Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics for the Practice of Cell Based Medicine

It is the opinion of the International Cellular Medicine Society (ICMS), a professional medical association, that there exists a need for a Code of Ethics governing physicians’ use of autologous stem cell therapies. The ICMS presents the following guidelines:

Every Patient has the right to know that:

• The use of autologous stem cell therapies provided meets the definition of the practice of medicine as defined by the law of the jurisdiction in which the physician practices;

• The treating physician operates in conformance with applicable law regulating the practice of medicine;

• That the treating physician is a member in good standing of, and operates in conformance with, an international stem cell treatment registry;

• That the treating physician is a member in good standing of, and operates in conformance with, the laboratory and clinical guidelines promulgated by a professional society governing the use of autologous stem cell therapies;

• That the treating physician uses only autologous stem cells when conducting medical procedures involving autologous stem cell therapies, and

• That the treatment procedure and protocols have been reviewed and authorized by an Institutional Review and/or Ethics Board.

• Be treated by physician who is licensed to practice medicine in the jurisdiction where the treating physician treats patients.

Every Patient shall be provided with:

• A complete, thorough and understandable Informed Consent that details the risks associated with the treatment.

• A ‘No Guarantees’ assurance by the treating physician and/or clinic staff regarding the outcome of the therapy.

• A completed ‘Patient Candidacy Rating’ that ranks the patient as a “good”, “fair” or “poor”  candidate for the treatment.

• A report detailing the number of cell injected into the patient, including the characteristics of the cells.

Every Patient has the right to:

• Respectful care given by competent personnel with consideration of patient’s privacy concerning patient’s own medical care.

• Be given the name of patient’s attending physician, the names of all other physicians directly assisting in the patient’s care, and the names and functions of other health care persons having direct contact with the patient.

• Have records pertaining to patient’s medical care treated as confidential.

• Know what Center rules and regulations apply to patient’s conduct as a patient.

• Expect emergency procedures to be implemented without unnecessary delay. In the event the need to transfer the patient to another facility is necessary, the responsible person and the faculty that the patient is transferred to will be notifies prior to transfer.

• Good quality care and high professional standards that is continually maintained and reviewed.

• Full information in layman terms concerning diagnosis and treatment. If it is not medically advisable to give this information to the patient, the information shall be given to the responsible person on patient’s behalf. All patients shall have the right to assist in the planning of their treatment.

• Information on after hour and emergency care will be provided to the patient.

• Give an informed consent to the physician prior to the start of a procedure.

• Be advised of participation in a medical care research program or donor program. The patient shall give informed consent prior to the participation in such a program. A patient may also refuse to continue in a program to which patient has previously given informed consent for participation.

• Refuse drugs or procedures and have a physician explain the medical consequences of that refusal of drugs or procedures.

• Medical and Nursing services without discrimination based upon age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, disability, or source of payment.

• Have access to an interpreter whenever possible.

• Be provided, when appropriate, with, upon request, access to all information contained in patient’s medical record.

• Accurate information regarding the competence and capabilities of the organization, the services provided.

• Receive information regarding methods for expressing suggestions or grievances to the organization.

• Information regarding fees for services and payment policies.