CODE OF ETHICS
PREAMBLE
The New Brunswick Kinesiology Association/Association de Kinésiologie du Nouveau-Brunswick accepts responsibility for delineating the ethical behavior expected of kinesiologists in New Brunswick and has developed and approved this Code of Ethics as a guide.
The Code of Ethics is a tool that aims to provide a guide to ethical practice in the field of kinesiology in New Brunswick. Legislation and court decisions may also influence ethics, and therefore, kinesiologists should be aware of the legal and regulatory requirements in their practice. However, the Code of Ethics may set out different standards of behaviour than does the law.
The Code is an ethical document. Its sources are traditional codes of ethics as well as developments in human rights. The Code is not, and cannot be, exhaustive. Its statements are general in nature, to be interpreted and applied in particular situations.
The Code has been prepared by kinesiologists for kinesiologists. It is based on the fundamental principles of kinesiology, especially compassion, beneficence, non-malfeasance, and respect for persons. It interprets these principles with respect to the responsibilities of kinesiologists to individual clients, their family, colleagues, other healthcare professionals, and society.
Kinesiologists may experience conflict between different ethical principles, between ethical and legal or regulatory requirements, or between their own ethical convictions and demands of clients, proxy decision makers, other health professionals, employers or other involved parties. Training, consultations with colleagues, ethicists, or others who have expertise are recommended.
All certified members of the New Brunswick Kinesiology Association/Association de Kinesiologie du Nouveau-Brunswick, as a condition of obtaining and maintaining their certified membership, shall abide by this Code of Ethics in all of their professional activities.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Certified Member – Any person identified by the by-laws of the New Brunswick Kinesiology Association/Association de Kinesiologie du Nouveau-Brunswick as a certified member of the Association.
Kinesiology Services – Any act or activity, with the New Brunswick Kinesiology Association/Association de Kinesiologie du Nouveau-Brunswick Scope of Practice that a member performs as part of their professional activities.
Conflict of Interest – “Conflict of interest” means an interest that would likely adversely affect a kinesiologist’s judgment on behalf of, or loyalty to, a patient or prospective patient, or that a kinesiologist might be prompted to prefer the interests of a patient or prospective patient. A potential conflict of interest exists in all situations where there is a private interest that may influence a Kinesiologist’s duties and responsibilities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES TOWARD THE CLIENT AND PUBLIC
- Hold paramount the health and safety of their client and/or public at all times;
- Not take physical, psychological, sexual, or financial advantage of a client;
- Offer and/or advise on kinesiology services in areas of his or her specific competence;
- Practice in a careful and diligent manner, and encourage a client to seek other professional assistance when such action is in the best interest of the client;
- Respect the client’s rights, dignity, needs, wishes and values;
- Apply only accepted scientific principles and professional practices when providing kinesiology services;
- Continue his or her professional development to maintain a high level of competence;
- Conduct themselves with fairness, respect, and good faith towards their clients, colleagues, and the profession;
- Declare to a client any conflict of interest which may adversely affect his or her professional relationship with a client and/or employer;
- Render services to those who seek it without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ethnic origin, language, political affiliation, societal, or health status;
- Respect the client’s or surrogate’s right to be informed about the effects of the services provided and give opportunity to consent or decline a service;
- Protect the confidentiality of all professionally acquired information, and disclosure such information only when properly authorized or when legally obligated to do so.
DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES TOWARDS THE PROFESSION
- Abide by the bylaws of the NBKA/AKNB and support its vision, goals, and objectives;
- Give credit where it is due, and accept, as well as give, objective and fair professional criticism;
- Act in a way that is beyond reproach and report to the appropriate authorities any member of the Association who appears to be incompetent or whose professional conduct appears to be unethical, illegal, or, in general, unbecoming to the profession; and
- Strive to promote the advancement of the science and profession of Kinesiology.
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