Professional Standards and Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real FRACGP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Standards and Ethics flashcards as text
A GP discovers they have a bloodborne infectious disease. According to RACGP ethical guidelines, what is their primary obligation?
Answer: Seek advice from their own treating physician and relevant authorities about practice modifications
GPs with bloodborne diseases must seek independent medical advice and guidance from relevant authorities to determine safe practice modifications.
Under the RACGP Code of Conduct, when may a GP ethically decline to provide a requested service?
Answer: When the service conflicts with the GP's personal values, provided the patient is referred to another provider
Conscientious objection is permissible but requires the GP to ensure the patient can access the service through referral.
A patient requests access to their medical records. The GP believes disclosure may cause serious harm to the patient. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Provide access with an offer to discuss concerns, or apply for a harm-exemption through formal processes
Under the Privacy Act, harm exemptions exist but must be formally assessed; the GP should first offer to discuss and support the patient.
Which of the following best defines 'therapeutic privilege' in the context of RACGP ethics?
Answer: Withholding information from a patient when disclosure would cause serious harm to their health
Therapeutic privilege allows withholding information only when disclosure itself poses a serious health risk, and it is applied very narrowly.
A GP is asked by an employer to provide a pre-employment health report on a prospective employee who is their existing patient. What should the GP do?
Answer: Obtain written consent from the patient and explain what information will be shared
The GP must obtain explicit informed consent from the patient before sharing any health information with a third party such as an employer.
Under mandatory reporting obligations for GPs in Australia, which scenario MUST be reported to the Medical Board?
Answer: A treating practitioner with a substance use disorder who has not modified their practice
Mandatory reporting is triggered when a practitioner's impairment places the public at risk of harm and they have not taken remedial action.
A GP receives a gift valued at $150 from a grateful patient. According to RACGP guidance, what is the most appropriate response?
Answer: Politely decline, explaining that gifts may affect the professional relationship
RACGP guidance recommends declining gifts that could compromise objectivity or create a sense of obligation, regardless of monetary value.