Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct of the National Pathology Group (NPG) constitute a self-regulatory mechanism that is accepted by agreement between all members and the NPG to ensure that the conduct proscribed to shall not be permitted.
The Code is accepted voluntarily and by agreement by all members.
In the event of a breach of the Code, the practice/s or individual member/s undertake to voluntarily submit to a Peer Review Procedure (PRP) and, if applicable, be subject to appropriate penalties.
The Code and the procedures and sanctions created by it remain subordinate to the powers, functions and rules of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Members agree that in every instance the interest of the patient are paramount and that the Code should not be construed so as to preclude lawful conduct that is in the interest of the patient or in the interest of providing an efficient service to the patient.
Conduct of any member that constitute a transgression of the Code but which is in the interest of the patient or in the interest of providing an efficient service to the patient, may be condoned and excused provided that such conduct was necessary and in the interests of the patient, took place in good faith and was not an attempt to circumvent the provisions of the Code.
The purpose of the Code is, inter alia, to preclude the sharing of any income generated from pathology services with any medical practitioner or hospital staff member who did not take a commensurate part in the rendering of such services to the patient and to create an environment that precludes incentives other than good service or technical excellence, for medical practitioners or hospital staff members to favour or nominate one participant above another.
The complete Code of Conduct document is available to prospective members and should be signed and agreed to before final acceptance as member/s.
