The respect for human life must continue even after a patient's death.
A doctor must in all circumstances be trustworthy and act with integrity and devotion to duty, essential for the practice of medicine.
Confidentiality is a patient's right.
It is mandatory for all doctors as required by law.
The Oath of Hippocrates, a brief exposition of principles for physicians' conduct, dates from the fifth century BCE.
Its statements protect the rights of the patient and oblige the physician voluntarily to behave in an altruistic manner towards patients.
COMMENTS: The Code of Public Health is the collection of law which determines the scope of the right of public health in France.
It includes a part on law related to particular diseases and addiction, including addiction to tobacco.