalExecutiveCommittee.
PARTI -PRELIMINARYCitationThisCodemaybe cited as theKenya Society ofPhysiotherapistsCodeofConductandEthics
1. Definition
InthisCodeunlessthecontextotherwiserequires:- “Member” means a member registered with the Kenya Society ofPhysiotherapistswiththefollowingphysiotherapyskills,andrelevantacademicqualificationsto,amongotherthings,practicethe;
a. Provisionofhealth,promotionofwellbeingofindividualsandthegeneralpublic.
b. Provision of services that prevent and minimize the effects ofimpairments, functional limitations, anddisabilities due to illness,injuryandtheeffectsoftheagingprocess
c. Provisionofinterventionmeasurestorestoreintegrityofbodysystemsessential to movement, maximizing function, and recuperation toenhancethequalityoflifeamongindividuals/groupsofindividualswith altered movement behaviours resulting from impairments,functionallimitationsanddisabilities.
2. ApplicationThisCodeappliestoallmembersoftheKenyaSocietyofPhysiotherapists
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, July 2009�
PART 11–REQUIREMENTS
3. Physiotherapy Ethical Principles
All members of the KSP shall uphold the ethical principles and respectthe rights of all individuals, clients, patients, physiotherapists, and thephysiotherapyprofession.TheyshallalsocomplywithalltherequirementsassetoutinthisCode,maintainhighpersonalintegrity,moralstandardsandsoundreputationbysubscribingtoandobservingthisCode.
In all professional activities a member represents the profession, whosefoundationisbasedontheidealofservicetotheindividualandthecommunity,asexpressedintheethicalprinciples.Inallcircumstancesamemberisexpectedtobehaveinamannerthatwillenhancethehonouroftheprofession.Theseidealsareembodiedinthefollowingethics:
(i) Respecttherightsanddecorumofallindividuals;
(ii) Actinaccordancewiththelawsandregulationsgoverningthepracticeofphysiotherapyinthecountry
(iii) Recognizeresponsibilityfortheexerciseofsoundjudgment
(iv) Providehonest,competentandaccountableprofessionalservices;
(v) BecommittedtoprovidingqualityservicesaccordingtoqualitypoliciesandobjectivesdefinedbytheNationalPhysiotherapyAssociation;
(vi) Be entitled to a just and fair level of remuneration for servicesrendered;
(vii) Provide accurate information to clients, to other agencies and thecommunity about physiotherapy and the services physiotherapistsprovide;
(viii)Contributetotheplanninganddevelopmentofservices,whichaddressthehealthneedsofthecommunity
4. The Rights and Dignity of All Individuals
Respect for thedignityof the individual is the cornerstoneofprofessionalpractice.Thereforetherelationshipbetweenamemberandanyrecipientof
Code of Conduct and Ethics �
professionalserviceoracolleagueshallbeoneofmutualtrustandrespect,based on a clear recognition of the rights of all parties. The existence ofhonesty,toleranceandtruthfulnessintherelationshipisimplied.
5. Rights of the Patient/Client
APatient/Clienthas;
(i) Therighttoreceivethebestpossiblephysiotherapyservice.
(ii) Therighttobeprotectedfromover-servicingandtoreceivephysiotherapyonlyas longas it isbeneficial.Acommitmentof service,notof self-interest,mayrightfullybeexpectedfrommembersofthephysiotherapyprofession.
(iii) Aright toprivacy,andwillingness to relinquish this shouldneverbetakenforgranted.Atalltimesthepatient/clientshallbetreatedbythephysiotherapistwithsensitivityandmindfulnessofhis/herdignityasahumanbeing.
(iv) A right to provision of sufficient information regarding assessment right to provision of sufficient information regarding assessmentfindings,treatmentoptionsandinherentorpotentialrisks,inamannerthatisunderstandable,suchthatinformedconsenttotreatmentmaybegivenorwithheld.
(v) The right to expect to benefit from all the resources available to e right to expect to benefit from all the resources available tothe physiotherapist for the best possible health care. Therefore thephysiotherapistmustbepreparedtoreferthepatient/clienttoamoresuitablyqualifiedperson,whenappropriate.
(vi) The right to self-determination and to make his or her own life decisions. erighttoself-determinationandtomakehisorherownlifedecisions.Thisincludestherightto:
Exercisefreedomofchoiceinseekingandobtainingphysiotherapyservices/options or alternative care. A patient/client shall not bedeniedanyrequestforasecondphysiotherapyopinion.
Choosetoceasetreatmentandacceptalevelofdisabilityeveniffurtherphysiotherapymayimprovesuchsituation.
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, July 2009�
6. Rights of the physiotherapist
Thememberhastherightto:
(i) Professionalindependenceandautonomy.
(ii) Freedomfromunwarrantedattacksonhis/herhonour,reputationandcompetency,andthe right tobeadvisedofanywrittencomplaintofunprofessionalconductagainsthim/herandtobegiveneveryreasonableopportunitytodefendhim/herselfagainstsuchchargesinaccordancewiththerulesofnaturaljustice.
(iii) Expectco-operationfromcolleagues.
(iv) Refusetotreatorintervenewhen,inhis/heropinion,theservicewillnotbeinthebestinterestoftherecipient.
(v) Reasonableremunerationforprofessionalservicesrendered.
7. Rights of the profession
Theprofessionhastherightto expect:
(i) Loyalty of its members and to protect itself from any disrepute thatmaybebroughtbyincompetent,unethicalorillegalbehaviourofanymember.
(ii) That its good name shall not be brought into disrepute by publicargument.
(iii) Thatthosewhoteachphysiotherapyhavethequalifications,competenceandexperiencetodoso.
(iv) That the practice of physiotherapy shall not be undermined by theindiscriminateteachingofphysiotherapyskillstootherindividualsorgroups.
8. IntegrityAmemberoftheKSP shallbeapersonofintegrity.He/sheshallcarryouthisdutieswithhonestyandimpartiality.
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9. Gifts, benefits, favor
AmemberoftheKSPshallnotacceptgifts,benefitsorfavorsfromclients.For those members practicing in private and public institutions the issueshallbehandledasstipulatedintherespectivepolicyguidelinesforspecificinstitutionswithregardtogifts,benefitsandfavors.KSPshallabidebythepolicyguidelinesofthespecificinstitutionsthathavetheminplace.For institutionsormembers inprivatepracticewhodonothavetheseguidelines,theywillinformKSPofthesaiditemsforguidanceonhowtheyshouldbehandled.
Incircumstanceswhereamember/softhesocietyorexecutivereceivegiftsor donations on behalf of the society, such gifts and donations shall besurrendered and registered with the KSP headquarters. KSP headquartersshallgiveguidelinesonhowtheitemscanbestoredordisposedoffwithoutcompromisingthecredibilityandintegrityoftheSociety.
10. Fees and Other Types of Remuneration
Whenenteringintonegotiationsregardingprofessionalservices,Clientsshallbeguaranteedqualityservicesatreasonablesetchargeswhichcurrentlyexistinpublicandrecognizedprivateinstitutions.WhereaninstitutiondoesnotfallunderanyofthementionedinstitutionstheyshouldseekguidancefromtheKSPheadquarters.
11. Conflict of Interest/Misuse of Position
AmemberoftheKSPshallnotusehispositionorconnectiontoattempttogainortoconferabenefituponotherswithwhomhehasaninterest,suchasfamilymembers,friends,relatives,businessassociatesorcolleagues.Intheeventofanyrealorpotentialconflictof interest,thesamewillbereportedtotheSociety,recordedandadecisionmadeinrespectoftheconflict.(SeeAppendix2)12. Nepotism/Favoritism
AmemberoftheKSPshallnotfavorrelatives,friendsorassociatesindecisionmakingorprovisionofservices.
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, July 2009�
13. Outside employment/ business
Amemberof theKSP shallnot engage inanyotherbusinessorpart-timeemploymentduringtheemployer’sofficialworkinghours that maybe inconflictwithhis/heremployment.
14. Conduct in Public
AmemberoftheKSPshallcarryouthimselfindignitybothinpublicandprivate.
15. Respect AmemberoftheKSP shallnotintentionallyinjuretheprofessionalreputationorpracticeofanothermember.However,ifamemberhasevidencethatanothermember has been guilty of unethical, illegal or unfair practices, includingpracticesinviolationofthiscode,he/sheshouldpresenttheinformationtotheKenyaSocietyofPhysiotherapistsforappropriateaction.
16. Non-discrimination
AmemberoftheKSPshallnotdiscriminatedirectlyorindirectlyindividualsonthegroundofage,gender,race,color,ethnicorigin,maritalstatus,disabilityoranyotherground.
17. Sexual Harassment
AmemberoftheKSPshallnotsexuallyharassamemberofthepublicorafellowcolleague/s.
18. Workplace Harassment
AmemberoftheKSPshallavoidunwelcome,abusive,belittlingorthreateningbehaviortohis/herfellowcolleagues.
19. Professional Competence
A member of the KSP shall maintain professional knowledge and skills
Code of Conduct and Ethics 9
required to provide patients / clients with competent professional servicesand act diligently in accordancewith applicable technical andprofessionalstandardsrequiredintheprofession
20. Marketing Professional Services
All members of the Kenya Society of Physiotherapists in private, non-governmental organizations/ public practiceshallnotbringtheprofessionintodisrepute.Allmembersinpublic /private practiceshallbehonestandtruthfulandshallnot:• Makeexaggeratedclaimsforservicesoffered,qualificationspossessedor
experiencegained;or• Make disparaging references to unsubstantiated comparisons to the
workofothermembers.If a member in public / private practice is in doubt whether a proposedformofadvertisingormarketingisnotappropriate,thememberinpublic / private practiceshallconsultwiththeKSPheadquarters.
21. Confidentiality(i) Areasofconfidentialityshallinclude:
• Useanddisclosureofclientandemployeeinformation• Personalinformation• DisclosureofKSPinformation• InformationManagementandSecurity
(ii) Amembershallmaintainconfidentialityeveninasocialenvironment.Amembershouldbealerttothepossibilityofinadvertentdisclosure,particularlyincircumstancesinvolvinglongassociationwithabusinessassociate.
(iii) APhysiotherapistshallmaintainconfidentialityofinformationdisclosedbyaprospectiveclientoremployer.
(iv) Amembershalltakeallreasonablestepstoensurethatstaffunderthemember’s control and persons from whom advice and assistance isobtainedrespecttheKSPdutyofconfidentiality.
(v) Theneedtocomplywiththeprincipleofconfidentialitycontinuesevenaftertheendofrelationshipsbetweenamemberandaclientoremployer.
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, July 2009�0
When a member changes employment or acquires a new client, themember is entitled to use prior experience. The member shall not,however,useordiscloseanyconfidentialinformationeitheracquiredorreceivedasaresultofaprofessionalorbusinessrelationship.
(vi) Thefollowingarecircumstanceswheremembers are or may be requiredmembers are or may be requiredsareormayberequiredto disclose confidential information or when such disclosure may beappropriate:
a. Disclosureispermittedbylawandisauthorizedbytheclientortheemployer;
b. Disclosureisrequiredbylaw,forexample:c. Productionofdocumentsorotherprovisionofevidenceinthe
courseoflegalproceedings;ord. Disclosuretotheappropriatepublicauthoritiesofinfringements
ofthelawthatcometolight;and(vii) Thereisaprofessionaldutyorrighttodisclose,whennotprohibitedby
law:a. To comply with the quality review of a member body or
professionalbody;b. Torespondtoaninquiryorinvestigationbyamemberbodyor
regulatorybody;c. ToprotecttheprofessionalinterestsofaKSPmember.inlegal
proceedings;ord. Tocomplywithtechnicalstandardsandethicsrequirements.
(viii) In deciding whether to disclose confidential information, a membermembershouldconsiderthefollowingpoints:
a. Whether the interests of all parties, including third partieswhoseinterestsmaybeaffected,couldbeharmediftheclientoremployerconsents to thedisclosureof informationby theprofessional.
b. Whether all the relevant information is known andsubstantiated,totheextentitispracticable;whenthesituationinvolves unsubstantiated facts, incomplete information orunsubstantiatedconclusions,professionaljudgmentshouldbeusedindeterminingthetypeofdisclosuretobemade,ifany;and
c. Thetypeofcommunicationthatisexpectedandthepartiestowhomitisaddressedshouldbeappropriatetorecipients.
Code of Conduct and Ethics ��
22. Custody of Client Assets
Amember inmember in inpublic / private practice shallnot assume custodyof clientmoniesorotherassetsunlesspermittedtodosobylawand,ifso,incompliancewithanyadditionallegaldutiesimposedonbytheSociety
23. Protection of Association Assets
Amember shall protect the Society’s assets such as premises, furniture, officemember shall protect the Society’s assets such as premises, furniture, officeshallprotecttheSociety’sassetssuchaspremises,furniture,officeequipments,fittings,technology,systems,informationorprocesses,strategies,businessplans,operationsandclientrelations
24. Use of Internet, Email and Electronic Media
A member shall not knowingly transmit view, print, retrieve, downloadmember shall not knowingly transmit view, print, retrieve, download shall not knowingly transmit view, print, retrieve, downloador store communications of a discriminatory or damaging nature (such ascomputerviruses)threateningorharassingnatureoranymailinappropriateforthebusinessenvironment.
25. Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Amember shall not consume alcoholic beverages in quantities that impairmember shall not consume alcoholic beverages in quantities that impair shallnot consumealcoholicbeverages inquantities that impairworkperformanceorimpairjudgmentduringworkinghours.
26. Gambling
Amembershallnotengageinactivitiesthatimpairworkperformance
27. Dress code
AmemberofKSPshallbeneat,wellgroomedandproperlydressedparticularlywhendischargingprofessionalduties
28. Political Associations
AsaprofessionalbodyKSPshallremainpoliticallyneutral.
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, July 2009�2
29. Enforcement of Ethical Standards
(i) TheKSPDisciplinaryCommitteeshallberesponsibleforenforcementofthisCode.
(ii) Atalltimesamembershall:a. Respecttherightsanddignityofallindividuals;b. Help all those who seek his/her professional service, without
discrimination,fearorfavour;c. Givehonest,competentandaccountableprofessionalservice;d. Recognise the extent and limitations of his/her professional
expertiseandundertakeonlythoseactivitiesthatarewithinhis/herprofessionalcompetence;
e. Holdinconfidenceallpersonalinformationentrustedtohim/her,exceptwheredisclosure is in thebest interestofhis/herpatient/client/colleague(s)/community;
f. Atalltimesmaintainthehigheststandardofprofessionalcompetenceandcontinuallyupdateandextendhis/herprofessionalknowledgeandskills;
g. Contribute to the planning and development of services whichenable individuals within the community to achieve optimumhealth;unlessthereisaproperreasontoactotherwiseinaparticularinstance.
Where a member fails to observe any of the above provisions or where amemberhascommitted,whetherdirectlyorbyagent,abreachofthisCodeappropriateactionwillbetakenbytheDisciplinaryCommittee.,
(i) TheDisciplinaryCommitteeshalldealwiththeissuebasedonthefactspresentedto it.Penalties formisconductwill includebutnot limitedto;reprimanding,suspensionfrompracticeandderegistrationfromtheSociety.
(ii) Failure to follow the guidance given by this Code may not in itselfconstitutemisconduct,butitmeansthatthememberconcernedmaybeatriskofhavingtojustifyhisorheractionstotheKSPdisciplinaryorganorinanswertoacomplaint.
(iii) KSP will at all times inquire into apparent failure by a member toobservetheethicalrequirementsandmayreferthemattertotheKSPDisciplinaryCommittee.
Code of Conduct and Ethics ��
30. Reporting/Complaint Procedures
AnybreachoftheprovisionsofthisCodeshallbereportedtotheSocietyinwritingbyeithertheclientormember.Thereportshallspecifythenatureofthecomplaint,thedatesandactualplacewheretheincidenttookplace.Thecomplaintshallbeloggeduponreceiptandissuedwithanumberafterwhich:
TheSocietyshallwritetotheparty(ies)involvedwithintwentyonedaysonreceiptofthereport.
TheSocietyshallcarryout itsowninvestigationafterwhichitwillcall thedisciplinarycommitteemeeting/sandgiverecommendationsontheissue.
31. Review
ThisCodeshallbereviewedperiodicallyasdeemedappropriatebytheKSP.
32.CONCLUSION
ThiscodehasmadeanattempttoaddresswhatisexpectedofphysiotherapistspracticinginKenya.Itisnotmeanttobepunitivebutrathertomaintainhighstandardsofphysiotherapyserviceprovision.WhilewedounderstandthattheenforcementofthisCoderequiresthecommitmentofallparties,itishopedthatallmembers will be sensitized accordingly regarding this Code for ease ofmembers will be sensitized accordingly regarding this Code for ease ofswillbesensitizedaccordinglyregardingthisCodeforeaseofimplementation.ItistheresponsibilityofKSPtoadvocatetheethicalissuesthatarementionedherein.AllmembersofKenyaSocietyofPhysiotherapistsshallcomplywithapplicablelaws,rulesandregulationsmeasuresasstipulatedintheKSPconstitutionandcodeofconductatalllevelsofhealthprovision.
Thisdocumentshallbecomeeffectivefromthisday:
16th July 2009
Signed by:
______________________________Chairman Kenya Society of Physiotherapists
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, July 2009��
APPENDICESAPPENDIX 1
Formatforreportofgifts
(Form A)Report of gifts received
To:(ApprovingAuthority)______________________________________
DescriptionofOffer__________________________________________
NameandTitle:______________________________________________
Company:__________________________________________________
Relationship(Business/Personal)_________________________________
Occasiononwhichthegiftwas/istobereceived______________________
Description&(assessed)valueofgift______________________________
Suggested method of disposal
o Retainedbyreceivingstaffo Retainedfordisplay/asasouvenirintheofficeo Sharedamongtheofficerso Reserveasluckdrawprizeatstafffunctiono Donatetocharitableorganizationo Returntoprovidero Others(pleasespecify)
________________________________________ Date Name of receiving staff
Title/Department
Code of Conduct and Ethics ��
Part B -Acknowledgment (to be completed by approving authority)
To(receivingstaff)__________________________________
Therecommendedmethodofdisposalis*Approved/NotApproved
Thegift(s)concernedshouldbedisposedofbywayof:________________
________________________________________DateNameofapprovingAuthority
Title/Department
*Please delete as appropriate (Form B)
APPENDIX 2
Declaration of conflict of interest
Part A-Declaration (to be completed by member
To:(ApprovingAuthority)
Iwould liketoreportthefollowingexisting/potential*conflictof interestsituationarisingduringthedischargeofmyofficialduties:
Persons/companies with whom/which I have official dealings and /or personal interest
� 2 �Brief description of my duties which involve the persons/companies mentioned above and these are the areas of real/possible conflict of interest. � 2 �
________________________________________ Date Name of declaring member Title/Department
Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, July 2009��
Part B-acknowledgment (to be completed by approving authority)
To:declaringmember
The information contained in your declaration for………..is noted. It hasbeendecidedthat:
You should refrain fromperformingor getting involved inperforming thework/participatinginthedeliberationsregarding……,asdescribedinPartA,whichmaygiverisetoconflictofinterest.
You should continue to handle the work/ participate in deliberationsregarding……..asdescribedinPartA,providedthatthereisnochangeintheinformationdeclaredabove.
Otherconditions(pleasespecify)---------------------------------------------------
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________________________________________ Date Name of approving authority Title/Department
Code of Conduct and Ethics ��
