Section 455IAC2-21-1. Code of ethics

   All providers or agents providing services under this article shall abide by the code of ethics in this section. A provider shall do the following:

(1) Provide professional services with objectivity and with respect for the independence and the unique needs and values of the individual being provided services.

(2) Avoid discrimination on the basis of factors that are irrelevant to the provision of services, including, but not limited to, the following:

(A) Race.

(B) Creed.

(C) Gender.

(D) Age.

(E) Disability.

(3) Provide sufficient objective information to enable an individual or the individual's guardian to make informed decisions.

(4) Accurately present the following:

(A) Professional qualifications and credentials.

(B) Professional qualifications of all employees or agents.

(5) Require all employees or agents to assume responsibility and accountability for personal and professional competence in the following:

(A) The practice of the person's profession.

(B) The provision of services under this article.

(6) Require professional, licensed, or accredited employees or agents to adhere to acceptable standards for the employee's or agent's area of professional practice.

(7) Require employees or agents to comply with all laws and regulations governing a licensed or accredited professional's profession.

(8) Require all employees or agents to do the following:

(A) Maintain the confidentiality of individual information consistent with the standards of this article and all other laws and regulations governing confidentiality of individual information.

(B) Conduct all practice with honesty, integrity, and fairness.

(C) Fulfill professional commitments in good faith.

(D) Inform the public and colleagues of services only by use of factual information.

(9) Refrain from the following:

(A) Advertising or marketing services in a misleading manner.

(B) Engaging in uninvited solicitation of potential clients who are vulnerable to undue influence, manipulation, or coercion.

(10) Make reasonable efforts to avoid bias in any kind of professional evaluation.

(11) Notify the appropriate party, which may include:

(A) DDARS;

(B) the Indiana state department of health;

(C) a licensing authority;

(D) an accrediting agency;

(E) an employer; and

(F) the office of the attorney general, division of consumer protection;

of any unprofessional conduct that may jeopardize an individual's safety or influence the individual or individual's representative in any decision making process. (Division of Aging; 455 IAC 2-21-1; filed Sep 1, 2006, 8:20 a.m.: 20060927-IR-460050119FRA; readopted filed Nov 2, 2012, 8:32 a.m.: 20121121-IR-455120508RFA) NOTE: Transferred from the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (460 IAC 1.2-21-1) to the Division of Aging (455 IAC 2-21-1) by P.L.153-2011, SECTION 21, effective July 1, 2011.

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