Code of Professional Conduct

Code of Professional Conduct 

A fitness professional who has earned at least one Certificate of Specialization from MedFit Classroom, a subsidiary of MedFit Education Foundation (MFEF), is considered by MFEF to be a Medical Fitness Specialist with MFEF. Medical Fitness Specialists agree to abide by the MFEF Scope of Practice, shall follow all local, regional, state, and/or national regulations (e.g., those defined by their accredited certification organizations, national licensing boards, State licensing and/or registration requirements, primary industry trade organizations, etc.), and shall adhere to all procedures and actions applicable to their credentials.

Medical Fitness Specialists shall provide safe and effective instruction based upon objective, unbiased research and scientific information in accordance with the published MedFit Scope of Practice statement, and all preceding professional fitness certifications. They shall not diagnose injury, chronic disease, or any other medical condition, nor provide treatment beyond their scope of training, and shall refer clients with such needs to a properly licensed medical and/or allied healthcare professionals.

In addition to practicing within the MFEF Scope of Practice, Medical Fitness Specialists shall also agree to adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct as described here. Medical Fitness Specialist online courseware on MedFit Classroom is considered advanced education, and requires basic or foundational education in fitness, kinesiology, etc. Therefore, first and foremost, Medical Fitness Specialists shall adhere to any standards (or codes) of conduct (or ethics) as specified by their own primary fitness certifications, and/or general education bodies. Although not exclusive to other standards, MFEF emphasizes the importance of a number of already published standards for the Medical Fitness Specialist community that shall be followed by Medical Fitness Specialists. These standards are as follows:

  1. Practice extreme professional behavior with all potential and/or active clients, colleagues, and/or professional collaborators, both in and away from the designated workspace.
  2. Communicate professionally in all verbal, non-verbal, and written transactions.
  3. Provide safe workspace conditions.
  4. Provide equal and fair treatment to all
  5. Maintain accurate and truthful client records. Respect and maintain the confidentiality of all clients, and their information.
  6. Refer clients to more qualified clinical, health, or medical professionals as appropriate.
  7. Uphold the best interests of the client first and foremost before those which serve a fitness professional’s private and personal interest or gain.
  8. Uphold and enhance public appreciation and trust for the health and fitness industry.
  9. Do not economically, psychologically, physically, or sexually exploit or abuse relationships with clients, supervisors, subordinates, or colleagues.
  10. Avoid comments, banter, and inappropriate physical conduct that are sexual in nature.
  11. Distinguish between opinions, personal convictions, and professional duties and responsibilities, and do not allow personal beliefs and biases to interfere with the greater goals of the clients’ health, fitness, and performance.
  12. Maintain and preserve all pertinent Professional Certification and Specialization credentials.
  13. Complete all continuing education requirements from all pertinent Professional Certifications and Specializations in order to keep those credentials current.
  14. Maintain adequate professional liability insurance. Do not assume an employer has obtained adequate liability coverage for all its professionals.
  15. Maintain current CPR, First Aid, and AED certificates.
  16. Maintain accurate financial, contract, appointment, and tax records, including original receipts, and for a duration as required by any State or Federal laws.
  17. Use advertisements which promote the primary intent of helping clients make informed judgments, choices, or decisions regarding their fitness goals.
  18. Maintain a respectable appearance in a manner consistent with cleanliness, safety, and commonly accepted good taste.
  19. Remain focused when training, avoiding distractions by other people, televisions, computing devices, monitors, cell phones, etc.
  20. “Primum non nocere,” which translated means, “First, do no harm.”

MedFit retains the right to revoke the Certificate of Specialization(s) of, or otherwise take action against, those who fail to adhere the above Code of Professional Conduct.