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The National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC) is committed to the concept of ethical behavior by its reviewers and all persons who represent NAC.
NAC reviewers/representatives are expected to read, understand, and agree to adhere to all the policies set forth in this document.
The reviewer's code of conduct is the foundation of the compliance process and guides professional and ethical behavior. It is built on the precept of quality customer service and driven by NAC's mission and values. No code of conduct can identify all appropriate moral conduct and ethical behavior for every situation reviewers may encounter; reviewers must also rely on good judgment and support, encourage and help one another to comply with this code.
As a reviewer you must agree to follow all the policies and procedures in the current NAC Reviewer Policies and Procedures Manual and emulate the following behavior.
Customer Service
A NAC reviewer's success depends on recognizing and responding to the needs of all customers as a priority, throughout the review process.
Examples:
* Avoid confusing customers; apply standards in a manner consistent with NAC interpretations.
* Provide useful, bias-free consultation based on active listening.
* Remember that you are at the facility by invitation; minimize interference with the organization's regular operations.
Conflict of Interest
Reviewer independence is essential to the integrity of the review process and desired outcome. Avoid all actual, potential, and insinuated conflicts of interest.
Examples:
* Avoid accepting any assignment in which a conflict of interest exists or may be insinuated.
* Avoid soliciting employment, personnel, or business opportunities (e.g., distributing business cards for personal gain.)
* Avoid working for or providing professional services to any entity that accredits in any of the same fields as NAC.
* Avoid accepting from the organization any goods or services
* Avoid marketing or selling any products or services to the organization or its employees.
* Avoid accepting any assignment not in line with your area of expertise.
* In a timely manner, identify and declare to NAC any relationships with an organization or individual that would impair, or could be perceived to impair, full and fair application of standards
Confidentiality
All information disclosed to a reviewer by an organization, it customers and funding and referral sources is to be considered private and confidential.
Examples:
* Comply with all applicable privacy and confidentiality laws set forth by NAC and the visited organization's internal policies.
* Dispose of materials in a manner that will protect confidentiality.
* Avoid disclosing to the organization information learned during interviews with persons served, funding sources and referral sources when confidentiality has been promised or requested.
Cooperative Relationships
Developing cooperative relationships is integral to a constructive and successful review process. Appropriately engage stakeholders in a professional manner.
Examples:
* Limit all contact with individuals related to or associated with the organization to review-related business.
* Treat all persons with dignity and respect.
You represent NAC and are on-site to serve the organization. Devote your full time and attention to the organization during the review and in line with NAC's policies and procedures.
Examples:
* Avoid conducting non-review-related business during the review, except as necessary to respond to an emergency.
* Avoid distraction from or interference with the review process due to the presence of reviewer family members.
* Avoid non-review-related use of cellular telephones during the review hours, except as necessary to respond to an emergency.
Treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity.
Examples:
* Avoid discrimination in any manner based on any individual's race, color, national origin, religion, citizenship status, veteran status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by law.
* Avoid any personal or preconceived ideas, notions, or beliefs that may affect the review process.
* Acknowledge and allay fears and concerns of organizations and persons served related to the review process.
Dignity and Respect
All people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Maintain a positive review environment free from any form of harassment.
Example:
* Avoid sexual or other harassment of employees or other representatives of organizations, persons served, or other reviewers, such as oral or written communications or other conduct, including physical conduct that tends to insult, degrade, tease, intimidate, or otherwise harass.
Safety
Help establish and maintain a safe environment by exercising good judgment and common sense.
Examples:
Avoid inattentive, reckless, or unlawful driving during and on route to and from the review.
* Avoid the use of unlawful drugs.
* Avoid the use of alcohol while on-site or in excess at other times during the review.
* Avoid taking unnecessary risks while on the review.
Safeguarding NAC Assets
NAC's assets are funded almost entirely by the organizations it serves, and its stability is critical to NAC's ability to fulfill its mission. Protect NAC's reputation and safeguard its financial, intellectual, technological, and all other assets.
Examples:
* Submit for payment only actual review-related expenses.
* Use and disclose NAC proprietary materials (e.g., standards manuals, checklists, lists of discriminatory and frequently cited standards, and copyrighted materials, etc.) provided to you solely in your capacity as a reviewer only in connection with the assigned reviews.
* Avoid violating any laws, and immediately inform NAC of any criminal charges.
* Avoid accepting review assignments outside areas of your competency.
Reporting
Reporting improper reviewer behavior allows NAC to take appropriate remedial actions that promote professionalism and support on going compliance. Report to NAC any event you reasonably and in good faith believe is a violation of NAC's reviewer code of conduct.
Reviewer' Conflict of Interest, Confidentiality and Code of Conduct Form
I have read NAC's reviewer's code of conduct, conflict of interest policy and confidentiality policies. I understand and agree to conduct myself in accordance with all the policies outlined in this document. Further I understand and agree to contact NAC's Executive Director if a conflict of interest arises during my services as a reviewer and pledge to not divulge any confidential information entrusted to me in my capacity as a NAC reviewer. I fully understand NAC's code of conduct as a reviewer and by signing this form and returning it the NAC office agree to abide by all said policies.
Name (please print): _________________________
Signature: __________________________________
Date signed: ________________________________
(For NAC use only) Date form Received: ______________
JUNE 2008
Please contact the NAC office if you have any questions or need more information.
You may use our contact form by clicking hereor contact us using the information below:
National Accreditation Councilfor Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC)
Steven K. Hegedeos Executive Director
7017 Pearl Road
Middleburg Hts., Ohio 44130
Phone: 440-545-1601
Cell: 440-724-9781
