CHP Ethics

[Bill Pitchford <Bill.Pitchford@asu.edu>]

STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHPs

Foreword

These principles are the standards of professional responsibility for 
CHPs. By applying for and achieving certification, the Certified Health 
Physicist recognizes and assumes the following responsibilities.

The Certified Health Physicist (CHP) shall:

A. Support and Improve the Profession of Health Physics

   1.The CHP shall support the purposes of the American Academy of Health 
	Physics (the Academy). 
   2.The CHP shall endeavor to advance the Health Physics profession by 
	sharing information and experience with others and by contributing
	to the work of professional associations, schools, and the
	professional, scientific, and technical press. 
   3.The CHP shall not act in a manner that may bring the profession or 
	the Academy into disrepute. 

B. Provide Technical Competence

   1.The CHP shall remain active in the field, strive to improve his/her 
	professional knowledge, and endeavor to be aware of contemporary 
	scientific, technical,and regulatory developments. 
   2.The CHP shall practice only in areas of his/her expertise. 
   3.The CHP shall practice his/her profession following recognized 
	scientific principles. 
   4.The CHP shall counsel affected parties factually regarding potential 
	health risks and precautions necessary to avoid adverse health effects. 
   5.The CHP should accept opportunities to increase public understanding 
	of radiation protection and the purposes of the Academy.

C. Act in the Public Interest

   1.The CHP shall have due regard for the safety and health of the 
	public and of individuals who may be affected by his/her work. 
   2.The CHP shall not undertake any employment or consultation that is 
	contrary to law. 
   3.The CHP shall not compromise public welfare and safety in favor of a 
	private interest. 

D. Maintain High Standards in Dealing with Others

   1.The CHP shall maintain the highest standards of integrity and 
	fairness in his/her professional interactions with employers,
	colleagues, workers, clients, government agencies, and the
	general public. 
   2.The CHP shall not attempt to falsely injure the reputation of any 
	person. 
   3.The CHP shall protect the sources and content of confidential 
	communications or other confidential personal or business information 
	obtained in the course of his/her practice, provided that such 
	protection is not itself unethical or illegal. 
   4.Without the knowledge and consent of his/her client, the CHP shall 
	not accept or offer commissions, allowances, or finder's fees, directly 
	or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing with the
	client. 
   5.The CHP shall avoid circumstances where a compromise of professional 
	judgement or conflict of interest may arise. 
   6.The CHP shall not knowingly take credit for the work of others and 
	shall give credit where it is due. 


Bill Pitchford			Bill.Pitchford@asu.edu
Radiation Protection Facility	(602)965-6140 voice
Arizona State University	http://www.asu.edu
Campus Box 873501		(602)965-6609 facsimile
Tempe, Arizona 85287-3501	http://physics.isu.edu