Section 4: Ethics of chiropodists

The provisions of this Code of Ethics apply to all chiropodists registered with the Register of Chiropodists and performing a professional act under the conditions set out in Articles L. 4322-1, L. 4322-2, L. 4322-4 and L. 4322-5. These provisions also apply to the chiropodists mentioned in article L. 4322-15 and to the professionals mentioned in article L. 4002-3. In accordance with article L. 4322-7, the association of chiropodists is…

Every chiropodist, on being entered on the roll, must declare under oath and in writing to the regional or inter-regional council to which he/she is subject that he/she has read this code of ethics and undertakes to comply with it. They must inform the regional or inter-regional council without delay of any change in their situation or conditions of practice.

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,…