12.1 Ethical Framework & PSW Professional Standards
The Importance of Ethics in Client-Centred Health Care
As a Personal Support Worker (PSW), you are often the primary point of contact for clients, providing essential care that supports their daily living and overall well-being. This close relationship places you in a position of great trust and responsibility. Ethical care is not just a guideline—it is a fundamental part of your role. It means treating every client with dignity, respect, and compassion, while also protecting their rights, privacy, and autonomy (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2025). Following ethical standards—such as maintaining confidentiality, practicing honesty, and being culturally sensitive—helps build strong, respectful relationships with clients and ensures their safety and comfort (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2025). For PSW students and those new to the profession, understanding and applying these ethical principles is crucial. They form the foundation of professional practice and are key to delivering high-quality, client-centred care.
For example, imagine you are assisting a client with their ADLs (Activities for Daily Living) and they express discomfort with a certain task due to personal reasons. An ethical response would involve listening without judgment, respecting their wishes, and finding an alternative approach that maintains their dignity while still meeting their care needs. This not only shows respect for the client’s autonomy but also builds trust and promotes a safe, supportive care environment (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2025).
By committing to ethical care from the start of your career, you help create a respectful and empowering atmosphere where clients feel truly valued (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2025).
As a PSW, it’s essential to be mindful of the many dimensions of ethical care. Below are several key principles to keep in mind as you support clients in a respectful and professional manner. The Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA) states that PSWs need to ensure they provide safe, quality care and include the following categories:
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Honesty & Integrity
- Communicate openly and honestly, showing courtesy and compassion in every interaction.
Privacy & Confidentiality
- Be respectful of recipients’ privacy and comply with privacy laws and employer policies.
Professionalism & Accountability
- Provide competent, dignified care, maintain appropriate boundaries, collaborate, and behave professionally at all times.
Record Keeping & Reporting
- Clearly and accurately document care services provided.
Recipient Autonomy
- Provide information to ensure informed consent and respect personal beliefs.
Ethical Business Practices
- Charge reasonable fees, perform services regardless of fee, and issue receipts, as applicable.
Clear Qualifications
- Provide accurate name, role, and display the PSW visual mark, if requested.
Tolerance & Acceptance
- Respect care recipients’ cultural and religious beliefs and do not discriminate against others.
For an overview of the HSCPOA Code of Ethics, consult the HSCPOA Code of Ethics, or for a more thorough understanding, consult the Government of Ontario’s Website.
For more insight, consider the following resources, they offer valuable guidance that can support your role as a PSW:
