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Health System Code of Conduct

A healthcare system may include both licensed healthcare professionals and unlicensed professional staff. Regardless of licensure status, a certain code of conduct is expected of all team members.

  1. Fair Treatment

    • Each person on the healthcare team must extend courtesy and respect to all persons in the system, including patients, medical personnel, colleagues, vendors and suppliers. Courtesy and respect must be given regardless of race, religion, gender, socioeconomic standing, sexual orientation or position.

    Right to Privacy

    • All members of the healthcare system must comply with HIPAA and all other federal and state regulations protecting a patient's right to privacy. Patients deserve to know their medical and financial information will be protected and that they will be notified if that privacy is breached.

    Informed Consent and Refusal

    • Healthcare team members must respect the rights of the patient to consent or refuse treatment or a treatment option. Patients should be treated with compassion and sensitivity. Staff members must be aware of and honor all written directives, such as a living wills and power of attorney documents.

    Caregiver Rights

    • In some instances, a caregiver may recuse himself from patient care. Circumstances may include conflicts of interest, professional bias or relationship, or other issues that could compromise the care of the patient. Caregivers may also relinquish care if the continued care would violate the ethics or philosophical beliefs of the caregiver.

    Standard of Care

    • All healthcare staff must comply with and respect the policies and guidelines of the healthcare organization. Team members are expected to maintain competent, ethical, honest and quality care practices, adhering to evidence-based care standards and maintaining accurate and clear patient records.

    Personal Responsibility

    • Team members assume personal responsibility for all actions and behaviors. Each team member should acknowledge the responsibilities and contributions of others, giving credit where it is due.

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