Section 1: Code of medical ethics

When a doctor becomes aware that a person to whom he or she is called is being abused or deprived, he or she must take the most appropriate steps to protect that person by exercising prudence and circumspection. In the case of a minor or a person who is unable to protect himself because of his age or physical or mental state, he shall alert the judicial or administrative authorities,…

I. – Independently of the medical file provided for by law, the doctor keeps a personal observation sheet for each patient; this sheet is confidential and contains up-to-date information necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. The doctor’s personal notes are neither passed on nor accessible to the patient or third parties. In all cases, these documents are kept under the doctor’s responsibility. II – At the patient’s request or with…

When a patient requests access to his or her medical records through a doctor, the latter will take account of the patient’s interests only and will recuse himself or herself in the event of a conflict of interest.

Whatever the circumstances, continuity of patient care must be ensured. Except in emergencies and when failing in their duty of humanity, doctors have the right to refuse care for professional or personal reasons. If he does so, he must inform the patient and provide the doctor designated by the patient with the information required to continue the treatment.

Doctors may not abandon their patients in the event of public danger, unless formally ordered to do so by a qualified authority, in accordance with the law.

The doctor called upon to provide care in a family or community must do everything possible to ensure compliance with the rules of hygiene and prophylaxis. He must inform the patient of his responsibilities and duties towards himself and third parties, and of the precautions he must take.

The doctor must, without yielding to any abusive request, make it easier for the patient to obtain the social benefits to which his condition entitles him. To this end, he is authorised, unless the patient objects, to communicate strictly essential medical information to the named medical officer of the social security body to which he belongs, or to another doctor working for a public body which decides on the granting…

Doctors must not interfere in family matters or in their patients’ private lives for no professional reason.

A doctor who has treated a person during the illness from which he or she has died may not take advantage of inter vivos or testamentary dispositions made by the latter in his or her favour during the course of this illness except in the cases and under the conditions provided for by law. Nor may he abuse his influence to obtain a mandate or enter into a contract for…

I. – The doctor’s fees must be determined with tact and moderation, taking into account the regulations in force, the procedures performed or particular circumstances. They may only be claimed in respect of procedures actually performed, even if they fall within the scope of telemedicine. No fees may be charged for advice given to a patient by telephone or by correspondence. II. – The doctor complies with the provisions of…