Section 2: Operating conditions and professional rules

The genetic counsellor helps each person who consults him or her with the same conscience and without discrimination, whatever feelings he or she may have towards that person, and without seeking to exploit that person’s trust for personal or financial gain. They respect the freedom and personal choices of those who consult them.

The genetic counsellor shall ensure the protection of all documents which he or she may hold against any indiscretion by preserving at the place of practice, as far as possible, the confidentiality of the data collected and their analysis and by taking all precautions in his or her power to prevent unauthorised persons from having access to the data which he or she is called upon to use in the…

Genetic counsellors have an obligation to update their knowledge and to keep abreast of changes in legislation, regulations and good professional practice relating to their activity. He/she must recognise the limits of his/her knowledge and skills and, if necessary, refer the consultant and his/her family to another health professional likely to meet their needs.

The genetic counsellor respects the right of persons who consult him or her to consult the health professional of their choice.

The genetic counsellor maintains a relationship of good confraternity with the members of the team in charge of the persons who consult him. He shall cooperate with them in the interest of those persons. A genetic counsellor must not slander a health professional, speak ill of him or her or make any comments likely to harm him or her in the exercise of his or her profession. A genetic counsellor…

Genetic counsellors must not use their professional position to attempt to obtain for themselves or for others any unjustified advantage or profit or to commit an act contrary to probity.

If questioned in the course of disciplinary proceedings, the genetic counsellor is required, insofar as is compatible with respect for professional secrecy, to reveal facts of use to the investigation which have come to his knowledge.

When participating in research involving the human person, the genetic counsellor must comply with the provisions of Title II of Book I of Part I of this Code.