HPCSA - Code of Ethics
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The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a statutory body, with which registration in terms of the Health Professions Act No 56 of 1974 is mandatory for all practising health professions, including dietitians. Registration with the Council serves to safeguard the public and indirectly the professions, by ensuring that high standards of ethical and professional practice are consistently maintained. Currently South African practicing dietitians, student dietitians, as well as foreign qualified dietitians who wish to practice in South Africa, are required to register with the HPCSA under the auspices of the Professional Board for Dietetics of the HPCSA. Foreign qualified dietitians are also required to meet specific requirements and to successfully complete an examination prior to registration as dietitians in South Africa. For more information about the HPCSA or information regarding registration as a dietitian in South Africa, please refer to the HPCSA website: www.hpcsa.co.za
Hippocratic Oath
Ethics are defined as “moral principles”. Within the health care field there are standards which must be met and maintained with regard to ethics. This section of the website highlights various ethical aspects and offers easy access to more detailed documentation. The Hippocratic Oath is the oath to the medical profession that all practitioners swear to. For the full Hippocratic Oath, please Click here.
New Generic Ethical Rules
Ethical rules have evolved over time, developing to maintain the principles of the transforming health care regulators. For the recently proposed New Generic Ethical Rules, please Click here.
Professional Guidelines
For the full document on “Professional Guidelines”, (originated by the Medical and Dental Professions Board and adopted by other Boards) please Click here.
Patient's Charter
The “Patient’s Charter” is a document that discusses the rights of the patient and what they should expect from their health care practitioner. For the full document, please Click here.
What is the difference between the HPCSA and ADSA?
The HPCSA is a statutory body regulating the practice of health professions in South Africa. Registration with the HPCSA is mandatory for dietitians and other health professions. ADSA, on the other hand, is the national professional association for dietitians in the country. Its mandate is to serve the interest of dietitians in matters relating to the growth and development of the profession. Membership with ADSA is voluntary, but strongly encouraged as a means of strengthening the profession.
Policy Documents
Various policy documents from the HPCSA can be found by clicking here.