Medical Laboratory Professional Code of Ethics
The NSRMLS has established a code of ethics to guide the professional activities of medical laboratory professionals (MLP) in Nova Scotia. This includes:
- Combined laboratory and X-ray technologists
- Medical laboratory assistants
- Medical laboratory technologists
Client safety and protection is paramount at all times.
Introduction
Introduction
- The policies of the employer do not absolve registrants of accountability for their own actions or their primary obligation to adhere to the code of ethics.
- Combined laboratory and X-ray technologists
- Medical laboratory assistants
- Medical laboratory technologists
- All medical laboratory professionals are required to follow the Code of Ethics.
- It is crucial for each MLP to have a thorough understanding of the core principles and expectations of them.
- As medical laboratory professionals, NSRMLS members are held to a higher standard than the general public.
- Members are expected to apply these values not only in their professional roles but also in areas of life and society where these values are relevant.
- Excellence in client care
- Ethical decision-making
- Building and maintaining public trust and confidence in the profession
- Professionalism
- Accountability
- Collaboration
- Best practice
- Innovation
- These values reinforce the MLPs obligation to uphold the well-being and dignity of every client we serve, regardless of background, beliefs, or circumstances.
- Clinical settings
- Educational institutions
- Evaluation and research facilities
- Management and operational contexts
- The Code of Ethics is applied in complaint resolution and disciplinary proceedings.
- It is enforceable under the Regulated Health Professions Act.
Code of Ethics 1: Duty to the Client
- 1.1 Medical laboratory professionals (MLP) shall respect and place the health, safety, and welfare of clients as their primary responsibility.
- 1.2 MLPs shall ensure laboratory results are accurate, valid, timely, and meets the requirements for clinical decision-making.
- 1.3 No MLP shall engage in discriminatory practices based on age, sex, race, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other protected status.
Code of Ethics 2: Professional Competence and Practice
- 2.1 MLPs shall practice only within the limits of their education, training, and licensure.
- 2.2 MLPs shall engage in continuous professional development to maintain competence and registration.
- 2.3 MLPs shall follow standard operating procedures, quality management systems, and safety protocols according to laboratory policies.
- 2.4 MLPS shall report errors, adverse events, and nonconformities promptly and document, report, and address in accordance with regulatory and institutional requirements.
Code of Ethics 3: Integrity and Professional Conduct
- 3.1 MLPs shall act with honesty, integrity, and objectivity in all professional duties.
- 3.2 MLPs shall not falsify, fabricate, alter, or suppress laboratory data or records.
- 3.3 MLPs shall not accept incentives, gifts, or benefits that may influence or perceive to influence professional judgment.
- 3.4 MLPs shall disclose conflicts of interest and manage in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Code of Ethics 4: Confidentiality and Data Protection
- 4.1 MLPs shall treat all Client information and laboratory data as confidential and protect against unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.
- 4.2 MLPs shall disclose Client personal information only when legally authorized or professionally justified.
- 4.3 MLPs will only access client information when required for laboratory testing.
- 4.4 MLPs shall only report results to authorized healthcare professionals or as determined by laboratory policies.
- 4.5 MLPs shall comply with all applicable data protection and privacy legislation.
Code of Ethics 5: Professional Relationships and Workplace Conduct
- 5.1 MLPs shall act in a professional manner by maintaining respectful, collaborative, and ethical relationships with clients, colleagues and other healthcare professionals.
- 5.2 MLPs shall not engage in harassment, intimidation, abuse of authority, or unprofessional behaviour.
- 5.3 MLPs shall provide accurate information and cooperate fully with other healthcare providers to support client care.
Code of Ethics 6: Responsibility to the Profession and Regulator
- 6.1 MLPs shall uphold the reputation, dignity, and integrity of the medical laboratory profession.
- 6.2 MLPs shall report unethical, illegal, or incompetent practice to the appropriate authority or regulatory body.
- 6.3 MLPs shall cooperate with inspections, audits, investigations, and disciplinary proceedings conducted by any health regulator.
- 6.4 MLPs shall supervise all medical laboratory students, interns, and trainees in a responsible and ethical manner.
Code of Ethics 7: Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- 7.1 MLPs shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations, standards, policies and directives governing laboratory practice.
- 7.2 MLPs shall be accountable for their own decisions, actions, omissions and related outcomes.
- 7.3 MLPs shall not practice without valid registration or license.
- 7.4 MLPs shall notify the NSRMLS of changes affecting licensure status, employment, or fitness to practice.
- 7.5 MLPs shall not practice when impaired by any substance.
- 7.6 MLPs shall report any convictions or pending charges for any criminal offence to the regulator.
Code of Ethics 8: Enforcement and Disciplinary Measures
- 8.1 MLPs breach of the Code of Ethics constitutes professional misconduct.
- 8.2 MLPs may be subject to sanctions including reprimand, suspension, revocation of license, or other penalties as provided by law when a breach occurs.
- 8.3 MLPs have a professional obligation to understand and comply with this Code of Ethic.
Summary
While the ethical obligations and principles are presented as discrete sections, medical laboratory professionals recognize that in practice they are implemented as part of daily processes and do not stand alone. MLPs use a combination of their knowledge, skills, judgment and behaviour to adjust to changing circumstances and evolving environments.
To view the Code of Ethics in pdf format Click Here
Approved: January 2026