Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses

Recognizes health as a fundamental individual right.
Filipino registered nurses have primary responsibility to preserve health, promote health, prevent illness, alleviate suffering, and restore health.
Assisting towards a peaceful death is an ethical obligation when health restoration is impossible.
Nurses must understand cultural, social, spiritual, physiological, psychological, and ecological factors influencing illness.
The desire to maintain respect and confidence from clients and colleagues motivates ethical conduct.

Ethical principles emphasize respect for individual values, customs, and spiritual beliefs.
Patients’ freedom to make rational and unconstrained decisions is upheld.
Confidentiality of personal information acquired in care is strictly maintained.
Nurses must consider patient individuality and culture in care.
Patient welfare and safety take precedence in case of conflicts.

Human life is inviolable; quality and excellence in nursing care are fundamental goals.
Accurate documentation reflects nursing accountability.
Nurses must know the scope and provisions of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
Continuous development of competence in knowledge, skills, and attitudes is required.
Administrators must foster an environment conducive to nurse growth and development.
Ensure adherence to safe nursing practice standards; modifications consider safety principles.
Nurses in authority must minimize ineffective and unlawful practices.
Patient records access is restricted to those professionally involved or as required by law.

Nurses must perform duties in conformity with laws, rules, regulations, moral conduct, and decorum.
Participation in advertisements must not demean the nursing profession.
Nurses must decline gifts or favors that could exploit patients.
Prohibition against commissions or fees for patient referrals or recommendations.
Avoid abusing privileged relationships with patients or access to their personal spaces.

Nurses commit to life preservation, human rights respect, and healthy environment promotion.
Nurses should engage in links with public efforts for health and social needs at local, national, international levels.
Nurses have civic obligations and must be involved in community concerns.
Knowledge of community health resources and active participation in primary health care is essential.
Participation in societal programs and projecting a positive nursing image are emphasized.

Loyalty to the nursing profession and preservation of its integrity are paramount.
Compliance with by-laws of the accredited professional organization (PNA) and other memberships is required.
Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Nurses should work for improving socio-economic and welfare conditions through legislation.
Active engagement in securing equitable workplace conditions and labor standards.

Violations of the Code may lead to suspension or revocation of Certificate of Registration per Sec. 23(f), Art. IV of R.A. No. 9173 and related rules.
Prior Codes of Ethics from R.A. No. 877 and P.D. No. 223 are repealed or superseded by this Code.
The Code takes effect fifteen days after full publication in the Official Gazette or major newspapers.