WWRC Code of Ethics

The WWRC Code of Ethics provides direction to all staff in achieving ethical conduct in service provision, business practices, marketing practices, and in upholding the ethics of their professions such that consumers, stakeholders, vendors and the public can be confident of receiving ethical treatment in all their interactions with WWRC and its staff. WWRC expects staff to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct. The WWRC Ethics Consultation Service provides support to staff in evaluating ethical issues.

As ethical decisions are best made in anticipation of possible issues, staff are expected to familiarize themselves with this code and appropriate professional codes of ethics in order to prepare themselves in advance for potential ethical dilemmas.

We respect the integrity, rights, dignity, and diversity of all consumers. We do not engage in inappropriate relationships with consumers or take advantage of relationships with consumers that may result in personal gain. We do not exploit them in any way. Staff members are competent and experienced in the services provided to consumers. In addition, we refrain from imposing our religious or political beliefs on them while being respectful of their choices. Citations: WWRC Values.

Nondiscrimination

Staff shall not discriminate against consumers and/or prospective consumers and their families based on factors that are irrelevant to the consumer’s needs and ability to access services. Staff shall avoid the application of double standards and WWRC will comply with all State and Federal discrimination laws including the applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations will be made for a consumer’s cultural and religious preferences whenever possible. Citations: 2-03 HIV/AIDS; WWRC Human Rights Policies and Procedures (Section 2.1 Dignity and Section 3.1 – Discrimination).

Dual Relationships

In order to maintain appropriate professional boundaries, members of a consumer’s rehabilitation team shall not engage in dual relationships with consumers, consumer family members, legally authorized representatives, guardians, and other staff members. There are circumstances in which it is appropriate for a staff member or their family to receive services at the Center. Only services that can be provided without compromise to the professional relationship and do not conflict with the ethical standards of the profession(s) involved may be offered to staff or their families. The WWRC Ethics Consultation Service should be consulted when there is a question regarding the appropriateness of a service offered to a staff member or their family. Citations: 7-05 Dual Relationships; 7-05a Dual Relationship Scenarios; 7-09 Giving and Receiving Gifts.

Confidentiality

We respect the privacy of consumers and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional services and clinical research to the extent allowed by law. We maintain appropriate confidentiality in creating, storing, accessing, and transferring consumer records, whether these are written, automated, electronic, or any other medium. WWRC has a duty to protect the confidentiality of information that is gained about a variety of individuals and groups in both individual and aggregate form. Staff must not access consumer information without a legitimate need to know. Advertising which includes student pictures or stories must have accompanying appropriate signed releases and the student must receive compensation for their services. Citations: HIPAA; WWRC Human Rights Polices and procedures (Section 5.0 – Confidential Records); WWRC Policy 1.25 Research Policy.

Professional Competency

We provide only those services and use only those techniques for which we are qualified by education, training, and/or experience. We have a continuing commitment to provide quality care through personal effort, continuing education, advocacy, and the utilization of other professionals or services, which may assist consumers. We represent our qualifications honestly and do not attempt to treat, diagnose, or give advice on problems outside the bounds of our professional competence. We seek assistance, education, or professional growth activities for our own problems or conflicts which may impair work performance or professional judgment. We do not seek nor accept remuneration for referrals. Citations: 1.04 Statement of Principles; Staff Development and Educational Leave; 5.14 Staff Development and Internal Training: WWRC Human Rights Polices and Procedures (Section 3.3 – Sound Therapeutic Practices).

Paternalistic Intervention

WWRC staff support the greatest level of autonomous choice for its consumers consistent with their special needs. Consumers participate in planning and decision making regarding their rehabilitation programs. Consumer feedback is solicited and considered in designing new and improved services. Under special circumstances, decisional authority for consumers with diminished capacity or less than 18 years of age may be limited, but all such intervention should be discussed with the relevant supervisor and guardian and may be referred to the WWRC Ethics Consultation Service for analysis. Citations: WWRC Human Rights Polices and Procedures.

We respect the integrity, rights, dignity, and diversity of our coworkers. We respectfully consider each person’s contribution to our service provision. We are cooperative and collaborate whenever possible.

Harassment

We do not use abusive or offensive actions or language, written or spoken. We do not take advantage of power and authority granted by our positions within the organization for personal gain by taking advantage of a colleague. Citations: DSA Policy #7 Workplace Harassment Prohibition; DSA Policy #30 Workplace Violence; WWRC Policy #2.24 Workplace Harassment Prohibition.

Nondiscrimination

In collegial dealings, we will not discriminate on the basis of characteristics that are unrelated to job function. Citations: DSA Policy 6 EEO/AA.

Staff-Staff Dual Relationships

In dealings with coworkers, we will maintain appropriate boundaries between professional and personal relationships, always remaining mindful of the effects of their actions on the effectiveness of the rehabilitation teams. Staff will not allow feelings about other staff members involved in the team process affect their objectivity toward consumers. Hiring supervisors will not hire direct family members into positions that could influence the work of other family members. Citations: DSA Policy #6 EEO/AA; DSA Policy #9 Employment of Family Members.

Staff-Supervisor Dual Relationships

It is important to have positive working relationships between staff and supervisors. Under no circumstances should an employee feel compelled to behave in ways that are unethical, conflict with existing policy or violate state/federal law. Citations: WWRC Policy 2.24 Workplace Harassment Prohibition.

Confidentiality

We respect the privacy of our coworkers and hold in confidence personal information obtained in the course of hiring and working with them and information from their participation in clinical research to the extent allowed by law. We maintain appropriate confidentiality in creating, storing, accessing, and transferring personnel records, whether these are written, automated, electronic, or any other medium. WWRC has a duty to protect the confidentiality of information that is gained about staff. Citations: WWRC Policy 1.25 Research Policy.

We support informing and educating the community about WWRC services. We advocate for the development of services for unmet needs. We represent the Center within the community and with other agencies in a spirit of collaboration and cooperation.

Honest Communication

We will not use any advertising that contains false, misleading, or disruptive statements or claims of false or misleading disclosure of fees and payment for services. We will be honest in our advertising and not disparage the service of other providers. Citations:

Fair Business Practices

WWRC recognizes its obligation to maintain compliance with all relevant billing and reimbursement regulations. WWRC will maintain accurate records of all business transactions. Such records will not be used to mislead those who receive them or to conceal improper business practices. WWRC will allow suppliers to compete fairly for our business, given the assumption that WWRC will select its suppliers on the basis of competitive bids that take into consideration both quality and price, consistent with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia. WWRC staff shall not accept gifts, gratuities or meals from individuals or organizations competing for business or marketing their products. Citations:

Solicitation

WWRC will not directly or indirectly offer or solicit any kind of payment or contribution for the purpose of:

1. Influencing customers, suppliers, or governmental entities, including their officials or employees;
    
2. Obtaining, giving, or keeping business;
    
3. Persuading any officials or employees of another agency or company to fail to perform or improperly perform their duties; or
    
4. Influencing legislation or regulations.

WWRC does not seek nor accept remuneration for referrals. Citations:

Fundraising

WWRC will conduct its fund raising activities in an honest and fair manner, and will always disclose the purpose for which the funds being raised will be spent. All records and financial reports from fundraising efforts will be kept in accordance with acceptable auditing standards. Citations:

Adherence to Law and Policy

All individuals associated with WWRC are expected to observe the Laws and Center/Agency Instructions that relate to their professional activity. If staff is unsure about the content of applicable statutes or policies, they have a responsibility to seek guidance from their supervisors. Anyone who becomes aware of behavior that is illegal must immediately report that behavior to the relevant supervisor.

Professional Ethics

Professional staff is expected to adhere to the most recent version of the professional Code of Ethics applicable to their discipline.

We abide by the WWRC Code of Ethics, Consumers’ Rights, Personnel Policies and Procedures, and WWRC Shared Values. We support the integrity and reputation of WWRC. . Each staff person performs their duties consistent with policy, Center values and ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, respect for other autonomy and justice.

Objections to Participation in Consumer Services

Under specific circumstances, employees have an avenue to express concern and/or to request release from participation in those aspects of consumer care they find objectionable without fear of corrective action. If (for religious, ethical, or cultural reasons) an employee does not want to participate in some aspect of a consumer’s treatment, he/she should immediately identify that concern to his/her supervisor.

Conflicts of Interest

Any WWRC staff member who can influence the actions of the organization is legally and ethically bound to discharge their duties with respect to the organization in good faith and with loyalty to the interests of the organization. All Center employees must conform to the Commonwealth of Virginia policies on conflict of interest. Any staff person who finds him/herself in an actual or perceived conflict of interest has an immediate duty to bring that possible conflict to the attention of their Division Director.

WWRC staff members must not use their position at WWRC to create the impression that they represent the Center or Agency when they are not speaking in an official capacity.

WWRC requires that any continuing education program at the Center will not demonstrate bias towards the product or services of an outside sponsoring entity (for example a pharmaceutical company). Citations:

Utilization of Resources

We are committed to the appropriate use of all resources, including equipment and material resources, funds, and our time; and we hold ourselves and our coworkers accountable for ethical and effective resource utilization.

The guidelines contained in this policy do not cover every possible situation in which an ethical issue might arise for a staff member. Staff has a responsibility to consider the ethical implications of their actions on an ongoing basis. Anyone who is in doubt as to the proper course of action in a particular situation should seek the assistance of his/her supervisor. The WWRC Ethics Consultation Service is also available as a resource for considering either consumer-centered or organizational ethical issues. Citations: WWRC Policy 2.02 Policy on Ethical Conduct.