TARRY HOUSE, INC.
|
Subject: Ethical
Standards Policy |
Procedure Number:
H.R. 03 |
|
|
Site: Tarry House
and Tarry House Respite |
|
|
|
Issued By:
Executive Director |
Effective: Effective
Date: 1/85 |
|
|
Approved By: The
Board of Trustees |
Revised: 1/91; 12/97; 3/98; 8/00; |
|
|
Reference Policy:
H.R. 01 |
Reviewed: |
|
|
Standards
Reference: |
CARF: Section 1 – A ODMH: 5122-30-20 |
|
I.
Purpose
To provide guidelines for ethical standards of behavior for all
staff of Tarry House, Inc. For
the purpose of this document the word “staff” refers to Tarry House’s Board of
Trustees, employees of Tarry House, volunteers and interns. This policy provides a general guide for the
education of staff and establishing guidelines to deal with ethical issues in the
area of business, marketing, service delivery, professional responsibilities
and human resources in the day-to-day business activities. Adherence to a code
of ethical behavior is the fundamental duty and responsibility of each and
every member of this organization. Further,
the Ethical Standards Policy endeavors to
establish and maintain the highest degree of dignity and respect for persons
served and staff of Tarry House, Inc. In
addition, staff is expected to follow the guidelines of respective licensing,
certification, or regulatory bodies under which they are obligated to comply
and perform their perspective duties.
II.
Policy
All staff shall adhere to the highest ethical and moral standards and shall acknowledge this in writing. It is the policy of Tarry House, Inc. to preserve, promote and continuously improve the quality of treatment for persons with mental illness. To that extent, the Tarry House Board of Trustees has adopted an Ethical Standards Policy for all staff. The Ethical Standards Policy is based on the concept that recipients of mental health services have rights as well as responsibilities, and that quality of treatment is the primary goal of Tarry House, Inc.
It is the policy of Tarry House, Inc. that staff should always act in the company’s best interest. Those best interests lie in obeying the law and upholding the highest ethical standards. Staff should avoid any activity, which may compromise these interests. Staff should not be subjected to influences, outside interests, or relationships, which might jeopardize the company’s integrity. Staff may not use, divert, borrow or appropriate company property, equipment, services, or assets for personal use or benefit. The improper and unauthorized use of any of these will be treated as theft and the involved staff will be disciplined accordingly.
It is a serious violation of ethical standards for staff to seek a competitive edge through the use of gifts, gratuities, entertainment or other favors. Likewise, staff may not accept gifts or favors from vendors or their representatives except those of nominal value offered as a normal business courtesy.
General business information about Tarry House, Inc. services is important in Tarry House’s efforts to maintain and improve our competitive position, both in terms of product and services. However, no circumstances can exist which justify the use of improper means to develop competitive information and market services. It is company policy to use only ethical and legal means for gathering information and marketing services about present and future company products and services. It is the agency’s policy that no staff may hold a material investment interest in, or is an official or director of, another enterprise, especially if that enterprise is a supplier of products or services to the company.
It is the agency’s policy not to contribute to any political campaign or to solicit or encourage contributions for political purposes. Staff is encouraged to register to vote and to participate in political activities, providing they do not use any company resources, including company time to do so.
It is the agency’s policy that all staff must report to the Executive Director any actual or potential transaction that violates or raises uncertainties under the Ethical Standards Policy. Staff who encounter additional ethical issues not addressed in this policy are expected to immediately address such issues with their immediate supervisor. The ethical standards outlined in this policy apply to all relationships between staff and persons served, to professional relationships with subordinates and supervisory staff, with family members of persons served, with colleagues, with staff from other organizations, and with the general public.
III.
Procedure
A. New Employees
New employees and New Board Members will be given a copy of the Ethical
Standards Policy as part of the initial orientation procedure. All new employees will acknowledge receipt of
the policy and understanding via a signature page. The signature page will be kept in the
employee’s personnel file and the Board Member’s file respectfully.
B. Annual Review
Annually, all Tarry House Employees and Board Members will re-affirm
their understanding and continued commitment to the Ethical Standards Policy
via a re-signing of the policy during the employees annual evaluation. The signature page will be kept in the
employee’s personnel file. Staff will
also participate in an annual training in the area of code of ethical behavior.
C. Violation of Ethical Standards
If a staff member is suspected to be in violation of an agency or
professional principle, the agency will follow the policies and procedure
outlined in the agency’s personnel guidelines as appropriate.
At the onset of an ethical standards (waste, fraud, abuse, questionable practices, etc.) violation, the immediate supervisor will investigate and document all the information relevant to the ethical violation. The reporting party’s identity will be kept in the strictest confidence with absolutely no fear of reprisal to the reporting party. In the event that a crisis situation exists, filing the ethical complaint will take place at the appropriate time. Investigation will begin immediately. At the completion of the investigation, the Executive Director will review all the information and make a determination on further action. In the event that the ethical violation involves the Executive Director, staff shall address the issue with the President of the Board of Trustees. The Personnel Committee will continue the investigation and determine the course of action.
At any time in the investigation process, the Clients Rights Officer may be contacted. Based on the nature of the violation, the Executive Director may involve the Personnel Committee. If and when appropriate the local Police Department and the prosecutor’s office will be involved. In any case, the complaint will be reviewed and courses of action determined by the Executive Director within two (2) working days of filing and have a written reply within ten (10) working days. Disciplinary action for staff involved in an ethical violation will follow the steps outlined in the Personnel Guidelines. Staff may be placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The violation and its resolution will be filed with the appropriate authorities. If unresolved, the alleged ethical violation will be brought before the Tarry House, Inc. Board of Trustees for resolution.
D. Periodically the agency will provide training
to personnel on issues relevant to ethical behavior.
E. A copy of Tarry House’s Ethical Guidelines
will be posted publicly at all sites.
IV.
Statement of Expectations
It is the responsibility of the
Executive Director, the Business Manager and the Program Managers to ensure the
employee understands and complies with the Ethical Standards Policy. Tarry
House, Inc. recognizes its responsibility to operate in accordance with all
local, state and federal statutes, laws and regulations. In addition, Tarry House is committed to
operate in a manner that is consistent with good moral, ethical and legal
practices including but not limited to the guidelines listed below. It
is the responsibility of all staff to maintain the highest standards of human
and professional conduct and adhere to the following set of ethical guidelines:
A. All staff and board will provide services with compassion and respect for human dignity.
B. All staff and board will make every effort to safeguard the interests of persons served, and not to engage in actions in violation of any person’s rights.
C. All staff and board will consider the rights and views of the public, coworkers, individuals served, family members, and significant others with fairness, courtesy and good faith.
D. All staff and board members are expected to follow the Conflict of Interest guidelines.
E. All staff and board members are expected to provide services without discrimination based on race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, mental or physical handicap or personal condition.
F. All staff and board will not disclose confidential information or use such information for his/her own personal interest, to damage the interests or reputation of any person or the agency. In addition staff and board are expected to honor the privacy, confidentiality, and security of information of persons served, and other Agency matters to the extent permitted by law.
G. All staff and board will not accept gifts or money from persons served, their relatives, significant others, vendors or contractors at any time.
H. All staff and board will be committed to the advocacy and assistance of persons served and their families.
I. All staff and board will strive to assist persons with mental illness gain their optimal level of recovery.
J. All staff and board will make every effort to ensure that staff maintain high standards of professional conduct among themselves, with persons served and with other agencies, families and significant others.
K. All staff and board will provide and promote a safe, humane and therapeutic environment.
L. All staff and board will ensure adherence to all governmental regulations, professional ethics and client rights when allowing or conducting and /or using research results involving any Tarry House, Inc. residents. Research will not be done without the express permission of the Tarry House, Inc. Board of Trustees.
M. All staff and board will conduct agency business according to Tarry House financial, administrative, ethics, client rights and confidentiality policies.
N. All staff and board will ensure that all Tarry House, Inc. literature, brochures, events, and speakers accurately reflect the organization’s mission, vision, values and services to the community and consumers it serves.
O. All staff and board will not exploit the trust of the public, staff or the organization.
P. All staff and board are expected to avoid relationships that could impair professional judgment.
Q. All staff and board are expected to not engage in or condone any form of harassment, exploitation, abuse or neglect.
R. All staff and board are expected to participate in the agency’s performance improvement plan to evaluate performance with honesty, fairness, consideration and trust.
S. All staff and board are expected to accurately represent their education, training, experience and competencies.
T. All staff and board shall seek knowledge and training on a continual basis to accommodate the needs of their position.
U. All persons served by staff will be admitted, transferred or discharged, confidentially, from services based on clinically necessity and in conjunction with appropriate local, state, federal regulations and laws, and accreditation standards.
V. All persons served by staff can expect that Tarry House Inc. will reasonably and truthfully signify its scope of services and levels of care.
W. All persons served can expect Tarry House Inc. to utilize marketing practices that are without discrimination, honest and compliant with laws and regulations associated with advertising.
X. All persons served can expect that suspected unethical behavior will be investigated as appropriate and that appropriate action will follow.
It is in accordance with the beliefs, mission and values of Tarry House Inc., held by the Board of Trustees, that these ethical guidelines and behavior is approved.
________________________________________ _____________________
Executive
Director Date
Tarry House
Inc. Code of Ethical Behavior
A. All staff and board will provide services with compassion and respect for human dignity.
B. All staff and board will make every effort to safeguard the interests of persons served, and not to engage in actions in violation of any person’s rights.
C. All staff and board will consider the rights and views of the public, coworkers, individuals served, family members, and significant others with fairness, courtesy and good faith.
D. All staff and board members are expected to follow the Conflict of Interest guidelines.
E. All staff and board members are expected to provide services without discrimination based on race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, mental or physical handicap or personal condition.
F. All staff and board will not disclose confidential information or use such information for his/her own personal interest, to damage the interests or reputation of any person or the agency. In addition staff and board are expected to honor the privacy, confidentiality, and security of information of persons served, and other Agency matters to the extent permitted by law.
G. All staff and board will not accept gifts or money from persons served, their relatives, significant others, vendors or contractors at any time.
H. All staff and board will be committed to the advocacy and assistance of persons served and their families.
I. All staff and board will strive to assist persons with mental illness gain their optimal level of recovery.
J. All staff and board will make every effort to ensure that staff maintain high standards of professional conduct among themselves, with persons served and with other agencies, families and significant others.
K. All staff and board will provide and promote a safe, humane and therapeutic environment.
L. All staff and board will ensure adherence to all governmental regulations, professional ethics and client rights when allowing or conducting and /or using research results involving any Tarry House, Inc. residents. Research will not be done without the express permission of the Tarry House, Inc. Board of Trustees.
M. All staff and board will conduct agency business according to Tarry House financial, administrative, ethics, client rights and confidentiality policies.
N. All staff and board will ensure that all Tarry House, Inc. literature, brochures, events, and speakers accurately reflect the organization’s mission, vision, values and services to the community and consumers it serves.
O. All staff and board will not exploit the trust of the public, staff or the organization.
P. All staff and board are expected to avoid relationships that could impair professional judgment.
Q. All staff and board are expected to not engage in or condone any form of harassment, exploitation, abuse or neglect.
R. All staff and board are expected to participate in the agency’s performance improvement plan to evaluate performance with honesty, fairness, consideration and trust.
S. All staff and board are expected to accurately represent their education, training, experience and competencies.
T. All staff and board shall seek knowledge and training on a continual basis to accommodate the needs of their position.
U. All persons served by staff will be admitted, transferred or discharged, confidentially, from services based on clinically necessity and in conjunction with appropriate local, state, federal regulations and laws, and accreditation standards.
V. All persons served by staff can expect that Tarry House Inc. will reasonably and truthfully signify its scope of services and levels of care.
W. All persons served can expect Tarry House Inc. to utilize marketing practices that are without discrimination, honest and compliant with laws and regulations associated with advertising.
X. All persons served can expect that suspected unethical behavior will be investigated as appropriate and that appropriate action will follow.
It is in
accordance with the beliefs, mission and values of Tarry House Inc., held by
the Board of Trustees, that these ethical guidelines and behavior is approved.
Tarry House
Inc. Code of Ethical Behavior
A.
All staff and
board will provide services with compassion and respect for human dignity.
B.
All staff and
board will make every effort to safeguard the interests of persons served, and
not to engage in actions in violation of any person’s rights.
C.
All staff and
board will consider the rights and views of the public, coworkers, individuals
served, family members, and significant others with fairness, courtesy and good
faith.
D.
All staff and
board members are expected to follow the Conflict of Interest guidelines.
E.
All staff and
board members are expected to provide services without discrimination based on
race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin,
marital status, mental or physical handicap or personal condition.
F.
All staff and
board will not disclose confidential information or use such information for
his/her own personal interest, to damage the interests or reputation of any
person or the agency. In addition staff
and board are expected to honor the privacy, confidentiality, and security of
information of persons served, and other Agency matters to the extent permitted
by law.
G.
All staff and
board will not accept gifts or money from persons served, their relatives,
significant others, vendors or contractors at any time.
H.
All staff and
board will be committed to the advocacy and assistance of persons served and
their families.
I.
All staff and
board will strive to assist persons with mental illness gain their optimal
level of recovery.
J.
All staff and
board will make every effort to ensure that staff maintain high standards of professional
conduct among themselves, with persons served and with other agencies, families
and significant others.
K.
All staff and
board will provide and promote a safe, humane and therapeutic environment.
L.
All staff and
board will ensure adherence to all governmental regulations, professional
ethics and client rights when allowing or conducting and /or using research
results involving any Tarry House, Inc. residents. Research will not be done without the express
permission of the Tarry House, Inc. Board of Trustees.
M.
All staff and
board will conduct agency business according to Tarry House financial,
administrative, ethics, client rights and confidentiality policies.
N.
All staff and
board will ensure that all Tarry House, Inc. literature, brochures, events, and
speakers accurately reflect the organization’s mission, vision, values and
services to the community and consumers it serves.
O.
All staff and
board will not exploit the trust of the public, staff or the organization.
P.
All staff and
board are expected to avoid relationships that could impair professional
judgment.
Q.
All staff and
board are expected to not engage in or condone any form of harassment,
exploitation, abuse or neglect.
R.
All staff and
board are expected to participate in the agency’s performance improvement plan
to evaluate performance with honesty, fairness, consideration and trust.
S.
All staff and
board are expected to accurately represent their education, training,
experience and competencies.
T.
All staff and
board shall seek knowledge and training on a continual basis to accommodate the
needs of their position.
U.
All persons
served by staff will be admitted, transferred or discharged, confidentially,
from services based on clinically necessity and in conjunction with appropriate
local, state, federal regulations and laws, and accreditation standards.
V.
All persons
served by staff can expect that Tarry House Inc. will reasonably and truthfully
signify its scope of services and levels of care.
W.
All persons
served can expect Tarry House Inc. to utilize marketing practices that are
without discrimination, honest and compliant with laws and regulations
associated with advertising.
X.
All persons
served can expect that suspected unethical behavior will be investigated as
appropriate and that appropriate action will follow.
It is in
accordance with the beliefs, mission and values of Tarry House Inc., held by
the Board of Trustees, that these ethical guidelines and behavior is approved.
I
have reviewed, understand and will abide by these ethical standard guidelines.
|
|
Staff
Member |
|
Board
Member |
|
Other:
_________________________ |
Signature:
________________________________________ Date:
___________________