Principles of Professional Relationship

10. Principle of Truth, Trust and Confidentiality
A person in need of health care and the professional healthcarer, who assists him or her, enter into a relationship that requires mutual respect, trust, honesty and confidentiality. Such a relationship, which should pervade the whole healthcare process, enables the patient to disclose personal information that is needed for effective care. The open exchange of truthful information is central to the healing and caring relationship in which both healthcarer and patient participate. The death of the patient does not absolve the healthcarer from the duty to maintain appropriate confidentiality.

11. Principle of Consent
The free and informed consent of the patient is required before treatment or procedures are carried out. When the patient has no capacity to give such consent, the consent of the parent or guardian or next of kin is
normally required, except in an emergency situation when consent cannot be obtained. Where a patient has previously expressed wishes concerning medical intervention, such wishes should be given appropriate
consideration. Consent for treatment is normally given in written form.