ACHE Code of Ethics*
* As amended by the Board of Governors on November 10, 2003.

THE HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE'S RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE ORGANIZATION

The healthcare executive shall, within the scope of his or her authority:

1. Provide healthcare services consistent with available resources, and when there are limited resources, work to ensure the existence of a resource allocation process that considers ethical ramifications;
2. Conduct both competitive and cooperative activities in ways that improve community healthcare services;
3. Lead the organization in the use and improvement of standards of management and sound business practices;
4. Respect the customs and practices of patients or others served, consistent with the organization's philosophy;
5. Be truthful in all forms of professional and organizational communication, and avoid disseminating information that is false, misleading, or deceptive;
6. Report negative financial and other information promptly and accurately, and initiate appropriate action;
7. Prevent fraud and abuse and aggressive accounting practices that may result in disputable financial reports;
8. Create an organizational environment in which both clinical and management mistakes are minimized and, when they do occur, are disclosed and addressed effectively;
9. Implement an organizational code of ethics and monitor compliance; and
10. Provide ethics resources to staff to address organizational and clinical issues.

Arkansas Health Executives Forum
Contact: Phil Gilmore, FACHE, President