CODE OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOR

It is the responsibility of every member of GIFTS to act in a manner that is consistent with this Code and its supporting policies and practices. GIFTS is dedicated to the principle that all clients and their families, staff, trainees, volunteers, and visitors, deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy. Furthermore, GIFTS conducts its business and client care practices in an honest, decent, and proper manner.

GIFTS will constantly strive to adhere to the following standards:

We will fairly and accurately represent ourselves and our capabilities.

We will not misrepresent our capabilities to any public.

We will provide services to meet the identified needs of our clients and their families and will avoid the provision of those services, which are unnecessary or non-efficacious.

We will adhere to a uniform standard of care throughout the organization.

We will protect the integrity of clinical decision making, regardless of financial considerations.

At GIFTS, we will provide services only to those clients to whom we can safely care within this organization, and will not turn away clients in need of services based on their inability to pay or upon any other factor that is substantially unrelated to client care. Furthermore, we will develop and follow well-designed standards of care based upon identified client needs. Care that is of comparable quality, regardless of the setting, will be provided.

Respect for the client and their Family

We will treat all clients and their families with dignity, respect, and courtesy. Care will be provided in accordance with all constitutional rights and without discrimination as to race, color, sex, religion, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, diagnosis, disability or sources of payment for care. Spiritual beliefs and cultural practices will be considered when providing care.

Appropriate, humane and individual treatment will be provided in the least restrictive environment practical. clients and their families will participate in the development of an individualized evaluation and treatment plan. Each client and their family will be informed about suggested proposed treatment, the risks, alternative treatments available, and likely outcomes if proposed treatment is not done.

Confidentiality

GIFTS recognizes the need to maintain client and other information in a confidential manner. As such, client information will not be shared in an unauthorized manner. Sensitive information concerning personnel and management issues will be maintained in confidence and used only by those individuals authorized to review and act upon such information. All staff, trainees and volunteers are required to sign a confidentiality statement.

Fair Business and Billing Practices

GIFTS conducts all business and establishes all contractual relationships within appropriate federal and state laws and guidelines. Business decisions are based on competitive bidding, fair billing, timely payment, prudent buying, and ethical conduct, including identification of the potential for conflict of interest and avoidance of gratuities beyond that commonly recognized as token. Business is conducted with GIFTS’ mission in mind and without discrimination as to race, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, diagnosis or disability. GIFTS will invoice clients and their families or third parties accurately and only for services actually provided and will provide assistance to clients and their families seeking to understand the costs relative to their care. GIFTS also attempts to resolve concerns to the satisfaction of the client and his/her family while considering GIFTS’ best interest as well.

Conflicts of Interest

Potential for conflict of interest exists for decision makers at all levels within GIFTS. GIFTS’ policy is to request the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest so that appropriate action may be taken to ensure that such conflict does not inappropriately influence important decisions. Any relationships with other healthcare organizations, providers, or educational institutions are fully disclosed to clients and their families and payers.

Resolution of Conflicts

All conflicts will be resolved fairly and objectively. In cases where mutual satisfaction cannot be achieved among those who participate in client care decisions, the client complaint process will be initiated, followed by referral to the Corporate Compliance Officer/Clinical staff and/or Clinical Director, if necessary. In cases involving staff, the Employee Concerns Procedure and/or the Staff Rights policy should be implemented. The Clinical staff and Clinical Director will be involved as needed to pursue a mutually satisfactory resolution.