It is the policy of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) that Board of Directors, executive staff of the AARC, and Board of Medical Advisors, and House of Delegates will not disclose confidential information obtained through their affiliation with the AARC to any person, including relatives, friends, business and professional associates, unless AARC has authorized disclosure in writing. This policy is not intended to circumvent disclosure where required by law.
Confidentiality is the preservation of privileged information. Board and other volunteers are cautioned to exhibit professionalism, good judgment, and care at-all-times in the dissemination of any information related to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) to avoid unauthorized or breeches in confidentiality.
While volunteers and executive staff are encouraged to discuss the organization with relevant audiences, they shall not report opinions expressed in meetings or memos, nor shall they report independently on committee action, or engage in any communication that has not been approved by the AARC President or Executive Director or that would not be supported by board policy, procedures, or decisions.
At the end of the volunteers or executive staff’s term or upon his/her retirement, resignation or removal from the AARC, he/she shall return, at AARC’s request, all documents, papers, and other materials, regardless of medium, which may contain or be derived from confidential information, in his/her possession.
It is expected that volunteers and executive staff, will not use trade secrets, client lists, or other confidential information acquired by virtue of being on the board or executive committee, even after they complete their service with the American Association for Respiratory Care.