World Hellenic Biomedical Association
Code of Conduct
Introduction
This Code of Conduct establishes guidelines for professional and personal conduct by those participating in any of the activities of the World Hellenic Biomedical Association (WHBA). It is intended to communicate the WHBA's expectations of proper conduct and what professional conduct the society values. It is an expectation that the Code of Conduct serves as the basis, on which, participants in WHBA activities should make decisions related to the best interests of themselves, their co-workers and the society.
The Code
Those acting on behalf of the WHBA have a general duty to conduct themselves in a manner that will maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the integrity of the WHBA and take no actions incompatible with their obligations to the WHBA.
With regard to professional conduct, those acting on behalf of the Society should practice:
Participants in WHBA activities must take appropriate action to identify, disclose, and avoid potential conflicts of interest with the performance of their official duties. Those acting on behalf of the Society shall seek appropriate guidance by the Society’s administration when faced with ethical dilemmas.
Authority and Applicability
This Code applies to all officers, employees (including without limitation full‐time, part‐time, and contractual employees), appointees (including without limitation paid and unpaid appointees), and persons holding similar positions (State Employees) in any office, department, agency, board, commission, or authority of the WHBA.
Nothing in this Code prohibits any participant in WHBA activities from adopting or maintaining policies or rules of personal conduct that are more restrictive than those set forth in this Code, as long as such policies or rules comply with applicable law and the requirements of any collective bargaining agreement. To the extent any policy conflicts with this Code, the more restrictive policy will control.
Individual conduct in violation of this Code may result in discipline, up to and including discharge. The principles of just cause shall apply to the extent required by law. This Code does not, and may not be interpreted to, create any rights for any person or entity other than the participants in WHBA activities. This Code is effective as of January 1, 2018. Copies of this Code, as welll as future amendments or supplements will be publicly posted on the WHBA website (www.whba1990.org).
Specific Instances of Unethical Conduct
This section provides specific examples of inappropriate conduct.
Insubordination: An individual may not be disrespectful in his or her conduct and communication, whether oral or written, directed toward another participant in WHBA activities.
Disruptive Conduct: A participant in WHBA activities may not (a) engage in disruptive conduct or activities that interrupts work or impedes the work of others, or (b) use abusive or offensive language, gestures, or similar conduct.
Breach of Confidentiality: Confidential information should be protected and actions that fail to safeguard confidential information do not constitute acceptable behavior.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism with the intent to deprive the property of another or collusion with another person to commit plagiarism do not constitute acceptable behavior.
Misuse or Abuse of Property: Except for de minimis personal use, a participant in WHBA activities will use property associated with the WHBA activities for official purposes and not for personal benefit or gain. An individual may not (a) intentionally damage such property, or (b) knowingly and willfully use or authorize the use of property for an other‐than official purpose.
Conduct Unbecoming of a Supervisor: A participant in WHBA activities with supervisory role may not (a) intentionally, negligently, or recklessly commit any illegal act or violation code of conduct, (b) order others to perform a task for other than an official purpose, or (c) exploit supervisory authority for personal gain or personal profit.
Threatening Words or Actions: A participant in WHBA activities may not threaten or attempt to inflict bodily harm on another individual. A participant in WHBA activities who witnesses, is a victim of, or becomes aware of any threatening words or actions must immediately report the incident to WHBA officers or to the appropriate law enforcement entity.
Discriminatory Action: A participant in WHBA activities may not (a) discriminate against another individual on any basis in violation of the law.
Sexual Harassment: A participant in WHBA activities will work to ensure that his/her involvement in WHBA activities is free from sexual harassment. Conduct such as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment. All complaints of sexual harassment will be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action will be taken when warranted.
Criminal Use of Alcohol, Drugs, or Controlled Substances: A participant in WHBA activities may not participate in the criminal use of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances.
Health and Safety Violation: A participant in WHBA activities will follow all applicable safety rules and regulations, including (a) not smoking in any unauthorized area, (b) not possessing a lighter, match, or other flammable materials in any explosive or hazardous area, (c) observing all precautions for personal safety, posted rules, signs, and written or oral safety instructions, (d) not possessing any explosive, firearm, or other dangerous weapon.
Code of Conduct
Introduction
This Code of Conduct establishes guidelines for professional and personal conduct by those participating in any of the activities of the World Hellenic Biomedical Association (WHBA). It is intended to communicate the WHBA's expectations of proper conduct and what professional conduct the society values. It is an expectation that the Code of Conduct serves as the basis, on which, participants in WHBA activities should make decisions related to the best interests of themselves, their co-workers and the society.
The Code
Those acting on behalf of the WHBA have a general duty to conduct themselves in a manner that will maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the integrity of the WHBA and take no actions incompatible with their obligations to the WHBA.
With regard to professional conduct, those acting on behalf of the Society should practice:
- Integrity by maintaining an ongoing dedication to honesty and responsibility;
- Trustworthiness by acting in a reliable and dependable manner;
- Evenhandedness by treating others with impartiality;
- Respect by treating others with civility and decency;
- Avoid unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or retaliation in any practice based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, military service, political affiliation, or any other protected status or non‐merit based factor;
- Stewardship by exercising custodial responsibility for Society’s property and resources;
- Compliance by following State and Federal laws and regulations and Society policies related to their duties and responsibilities;
- Confidentiality by protecting the integrity and security of Society information such as student records, employee files, patient records, and contract negotiation documents.
Participants in WHBA activities must take appropriate action to identify, disclose, and avoid potential conflicts of interest with the performance of their official duties. Those acting on behalf of the Society shall seek appropriate guidance by the Society’s administration when faced with ethical dilemmas.
Authority and Applicability
This Code applies to all officers, employees (including without limitation full‐time, part‐time, and contractual employees), appointees (including without limitation paid and unpaid appointees), and persons holding similar positions (State Employees) in any office, department, agency, board, commission, or authority of the WHBA.
Nothing in this Code prohibits any participant in WHBA activities from adopting or maintaining policies or rules of personal conduct that are more restrictive than those set forth in this Code, as long as such policies or rules comply with applicable law and the requirements of any collective bargaining agreement. To the extent any policy conflicts with this Code, the more restrictive policy will control.
Individual conduct in violation of this Code may result in discipline, up to and including discharge. The principles of just cause shall apply to the extent required by law. This Code does not, and may not be interpreted to, create any rights for any person or entity other than the participants in WHBA activities. This Code is effective as of January 1, 2018. Copies of this Code, as welll as future amendments or supplements will be publicly posted on the WHBA website (www.whba1990.org).
Specific Instances of Unethical Conduct
This section provides specific examples of inappropriate conduct.
Insubordination: An individual may not be disrespectful in his or her conduct and communication, whether oral or written, directed toward another participant in WHBA activities.
Disruptive Conduct: A participant in WHBA activities may not (a) engage in disruptive conduct or activities that interrupts work or impedes the work of others, or (b) use abusive or offensive language, gestures, or similar conduct.
Breach of Confidentiality: Confidential information should be protected and actions that fail to safeguard confidential information do not constitute acceptable behavior.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism with the intent to deprive the property of another or collusion with another person to commit plagiarism do not constitute acceptable behavior.
Misuse or Abuse of Property: Except for de minimis personal use, a participant in WHBA activities will use property associated with the WHBA activities for official purposes and not for personal benefit or gain. An individual may not (a) intentionally damage such property, or (b) knowingly and willfully use or authorize the use of property for an other‐than official purpose.
Conduct Unbecoming of a Supervisor: A participant in WHBA activities with supervisory role may not (a) intentionally, negligently, or recklessly commit any illegal act or violation code of conduct, (b) order others to perform a task for other than an official purpose, or (c) exploit supervisory authority for personal gain or personal profit.
Threatening Words or Actions: A participant in WHBA activities may not threaten or attempt to inflict bodily harm on another individual. A participant in WHBA activities who witnesses, is a victim of, or becomes aware of any threatening words or actions must immediately report the incident to WHBA officers or to the appropriate law enforcement entity.
Discriminatory Action: A participant in WHBA activities may not (a) discriminate against another individual on any basis in violation of the law.
Sexual Harassment: A participant in WHBA activities will work to ensure that his/her involvement in WHBA activities is free from sexual harassment. Conduct such as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment. All complaints of sexual harassment will be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action will be taken when warranted.
Criminal Use of Alcohol, Drugs, or Controlled Substances: A participant in WHBA activities may not participate in the criminal use of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances.
Health and Safety Violation: A participant in WHBA activities will follow all applicable safety rules and regulations, including (a) not smoking in any unauthorized area, (b) not possessing a lighter, match, or other flammable materials in any explosive or hazardous area, (c) observing all precautions for personal safety, posted rules, signs, and written or oral safety instructions, (d) not possessing any explosive, firearm, or other dangerous weapon.