Læknablaðið : fylgirit - 01.09.1977, Page 32

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with patients, with colleagues, with members of allied profess-
ions and with the public.
Section 1 The principal objective of the medical profession is to
render service to humanity with full respect for the dignity of
man. Physicians should merit the confidence of patients entrusted
to their care, rendering to each a full measure of service and
devotion.
Section 2 Physicians should strive continually to improve medical
knowledge and skill, and should make available to their patients
and colleagues the benefits of their professional attainments.
Section 3 A physician should practice a method of healing founded
on a scientific basis; and he should not voluntarily associate
professionally with anyone who violates this principle.
Section 4 The medical profession should safeguard the public and
itself against physicians deficient in moral character or pro-
fessional competence. Physicians should observe all laws, uphold
the dignity and honor of the profession and accept its selfimposed
disciplines. They should expose, without hesitation, illegal or
unethical conduct of fellow members of the profession.
Section 5 A physician may choose whom he will serve. In an
emergency, however, he should render service to the best of his
ability. Having undertaken the care of a patient, he may not ne-
glect him; and unless he has been discharged he may discontinue
his services only after giving adequate notice. He should not
solicit patients.
Section 6 A physician should not dispose of his services under
terms or conditions which tend to interfere with or impair the
free and complete exercise of his medical judgement and skill or
tend to cause a deterioration of the quality of medical care.
Section 7 In the practice of medicine a physician should limit
the source of his professional income to medical services actual-
ly rendered by him, or under his supervision, to his patients.
His fee should be commensurate with the services rendered and the
patients ability to pay. He should neither pay nor receive a CŒn-
mission for referral of patients. Drugs, remedies or appliances
may be dispensed or supplied by the physician provided it is in
the best interests of the patient.
Section 8 A physician should seek consultation upon request; in
doubtful or difficult cases; or whenever it appears that the qua-
lity of medical service may be enhanced thereby.
Section 9 A physician may not reveal the confidences entrusted
to him in the course of medical attendance, or the deficiencies
he irny observe in the character of patients, unless he is required