Standards of Behaviours
The Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) has laid down the Code of Professional Conduct that sets out the expected standards of behaviour of doctors in their clinical practice. At the same time, the government and the Hospital Authority (HA) have formulated circulars, instructions, guidelines and a Code of Conduct to provide guidance on good professional practice respectively for their staff members. Doctors, whether in public or private service, should be aware of the integrity standards required by the codes and guidelines. Non-compliance with these standards may lead to disciplinary action taken by the MCHK and the respective employers.
Code of Professional Conduct of the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK)
All registered doctors should comply with the following major conduct requirements specified in the Code of Professional Conduct. Doctors can access the document at https://www.mchk.org.hk/english/code/index.html.
Relevant Notices, Circulars and Guidelines of the Government
Doctors employed by the government must comply with relevant regulations, rules and guidelines on conduct, including acceptance of advantages and entertainment, laid down by the Civil Service Bureau, Department of Health or respective government departments. They must familiarise themselves with the Acceptance of Advantages (Chief Executive's Permission) Notice for not contravening Section 3 of the POBO. Government doctors may also access the relevant documents at https://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/conduct/134.html.
Relevant Manuals, Circulars and Code of Conduct of the Hospital Authority (HA)
The Code of Conduct is an official document of the HA, stating its commitment to ensuring the ethical conduct and standard of its employees. It forms an integral part of the HA rules and regulations with which an employee must comply as part of the staff’s employment terms and conditions. Doctors employed by the HA should comply with the HA rules and regulations including the Code of Conduct and all related policies. For enquiries, HA staff should contact their local / Cluster Human Resources Office.
