Chapter VII: Ethics

Practitioners from other Member States of the European Union or the European Economic Area who have been granted partial access to the practice of the profession of doctor in France underarticle 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…

The doctor must be careful how his name, status or declarations are used. He must not tolerate the use of his name or professional activity for commercial purposes by the public or private organisations where he practises or to which he lends his assistance.

Doctors are prohibited from distributing for profit any remedies, devices or products presented as having a health benefit, unless they have been granted dispensation under the conditions laid down by law. They are prohibited from dispensing unauthorised medicines.

Any sharing of fees between doctors is prohibited in any form whatsoever, except in the cases provided for in article R. 4127-94. The acceptance, solicitation or offer of a fee-sharing arrangement, even if not followed by action, is prohibited.

Any competition between doctors, between doctors and pharmacists, medical auxiliaries or any other natural or legal persons is prohibited.

Doctors are prohibited from : – any act likely to procure for the patient an unjustified or illicit material advantage ; – any rebate in money or in kind, any commission to any person whatsoever; – soliciting or accepting an advantage in kind or in cash in any form whatsoever, directly or indirectly, for a prescription or any medical act whatsoever.

Doctors are prohibited from providing consultations, prescriptions or medical advice on commercial premises or in any other place where medicines, products or appliances that they prescribe or use are offered for sale.

A doctor may only engage in another activity if this is compatible with his professional independence and dignity and is not likely to enable him to profit from his prescriptions or medical advice.

It is forbidden for a doctor who holds an elected office or an administrative position to use it to increase his clientele.

It is forbidden to issue a biased report or a certificate of convenience.