CODE OF ETHICS

The Code of Ethics serves as a guide of conduct for all employees and the members of the LLC. It contains standards of ethical behavior that apply to all dealings with colleagues, clients, the community and society as a whole. The Code of Ethics also incorporates standards of behavior governing personal behavior, particularly when that conduct directly relates to the role and identity of the organization.

All staff members are required to be familiar with the Code of Ethics.

The overall objective of this organization is to enhance the overall quality of life, dignity and well being of every individual needing its services; and to create a more equitable, accessible and efficient health care system.

All members of this organization have the obligation to act in ways that will merit the trust, confidence and respect of its clients, other health care providers, business contacts and society as a whole. To do so, we must lead lives that embody an exemplary system of values and ethics.

In fulfilling our commitments and obligations to those we serve, we act as moral agents. Since every decision affects the health and well being of both individuals and communities, we must evaluate the possible outcomes of those decisions and accept full responsibility of the consequences. We must safeguard and foster the rights, interests and prerogatives of those we serve. The role of moral agent requires that health care providers speak out and take actions necessary to promote such rights, interests and prerogatives if they are threatened.

To maintain the ethical conduct and integrity of the services we provide, we pledge to abide by the following without reservation:

Organization members’ responsibilities to the organization:

A.    Uphold the values, ethics and mission of the organization.

B.     Conduct all personal and professional activities with honesty, integrity, respect, fairness and good faith in a manner that will reflect well upon the organization.

C.     Comply with all laws and regulations that apply in the conduct of organizational or personal activities.

D.    Maintain competence and proficiency in the health care industry and general business standards by personal assessment and continuing education programs.

E.     Avoid the exploitation of professional relationships for personal gain.

F.      Respect confidences.

G.    Refrain from participating in any endorsement or publicity that demeans the credibility and dignity of the organization.

H.    Assure that no conflict of interest exists in any dealings involving the organization.

I.       Use this code to further the interests of the organization and to report any alleged violations to management.

Organization members’ responsibilities to those served and to the community:

A.    Provide medical supplies consistent with available resources and assure the existence of a resource allocation process that considers ethical ramifications.

B.     Conduct both competitive and cooperative activities in ways that improve community service.

C.     Continuous improvement in business management techniques.

D.    Respect of the customs and practices of those served, consistent with the organization's philosophy.

E.     Be truthful in all forms of communication and avoid information that is false, misleading and deceptive or information that would create unreasonable expectations.

F.      Enhance the dignity and image of the organization through marketing, public relations and educational programs.

G.    Assure the existence of a process to evaluate the quality of care or services rendered.

H.    Avoid exploitation of relationships for personal advantage.

I.       Avoid practicing or facilitating discrimination and institute safeguards to prevent discriminatory or organizational practices.

J.       Advise clients of rights, responsibilities and risks regarding services provided.

K.    Assure confidentiality, autonomy and self-determination of clients and others served.