GUIDELINE INTRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Ethical decisions arise daily for Respiratory Therapists (RT) and it is not possible for the College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) or the RT’s employer to provide specific guidance for each scenario that a practitioner may encounter.  Therefore, it is essential an RT practice within an ethical framework that will help guide decision-making when providing care.  The CRTO’s A Commitment to Ethical Practice is a first building block among a series of guidance and support documents aimed at helping practitioners deliberate on the choices that face them and discern the best option available.

The “code of ethics” for the practice of Respiratory Therapy was originally interwoven with the CRTO Standards of Practice document, which was first drafted in 1996 and revised in 2004. In 2010, a working group of RTs from various practice settings across the province gathered to revise the Standards of Practice document. Working with a Medical Ethicist, they used current literature and accepted principles and practices to build this distinct guideline for ethical RT practice. The final document was published on the CRTO website in December 2010.

College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario (CRTO) publications contain practice parameters and standards that should be considered by all Ontario Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) in the care of their patients/clients and in the practice of the profession. CRTO publications are developed in consultation with professional practice leaders and describe current professional expectations. All Members are required to abide by these CRTO publications. The “A Commitment to Ethical Practice” guideline is to be used in conjunction with the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), the Respiratory Therapy Act (RTA) as well as all other CRTO Professional Practice Guidelines, Position Statements and Policies. Together, these documents provide a framework for achieving safe, effective, and ethical Respiratory Therapy practice. Although comprehensive, this document is not inclusive, and the failure to specifically identify a practice scenario does not negate the existence of these expectations and responsibilities. It is important to note that all these documents will be used in determining whether appropriate standards of practice and professional responsibilities have been maintained.

This guideline will be reviewed regularly and revised every five years at minimum or as required.

Note that words and phrases denoted by bold lettering can be cross-referenced in the Glossary at the end of the document.