Impending changes to the Medical Board’s code of good conduct for doctors threaten doctors’ rights to free speech and are heavy handed on issues of discrimination, bullying and cultural safety, a medical indemnity group warns.
Insurer Avant has added its voice to a chorus of professional groups concerned the document encroaches on doctors’ independence and clinical practice.
The AMA has already sounded the alarm over the the draft update of the Good Medical Practice: a code of conduct for doctors in Australia – released for public comment in June – arguing clauses under the banner of professionalism have the potential to stifle doctors’ right to publicly express their personal and professional opinions and undermine their contribution to public debate.
In its submission, Avant agrees this section could potentially limits doctors’ freedom of speech and “may impact on the ability of doctors to comment on issues they believe are important”.
Of great concern, the insurer says, is a new requirement that doctors when putting forward views that depart from the profession’s “generally accepted views” must make acknowledgement of the profession’s view or risk disciplinary action.
The draft Code does not make clear whether the rule applies only in the doctors’ workplace – or out in the broader world, Avant says.