MEMBERSHIP CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania (AAP) prides itself on being identified as composed of individuals and companies that are committed to delivering dependable, high quality patient care services to those they serve.  Our members strive to be compliant with all state and federal requirements and conduct themselves in a professional, ethical manner as outlined in this Code of Professional Conduct.

Each area begins with an ethical principle that sets forth the goals and ideals of the profession. The ethical principle is followed by the applicable sections of the code of professional conduct which lists specific types of conduct that is either required or prohibited.

Ethical principles are goals that every professional should strive to achieve. They serve as the justification for the specific requirement of the code of principle conduct. Unlike the ethical principles, the code of professional conduct is binding upon all AAP members and violations may subject the member to disciplinary action (including expulsion from membership) in accordance with the AAP Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

It is the duty of every AAP Company and/or individual member to know and strictly adhere to the requirements of the code of professional conduct. For the protection of the clients we serve, the profession we dedicate ourselves to, the communities in which we live and serve, and the association that represents us, the members of AAP agree to abide by the Code of Professional Conduct.

Principle 1

        Members shall respect the rights, welfare and dignity of all.

1. Members shall be committed to providing competent, high quality care.
2. Members shall preserve the confidentiality of privileged information and shall not release such information to a third party involved in the patient’s care without a release unless required by law.

Principle 2

Members shall comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice pre-hospital care.

2.1 Members shall comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws and institutional guidelines.

2.2 Members shall be familiar with and abide by all AAP standards, rules, and regulations.

2.3 Members shall report illegal or unethical practices related to AAP or the appropriate person or authority.

2.4 Members are to be aware and participate in matters of legislation and regulation affecting the EMS industry.

Principle 3

        Members shall maintain and promote high standards in their provision of services

3.1 Members shall not misrepresent, either directly or indirectly, their skills, training, professional credentials, identity or services.

3.2 Members shall provide only those services for which they are qualified through education or experience and which are allowed by their practice acts and other pertinent regulations.

3.3 Members shall provide services, make referrals, and seek compensation only for those services that are necessary.

3.4 Members shall recognize the need for continuing education and participate in educational activities that enhance their skills and knowledge.

3.5 Members shall educate those whom they supervise in the provision of pre-hospital care services about the code of ethics and stress the importance of adherence.

3.6 Members who are researchers or educators should maintain and promote ethical conduct in research and educational activities.

Principle 4

Members shall not engage in conduct that could be construed as a conflict of interest or that reflects negatively on the
profession.

4.1 Members should conduct themselves personally and professionally in a manner that does not compromise their professional responsibilities or the delivery of EMS services.

4.2 AAP current or past volunteer leaders shall not use the AAP logo in the endorsement of products or services or exploit their affiliation with the AAP in a manner that reflects badly upon the profession.

4.3 Members shall not place financial gain above the patient’s welfare and shall not participate in any arrangement that exploits the patient.

4.4 Members shall never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual preference, medical condition, or handicap.

4.5 Member shall responsibly use social networking, electronic communications, or other media technology opportunities in a manner that does not discredit, dishonor, or embarrass the organization.