Code of conduct and ethics
It is the policy of Dharma Counseling Service that all employees, contractors, students, volunteers and members of the governing authority perform their duties in a way that reflects the highest standards of ethical behavior and quality of care.
Staff and members of the governing authority are expected to comply with all federal, state and local regulations, in accordance with this policy. Violations of this code of conduct lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Dharma Counseling Service and its staff conduct themselves professionally, according to the standards of their professional disciplines.
Dharma Counseling Service and its staff will:
Professional conduct
- Respect the rights of everyone we serve, according to our policy on the rights and responsibilities of persons served.
Personal and professional conduct
- Keep professional relationships in strict accordance with the ethical guidelines of our profession.
- Never engage in a romantic or sexual relationship with a person served, according to the standards of each professional discipline.
Business, marketing and outreach
- Make sure all business practices are honest and ethical.
- Never offer money or gifts to persuade anyone to enter the program.
- Hold all staff to the highest professional standards and codes of conduct.
Conflicts of interest
- Not engage in outside business, personal or other relationships with persons served, according to the ethical standards of our profession.
- Not take outside employment or practice in another program that could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest without written permission from the Clinical Director or CEO.
Necessity of care, fees and billing
- Provide only services that are consistent with generally accepted standards of treatment and that the professional judges to be clinically necessary and appropriate, following all related ethical guidelines on setting fees, billing and collecting payment.
Personal and confidential information
- Respect the confidentiality of everyone we serve, our employees and the organization’s systems.
- Not reveal confidential information except with the person’s permission or as required by law.
Creating and keeping records
- Prepare and keep accurate records of persons served, employees and the organization, in the manner and location required by law and organizational policy.
Government investigations
- Cooperate fully with properly authorized government investigations and audits, as required by law and ethical standards.
Improper referrals or payments
- Not allow staff to accept anything of value for themselves or the organization in exchange for referrals, and not offer anything of value in exchange for referrals.
Antitrust
- Comply with all applicable federal and state antitrust laws.