Standards of Professional Responsibility for CHPs

These principles are the standards of professional responsibility for CHPs. By applying for and achieving certification, the Certified Health Physicist recognizes and assumes the following responsibilities.

The Certified Health Physicist (CHP) shall:

  • A. Support and Improve the Profession of Health Physics
    1. The CHP shall support the purposes of the American Academy of Health Physics (the Academy).
    2. The CHP shall endeavor to advance the Health Physics profession by sharing information and experience with others and by contributing to the work of professional associations, schools, and the professional, scientific, and technical press.
    3. The CHP shall not act in a manner that may bring the profession or the Academy into disrepute.
  • B. Provide Technical Competence
    1. The CHP shall remain active in the field, strive to improve his/her professional knowledge, and endeavor to be aware of contemporary scientific, technical, and regulatory developments.
    2. The CHP shall practice only in areas of his/her expertise.
    3. The CHP shall practice his/her profession following recognized scientific principles.
    4. The CHP shall counsel affected parties factually regarding potential health risks and precautions necessary to avoid adverse health effects.
    5. The CHP should accept opportunities to increase public understanding of radiation protection and the purposes of the Academy.
  • C. Act in the Public Interest
    1. The CHP shall have due regard for the safety and health of hte public and of individuals who may be affected by his/her work.
    2. The CHP shall not undertake any employment or consultation that is contrary to law.
    3. The CHP shall not compromise public welfare and safety in favor of a private interest.
  • D. Maintain High Standards in Dealing with Others
    1. The CHP shall maintain the highest standards of integrity and fairness in his/her professional interactions with employers, colleagues, workers, clients, government agencies, and the general public.
    2. The CHP shall not attempt to falsely injure the reputation of any person.
    3. The CHP shall protect the sources and content of confidential communications or other confidential personal or business information obtained in the course of his/her practice, provided that such protection is not itself unethical or illegal.
    4. Without the knowledge and consent of his/her client, the CHP shall not accept or offer commissions, allowances, or finder's fees, directly or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing with the client.
    5. The CHP shall avoid circumstances where a compromise of professional judgement or conflict of interest may arise.
    6. The CHP shall not knowingly take credit for the work of others and shall give credit where it is due.