Introduction

The purpose of the Code of Ethics of the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is to serve as a standard of conduct for our Society members. It contains standards of ethical behavior for anesthesia technologists/technicians in their professional relationships. These relationships include colleagues, patients or others served, members of other organizations, and society as a whole. The Code of Ethics also incorporates standards of ethical behavior governing individual behavior, particularly when that conduct directly relates to the role and identity of the Anesthesia Technologist/Technician (AT/ATT).

It should be noted that ASATT will not act as a policing organization. ASATT will accept and act on reports of unethical behavior only after an individual has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of a crime directly related to public health or the provision of safe, competent medical care. Felony convictions considered for this standard include, but are not limited to, fraud, violence, rape, sexual abuse, or misuse of controlled substances.

Preamble

The Certified Anesthesia Technologist & Technician...

Assists in providing Safe Anesthesia Today and Tomorrow.

ASATT has adopted this Code of Ethics to establish parameters and guide members in fulfilling their commitment to ensure that safe, efficient, cost-effective, competent and ethical practices are provided in the healthcare setting. Each member of ASATT has a personal responsibility to uphold and adhere to these ethical standards and maintain professional standards of practice.

Responsibility to patients

  • The AT/ATT demonstrates awareness of legal issues in all aspects of patient care, documentation and unit functions in accordance with employer policy.
  • The AT/ATT takes appropriate safety precautions and reports unsafe conditions in accordance with employer policy.
  • The AT/ATT preserves confidentiality of patient and other sensitive information according to employer policy.
  • The AT/ATT demonstrates ability to present ideas for patient safety.
  • The AT/ATT promotes team effort for effective outcome of safe patient care.

Quality

  • The AT/ATT organizes and contributes to patient work assignments.
  • The AT/ATT practices the principles of behavior and incorporates the values of the health organization in all working relationships.
  • The AT/ATT supports the mission and strategic plan of the organization of employment.
  • The AT/ATT demonstrates awareness and sensitivity for patient/visitor rights in accordance to employer policy.
  • The AT/ATT behaves in a manner that brings credit to the individual’s profession.
  • The AT/ATT demonstrates an awareness of own personal strengths and limitations.
  • The AT/ATT demonstrates working knowledge and understanding of legislation and healthcare worker job responsibility in accordance with employer policy.
  • The AT/ATT takes appropriate safety precautions and reports unsafe conditions in accordance with the employer’s procedure.
  • The AT/ATT originates constructive ideas, accepts responsibility and uses good judgment.
  • The AT/ATT follows safety regulations and guidelines per employer policy.
  • The AT/ATT performs with a high degree of accuracy for patient safety.
  • The AT/ATT performs within their scope of practice as established by their employer’s position description.

Service

  • The AT/ATT demonstrates a positive, compassionate, courteous, professional demeanor to patients, physicians, CRNAs and peers without personal bias to interfere.
  • The AT/ATT supports an environment of trust between caregivers and those served.
  • The AT/ATT demonstrates ability to accept change and shows adaptability.
  • The AT/ATT participates in development of organizational goals.
  • The AT/ATT preserves confidentiality of patient and other sensitive information according to employer policy and procedure.
  • The AT/ATT reports potential violations of laws, regulations, procedures and policies in accordance to the employer’s policy and procedure.

People

  • The AT/ATT demonstrates ability to present ideas for patient safety.
  • The AT/ATT promotes and builds effective interpersonal and interdepartmental relationships within employed organization.
  • The AT/ATT promotes team effort for effective outcome of safe patient care.

Finance

  • The AT/ATT demonstrates proper use and maintenance of equipment, instruments and facility.
  • The AT/ATT demonstrates fiscal responsibility.

Competence

The scope of practice that an AT/ATT engages in is within the individual competencies of the AT/ATT in accordance with their employer’s job description. Each AT/ATT has the responsibility to maintain competency in their field of practice.

  • The AT/ATT engages in continuing educational activities.
  • The AT/ATT participates in continuous quality improvement activities.
  • The practicing certified AT/ATT maintains his/ her certification as mandated by the ASATT or other governing agencies.
  • The AT/ATT fulfills compliance education requirements, competencies and professional certification as defined by the employer’s position requirements.
  • The AT/ATT supports associated professional health organizations.
  • The AT/ATT encourages and supports opportunities for professional growth and development among peers and subordinates so that all who work in the field can gain and demonstrate competence in the profession.

Integrity

  • The AT/ATT will not knowingly engage in deception of any form.
  • The AT/ATT is expected to act in an ethical manner at all times.
  • The AT/ATT is expected to avoid harassment, dishonesty or theft.
  • The AT/ATT is expected to avoid any situations that would cause conflict of interest.