Monday, 21 July 2025
New Code of Conduct for Sonographers launched
The Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA) and the Australian Sonographers Accreditation Registry (ASAR) are pleased to announce the release of the Code of Conduct for Sonographers (2025). This important update promotes professional standards and patient safety across sonography practice in Australia and New Zealand.
The 2025 Code sets out 21 clearly defined standards of professional conduct, ethics, and principles to guide safe, respectful, and high-quality sonography. Developed jointly by ASA and ASAR, the Code supports sonographers to uphold public trust and deliver consistent, patient-centred care. It also complements existing legal, regulatory, and workplace frameworks.
The Code reflects contemporary practice and has been aligned with a range of regulatory expectations, including the Australian National Code of Conduct for Healthcare Workers, the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia Code of Conduct, and the NZ Medical Radiation Technologists Board Code of Ethical Conduct. It also reflects guidance from Australian state and territory health complaints bodies and the NZ Health and Disability Commissioner.
Key enhancements include:
- Clearer expectations around communicating unexpected and urgent findings
- The use of inclusive and neutral language
- A greater emphasis on cultural safety
- New guidance on managing adverse events
The Code has been carefully designed to support sonographers at every stage of their career across all practice settings and offers a consistent foundation for ethical, accountable and patient-centred care.
We encourage all sonographers to read the updated Code, discuss it with colleagues and consider how it supports your professional responsibilities and daily decision-making.