Part four: Health professions

The chiropodist, in the service of the individual and of public health, carries out his mission with respect for human life, the individual and his dignity. The chiropodist respects, in all circumstances, the principles of morality, probity and dedication essential to the practice of chiropody.

Under no circumstances may a chiropodist practise his profession in conditions likely to compromise the quality of the care and procedures he performs or the safety of patients. He may not alienate his professional independence in any form whatsoever and whatever the form or conditions of his professional practice.

All chiropodists are bound by professional secrecy under the conditions set out in article L. 1110-4 of this Code. The chiropodist must ensure that the persons assisting him or her are informed of their obligations with regard to professional secrecy and comply with them.

Every chiropodist must refrain, even outside the practice of his profession, from any act likely to bring it into disrepute. They may not engage in any other activity at the same time as that of chiropody which is incompatible with the rules applicable to the profession.

The following principles apply to all chiropodists in private practice. These principles are : 1° The patient’s free choice of chiropodist; 2° The freedom of prescription of the chiropodist in compliance with the provisions of Article R. 4322-1; 3° Direct agreement between patient and chiropodist as regards fees; 4° Direct payment of fees by the patient.

All chiropodists must maintain and perfect their knowledge in accordance with their obligation of continuous professional development.

The profession of chiropodist should not be practised as a business.

I. – The chiropodist is free to communicate to the public, by any means, including on a website, information likely to contribute to the patient’s free choice of practitioner, relating in particular to his professional skills and practices, his career path and the conditions of his practice. This communication must comply with the provisions in force and the ethical obligations defined in this section. It shall be fair and honest,…

Professionals from other Member States of the European Union or the European Economic Area who have been granted partial access to practise the profession of chiropodist in France under article L. 4002-5 of the Public Health Code, when presenting their activity to the public, in particular on a website, are required to inform the public of the list of procedures they are authorised to perform. As part of their practice,…

When the chiropodist participates in a public information campaign of an educational, scientific or health nature, regardless of the means of dissemination, he or she shall use only confirmed data, shall exercise caution and shall be mindful of the repercussions of his or her statements on the public. It is not his intention to profit from his contribution in the context of his professional activity, nor to pass it on…