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Code of Ethics

Cmfps Policy 016_Code of Ethics and Business Practice
Revised 10/29/10

As a learning organization, we will exercise to all possible extent the most optimal and informative methods to promote a positive image of the Foundation and to convey our message to our community. The rights to privacy and confidentiality of our patients, partners, clients, study participants, and those members deriving benefits and services from our organizational roles as employer, business partner, and scientific entity will be our primary consideration in all aspects of communication. The values represented in our Code of Ethics address our Foundation's ethical responsibilities to our community. Although explicit responsibilities are also included in legal and accountability requirements, it should be remembered these legal and ethical obligations often overlap, and the ethical obligations often extend beyond legal and accountability requirements.

Our Code of Ethics follows the standard code of conduct established for healthcare professionals and scientists. Individually and collectively, we honor and demonstrate the following ethical principles in conducting research with and providing service to our patients, partners, clients, and community:

Accountability -responsible for one's decisions, actions and accountability to the public

Citizenship -maintain trust and respect as a productive and responsible leader and member of our community

Stewardship -employ just and judicious principles of prudence, conscience, conservation, and precaution in upholding public trust and managing human and material resources

Excellence -seek exemplary pursuits and conduct in business, personal, professional, scientific research, and in our relationship with all parties

Egalitarianism -ensure respect and fairness in relation to and with all members of our community

While we uphold and adhere to the above ethical values within our organization, we are committed to the highest standards in Communication, Discovery and Disclosure, Community Role and Leadership, and Organizational and Research Conduct, as specifically stated below.

Discovery And Disclosure

  • Share research and scientific discoveries that can directly benefit patients and improve patient safety
  • Adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality and legal protection of intellectual property and proprietary materials, such as copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets
  • Ensure all communication and disclosures of information and data related to the institution are clear, accurate, and sufficiently complete to assure that the communication is not misleading
  • Be responsible in providing safeguards to prevent unauthorized release of information and to support procedures for authorized release of data

Community Role and Leadership

  • Aim for the highest level of integrity and professionalism in our appearance, conduct and practice
  • Demonstrate fair and effective use of available human and material resources
  • Develop efforts to coordinate and collaborate with other partners, professionals, and healthcare organizations and to share in community solutions
  • Apply stewardship and accountability in the procurement of goods and services to ensure fairness and responsibility and to demonstrate no conflict of interest
  • Serve as constant role model in promoting patient-centered health care and as leaders of the 21st Century healthcare system

Organizational and Scientific Conduct

  • Respect and support the ethical codes and responsibilities of one another and be sensitive to decisions that others might interpret as compromising their professional ability
  • Accommodate the desires of employees and others to embody religious and/or moral values in their professional activities
  • Disclose and/or dispense with any conflict of interest as defined in our Foundation's policies, and as required by state and federal laws
  • Engage in and demonstrate the highest standard of professionalism necessary to conduct research, including but not limited to designing studies, enrolling and protecting participants (human subjects), collecting data, analyzing data, and reporting findings
  • Be honest and accurate with our representation of scientific facts related to our services and products
  • Share information and knowledge, particularly important lessons learned and discoveries that can be applied directly to best practices and evidence-based medicine, through publication, presentation, seminar, workshops, and other media or venues

Oath of Sigma XI

Several members of the Foundation's Board and the Community of Competence™ are members of the prestigious Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society (www.sigmaxi.org). These members have taken the oath "to encourage original investigations in science, to foster the companionship and cooperation among scientists, to maintain honor, integrity and honesty in all scientific activities and to assume the other continuing responsibilities of [Sigma Xi] membership."