Part four: Health professions

Physicians, in the service of the individual and of public health, carry out their mission with respect for human life, the individual and his or her dignity. The respect due to the individual does not cease to apply after death.

The doctor must, in all circumstances, respect the principles of morality, probity and devotion essential to the practice of medicine.

Professional secrecy, established in the interests of patients, is binding on all doctors under the conditions laid down by law. Confidentiality covers everything that comes to the doctor’s knowledge in the exercise of his profession, i.e. not only what has been entrusted to him, but also what he has seen, heard or understood.

The doctor may not alienate his professional independence in any form whatsoever.

The doctor must respect the right of every person to freely choose their doctor. He must facilitate the exercise of this right.

Doctors must listen to, examine, advise and treat all persons with the same conscience, whatever their origin, morals and family situation, their membership or non-membership of a particular ethnic group, nation or religion, their disability or state of health, their reputation or any feelings they may have towards them. He must give them his support in all circumstances. They must always maintain a correct and attentive attitude towards the person…

Within the limits set by law and taking into account the latest scientific knowledge, the doctor is free to prescribe whatever he considers most appropriate in the circumstances. He must, without neglecting his duty of moral assistance, limit his prescriptions and actions to what is necessary for the quality, safety and effectiveness of care. They must take into account the advantages, disadvantages and consequences of the various investigations and treatments…

Any doctor who is in the presence of a sick or injured person who is in danger, or who is informed that a sick or injured person is in danger, must render assistance or ensure that he or she receives the necessary care.

A doctor called upon to examine a person deprived of his liberty or to provide him with care may not, directly or indirectly, even by his mere presence, encourage or condone an attack on the physical or mental integrity of this person or on his dignity. If he finds that this person has been subjected to abuse or ill-treatment, he must, subject to the consent of the person concerned, inform…

All doctors must maintain and perfect their knowledge in accordance with their obligation of continuing professional development.