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CODE OF CONDUCT
The BAS is at present a small, but not insignificant organisation. Our aim is to raise standards of practice through education and support for its members and in so doing promote confidence in this treatment for the public and associated health care professionals who may refer.
Membership must therefore be meaningful without being exclusive. We feel the best way of achieving this is to require our members to abide by a code of conduct which is based on current laws and professional codes of conduct which already apply.
1. Health and Safety
1.1 All members will practice in a safe environment which meets Health and Safety Regulations, and enables you to treat the patient safely.
1.2 Members should have annual training in basic life support and infection control
1.3 Members will have written procedure in event of anaphylaxis.
1.4 Members will have Hepatitis B immunity/vaccination
Environmental Protection Act 1990; Health Service Advisory Committee,Safe Disposal of Clinical Waste 1999; The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992
2. Competence
2.1 members will recognise and work within the limits of their professional competence.
GMC Code of Conduct; NMC Code of Conduct
2.3 Members will be able to provide evidence of training and expertise in line with requirements from UK Medical Royal Colleges or the NMC/RCN.
2.4 Members will undertake appropriate continuing (medical education) professional development in order to keep knowledge and skills up to date and further develop competence and performance.
2.5 Members must observe and keep up to date with the laws and statutory codes of practice which affect their practice.
2.6 Members must have appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
2.7 Members will act in accordance with appropriate professional codes of conduct (GMC/NMC)
3. Advertising
3.1 Members who advertise will do so in accordance with Advertising Standards Agency guidelines.
Medicines(advertising)Regulations 1994; DOH 2005; MHRA (The Blue Guide).
4. Consent
4.1 Members will be satisfied before treatment is administered that the patient is able to give valid consent.
4.5 Information should be given in concise, plain, non technical language, and should be given in writing as well as verbally.
4.6 The information given should include;
* Details of diagnosis and prognosis, if treated and if left untreated.
* Alternative options for treatment including the option not to treat.
* An explanation of the treatment process including what the patient may experience during and after the treatment.
* Any lifestyle changes which will be necessitated after the treatment.
* An explanation of any common risks and serious side effects.
* How and when the patient's progress will be monitored and re assessed.
* The name of the doctor with responsibility for the treatment and how the doctor or team member may be contacted.
* Details of costs and charges.
4.7 Consultations should take place in surroundings providing physical and auditory privacy.
4.8 Members must respond honestly to any questions asked and be as accurate and objective as possible.
4.9 Members must explain the probabilities of success, and the risk of failure.
4.10 Members should not normally treat any patient on the same day as the initial consultation in order to allow adequate time for the patient to consider before consenting.
4.11 Consent should be reviewed and confirmed at the start of each treatment session.
Seeking Patients' consent: The Ethical Considerations
5. Record Keeping
5.1 Members will keep clear, accurate, legible and contemporaneous patient records. Such records should include
* Medical history,
* Initial examination and diagnosis,
* Information given to the patient,
* Drugs and treatment prescribed and administered
* Details of follow up care, any complications and outcome.
5.2 An entry should be made each time the patient is seen.
5.3 Members will comply with Data Protection Act .
www.dataprotection.gov.org
6. Prescription, supply and administration of medicines
6.1 Only GMC members may prescribe prescription only medicines, and should prescribe and authorise treatment on a named patient basis, being satisfied that he/she has sufficient information to make a safe diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
6.2 GMC members may delegate the administration of the treatment to an appropriate practitioner.
6.3 The doctor prescribing is responsible for the care of the patient and managing any complications/complaints should they arise.
6.4 Members who may not be available to manage complications should they arise, must inform the patients GP in writing, if possible before proceeding with treatment.
6.6 GMC members should have face to face consultation with the patient when prescribing unlicensed drugs.
6.7 When prescribing unlicensed drugs, the patient must be informed, and a record made in the notes.
6.8 Non GMC members may administer treatment under the direction of a doctor on a named patient basis, or in accordance with a patient group direction.
6.9 Unless working with a patient group direction, there must be a written record of prescription and authorisation to treat for each patient.
6.10 Treatments take place in accordance with written protocols produced by a trained and experienced medical practitioner and approved by the Registered Person.
6.11 Nurses are accountable to the NMC code of conduct on the administration of medicines; RCN insurance may not cover them if they are acting outside of the law.
6.12 Members should record and report any adverse reactions to drugs as required under the relevant reporting scheme.
GMC Code of Conduct; NMC Administration of Medicines; Medicines Act 1968
the Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Amendment Order 2003 (SI 2003 No 696)
the Medicines (Pharmacy and General Sale - Exemption) Amendment Order 2003 (SI 2003 No 697) and
the Medicines (Sale and Supply) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Regulations 2003 (SI 2003 No 698)
All the Orders can be accessed on www.hmso.gov.uk MHRA prescribing, supply and administration of medicines www.mhra.gov.uk
7. The BAS recommends the use of graduated compression hosiery (15-30mm Mercury) for microsclerotherapy which should be applied immediately post treatment, before the patient stands.
Weis RA, Saddik NS, Goldman MP, Weiss MA: Post Sclerotherapy Compression:
Controlled Comparative Study of Duration of Compression and its Effects on Clinical Outcome. Dermatol. Surg 1999 Feb;25(2): 105-8
This code will be reviewed and updated as required.
July 2005
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