About the National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants (NSCHBC)

Ethical conduct is critical to the operations of the NSCHBC. All NSCHBC Members shall:

• Conduct themselves with integrity, high moral purpose, and in the best interest of the NSCHBC, its Members, clients, volunteers, vendors, and affiliates.
• Comply with this Code, the NSCHBC’s Alcohol Consumption and Possession Policy, and all other policies and procedures of the NSCHBC.
• Comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including refraining from conduct constituting criminal or civil moral turpitude.
• Not, for personal advantage, subordinate their judgment to others or exploit client relationships, including those made in connection with the NSCHBC.
• Avoid, or disclose fully in writing to the Executive Committee, all actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that might arise from financial relationships attributable to the Member, or any affiliate or family member.
• Assume only those responsibilities and duties for which the Member is qualified.
• Understand that as a representative of the NSCHBC, the Member’s actions will influence others’ perceptions of the NSCHBC.
• Work to advance the mission, vision, and goals of the NSCHBC and not the Member’s personal agenda or interests.
• Value colleagues, peers, and staff, and treat all Members to a welcoming, professional, and respectful atmosphere that is free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind for any reason.
• Not intentionally injure or impugn the professional reputation or practice of other NSCHBC Members or any NSCHBC contractors or vendors.

Any Member who is or will be certified agrees to obey the rules of conduct in all test-taking procedures, whether serving as a proctor or student. Any types of cheating or behavior not befitting a Member of the NSCHBC will be deemed unethical conduct not in accordance with this Code.

Members of the NSCHBC may use the professional designation, “Member of (this Society’s full name or the abbreviation, NSCHBC)” only in a dignified and professional manner. The only proper use of the professional designation in advertising media shall be the designation itself. In print or electronic advertising media, the professional designation shall be used only after the name of the holder of such designation and in type no larger than the type used in their name. The professional designation shall not be used in the text of such advertising.

Use of the Society name, logo, or trademark for any purpose, except by an individual member in accordance with regulations determined by the Committee on Bylaws and Ethics, is expressly prohibited. Use for any other purpose or in any other manner shall be permitted only upon the written approval of the Executive Committee, following a Member’s application detailing the purpose and scope of the proposed use.

In the event any Member fails to adhere to the standards of this Code, the NSCHBC can take all legal and equitable disciplinary action available to it, including, but not limited to:

• Informal discussions by a member of the Executive Committee with the Member.
• Formal, written notice by the Executive Committee of the Member’s violation.
• Prohibition by the Executive Committee of the Member’s attendance at in-person NSCHBC events.
• Requirement that the Member undergo specialized training.
• Suspension or termination of the Member’s membership.
• Revocation of the Member’s CHBC certification.

This list is for illustrative purposes only and nothing herein shall be construed so as to limit the disciplinary action imposed by the Executive Committee for a violation of this Code.

Ethics complaints should be sent in writing to the Executive Committee. The matter will be kept confidential as it is investigated. If necessary, relevant Committees and advisors may be consulted and included in the process. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to make a final determination as to whether a violation of this Code has occurred. The affected Member shall have no appeal rights with respect to the final determination of the Executive Committee. Where laws have been violated, the NSCHBC will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities.

The NSCHBC is committed to continuously reviewing and updating its policies and procedures. Therefore, this Code is subject to modification. This Code supersedes all other such codes, policies, procedures, instructions, practices, rules, or written or verbal representations to the extent they are inconsistent.