AMCP Position on The Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

Statement:

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) fully endorses the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists established by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) as the guiding framework for ethical pharmacy practice. This code underscores the profession’s commitment to patient-centered care, integrity, and respect for all individuals. AMCP recognizes the vital role of managed care pharmacists in improving health outcomes, promoting medication safety, and enhancing healthcare system efficiency. By endorsing the APhA Code of Ethics, AMCP reaffirms its dedication to fostering ethical practices that prioritize equitable access to medications, collaboration with health care professionals, and the delivery of optimal therapeutic outcomes. AMCP encourages managed care pharmacists to embody the values of compassion, accountability, and excellence outlined in the code, ensuring the highest standards of patient care.

Background:

The Code of Ethics for Pharmacists created by the APhA aligns with AMCP’s mission to improve patient health by ensuring access to high-quality, cost-effective medications and other therapies. The code includes ethical principles, like prioritizing patient welfare, which helps to ensure access to safe and effective medications and aligns with AMCP’s mission. These ethical principles encourage collaboration within interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Pharmacists’ collaboration within these teams has been proven to improve patient outcomes and reduce health care spending. Supporting this Code of Ethics reflects AMCP’s mission to foster professionalism, integrity, and trust within managed care pharmacy. AMCP believes in pharmacists' vital role in upholding and promoting equitable, patient-centered care.

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists:¹

PREAMBLE

Pharmacists are health professionals who assist individuals in making the best use of medications. This Code, prepared and supported by pharmacists, is intended to state publicly the principles that form the fundamental basis of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists. These principles, based on moral obligations and virtues, are established to guide pharmacists in relationships with patients, health professionals, and society.

• I. A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship between the patient and pharmacist.
  Considering the patient-pharmacist relationship as a covenant means that a pharmacist has moral obligations in response to the gift of trust received from society. In return for this gift, a pharmacist promises to help individuals achieve optimum benefit from their medications, to be committed to their welfare, and to maintain their trust.
• II. A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in a caring, compassionate, and confidential manner.
  A pharmacist places concern for the well-being of the patient at the center of professional practice. In doing so, a pharmacist considers needs stated by the patient as well as those defined by health science. A pharmacist is dedicated to protecting the dignity of the patient. With a caring attitude and a compassionate spirit, a pharmacist focuses on serving the patient in a private and confidential manner.
• III. A pharmacist respects the autonomy and dignity of each patient.
  A pharmacist promotes the right of self-determination and recognizes individual self-worth by encouraging patients to participate in decisions about their health. A pharmacist communicates with patients in terms that are understandable. In all cases, a pharmacist respects personal and cultural differences among patients.
• IV. A pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity in professional relationships.
  A pharmacist has a duty to tell the truth and to act with conviction of conscience. A pharmacist avoids discriminatory practices, behavior or work conditions that impair professional judgment, and actions that compromise dedication to the best interests of patients.
• V. A pharmacist maintains professional competence.
  A pharmacist has a duty to maintain knowledge and abilities as new medications, devices, and technologies become available and as health information advances.
• VI. A pharmacist respects the values and abilities of colleagues and other health professionals.
  When appropriate, a pharmacist asks for the consultation of colleagues or other health professionals or refers the patient. A pharmacist acknowledges that colleagues and other health professionals may differ in the beliefs and values they apply to the care of the patient.
• VII. A pharmacist serves individual, community, and societal needs.
  The primary obligation of a pharmacist is to individual patients. However, the obligations of a pharmacist may at times extend beyond the individual to the community and society. In these situations, the pharmacist recognizes the responsibilities that accompany these obligations and acts accordingly.
• VIII. A pharmacist seeks justice in the distribution of health resources.
  When health resources are allocated, a pharmacist is fair and equitable, balancing the needs of patients and society.

References:

1. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists. American Pharmacists Association. Published October 1994. Accessed December 23, 2024. 
https://aphanet.pharmacist.com/code-ethics

Statement history:

• The Code of Ethics for Pharmacists (original policy number, 9902)
• • 03/31/2025 – Expanded statement, introduced “Background,” section, and incorporated the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists.
• • 10/18/2021 – Revised
• • 10/01/2012 – Reapproved
• • 12/01/2008 – Reapproved
• • 03/01/2004 – Reapproved
• • 11/01/1999 – Policy 9902 Introduced