Procedure
The organizational ethical codes of conduct are communicated to all employees (Employee Handbook), clients and families (Client and Family Handbook) and other stakeholders, as appropriate.
- Client well-being – the well-being of clients shall remain the priority of employees. For detailed policy statements, refer to the Client Affairs policy, Consent to Healthcare policy, Personal Service and Healthcare Plans, Privacy of Persons served, Arcus Philosophy Statement, and Values Pledge.
- Transition/Discharge of Client - Arcus is willing to recognize when it is in the best interests of the client to discharge them from services or refer them to another program or individual. Refer to the Admissions, Transfers and Discharge Policy
- Confidentiality – Please refer to the Archiving policy, Confidentiality policy, Client and Family Records policy, Release of Information policy, and Social Media policy.
- Nondiscrimination – (see Bullying and Harassment Policy under Staff Health and Safety)
- Setting boundaries - (see Staff Access to Clients policy under Staff Health and Safety)
- Remain alert – All employees should remain alert and sensitive to situations, which could result in actions by any employee, regardless of position, which are illegal, unethical, or in violation of the standards of Arcus
- Scope of Practice – Professional service providers are expected to function within the scope of the licensure or certification, and in accordance with any specific areas of competence or other such declarations defined through their licensing or certifying authority
- Employees have a commitment to assess their own personal strengths, limitations, biases and effectiveness on a continuing basis; shall continuously strive for self-improvement; have a personal responsibility for professional growth through further education and training.
- Witnessing of Documents - staff will not sign or act as a witness any legal documents that could benefit them or the organization where there could be a potential for conflict of interest, including but not limited to power of attorney; guardianship; advance directive; company contracts without the expressed written approval of the owner or designee
Business Practices
- All financial, purchasing, personnel, facility development and information technology practices shall comply with laws, regulations, collective agreements and guidelines
Marketing Practices
- Arcus will conduct marketing practices in an honest and factual manner. Marketing materials and practices will in no way mislead the public or misrepresent Arcus Community Resources Ltd.’s abilities to provide services.
- Arcus will not claim any service outcomes unless represented by valid and reliable outcome data
- Arcus will not utilize monetary rewards or gifts to any potential consumer of services in an attempt to entice them to enter any programs
- Arcus employees will be honest and truthful in all marketing and advertising practices pertaining to the business practices of the organization’s service delivery system.
- Social Media – (see Social Media Policy under Human Resources)
- Potential Conflicts of Interest – (see Conflict of Interest Policy under Administration and Finance)
Billing and Accounting
- Arcus employees involved in billing, documentation and accounting for client care services for the purpose of governmental, private or individual payers will comply with all provincial and federal regulations and organizational policies and procedures.
- Arcus will only bill for services rendered and shall seek the amount to which it is entitled
- Supporting documentation will be prepared for all services rendered. If the appropriate and required documentation has not been provided, then the service has not been rendered.
Exchange of Gifts, Money and Gratuities – No employee or other persons associated with Arcus will accept gifts of money or material values, favors remuneration, or other consideration from any client, individual, or organization that does business with Arcus
Solicitation, Distribution and Personal Fund Raising
- To avoid unnecessary work interruptions and potential awkward situations, solicitation and personal fundraising by a staff member of another staff member is prohibited while either person is on working time. Solicitation of a client is strictly forbidden.
- Staff member distribution of literature, including handbills, in work areas during the work hours of any staff member involved is prohibited.
- Trespassing, soliciting or distribution of literature by non-staff members on these premises is prohibited at all times.
Personal Property
- All personnel shall respect and safeguard the personal property of clients, visitors and other personnel as well as the property of Arcus.
- Employees will not use or allow the use of Arcus property or equipment other than activities approved by Arcus
- Destruction of property – (see Personal Property Damage under Human Resources)
Human Resources
- All employees are expected to act in accordance with Arcus policies and procedures and other personnel directives established by the management or designate.
- Conduct Human Resources management within the bounds of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the collective agreement, and in compliance with Arcus Community Resources’ Management philosophy.
- Arcus will be fiscally and environmentally conscious with regards to waste, fraud, abuse and other wrong doings.
- Decisions are made with reference to and consistent with the terms of the Collective Agreement;
- Staff personal information and personnel files are kept secure and its contents confidential (see Protection of Employee Personal Information Policy under Human Resources)
- Access to employee files is granted only to those with a “need to know”.
- All staff will be screened prior to hire to ensure they have not been disciplined by any regulating agency, and are eligible to perform their designated responsibilities;
Waste, Fraud, Abuse and Other Wrongdoings
Arcus will be fiscally and environmentally conscious with regards to waste, fraud, abuse and other wrong doings.
Arcus complies with all laws and regulations governing these topics.
Reporting Responsibilities and Violations of Code of Ethics
Employees have the responsibility to report any suspected violation of the Code of Ethics to the Director of Programs and Residential Services or their designate.
The Director of Programs and Residential Services or their designate will immediately investigate the accusations.
There will be no negative action (no retaliation) against employees who provide information to or assist in an investigation of any violations of any part of the Ethical Code.
As per the BCGEU Collective Agreement – Arcus will make every effort to complete its investigation within 14 days
As per the BCGEU Collective Agreement – Arcus will notify the union designate when an investigation of conduct has been initiated. Any employee who is interviewed in the course of an investigation will have the right to union representation at such an interview.
Professional staff will be referred to their governance body for review and possible disciplinary action
In the event that findings substantiate waste, fraud or abuse the Director of designate may involve local authorities and decisions may be made for disciplinary action up to and including termination.