ASCP Credential Holder Code of Conduct

Earning a credential from the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) is a major accomplishment. When you become credentialed, it is your responsibility to uphold those credentials by acting ethically and with integrity, putting patients' best interests first.

As an American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (BOC) credential holder, ethical behavior is expected. All credential holders attest to the following:

I pledge my integrity and that of my profession to provide the highest quality care to patients.

I will:

  • treat patients with respect, care, and thoughtfulness.
  • develop cooperative and respectful relationships with colleagues.  
  • perform my duties in an accurate, precise, timely, and responsible manner.  
  • safeguard patient information and test results as confidential, except as required by law.
  • advocate for the delivery of quality laboratory services in a cost‐effective manner.  
  • behave with honesty, integrity, and reliability.  
  • comply with laws and regulations and strive to disclose illegal or improper behavior to the appropriate authorities.
  • continue to study, apply, and advance laboratory knowledge and skills, and share such with other members of the health care community and the public.
  • render equitable services and care to all.

Violations of the above may result in action per ASCP BOC policies and procedures.

Investigation of employee performance, work-related disputes or grievances are outside the ASCP BOC’s purview.  Concerns related to employment practices, workplace conditions, or personnel management within an organization must be addressed through the appropriate internal channels, including laboratory leadership, Human Resources Department, or ethics hotline. 

If legal action is taken against an ASCP BOC credential holder that results in a conviction that violates the ASCP BOC Credential Holder Code of Conduct, and the ASCP BOC is notified of the conviction, it will be referred to the ASCP BOC Ethics Review Committee (ERC). The ERC will review the case and issue a decision, which may include revocation of ASCP BOC credentials. See potential fraudulent activity for further details.