A Self-Assessment Guide for Health Care Organizations - IFC

Appendix I: IFC Code of Conduct for Health Care Organizations
PURPOSE
To establish a culture of openness, trust and integrity in business
practices. This document will serve to guide behavior to ensure
ethical conduct based on the values of the International Finance
Corporation (IFC).
POLICY
Organizations receiving funds from the IFC are expected to maintain
high standards of professional and business integrity, to comply with
all applicable laws, rules and regulations, deter wrongdoing and to
avoid situations and behaviors that could reasonably be foreseen to
reflect negatively on the integrity or reputation of IFC.
Prior to financing agreements, officers of the organization are to
receive this document and are required to execute a Code of Conduct
Statement. This statement will indicate that the document has been
read and understood, that the organization will conduct business to
the expectations outlined, that prohibited conduct will be avoided,
and any relevant conflicts will be disclosed.
The intent of these guidelines is not to attempt to foresee or define
each situation that does or might involve a breach in ethics. The
intent is rather to focus on situations that are viewed as likely to pose
actual or potential concerns or to reflect negatively on the integrity
or reputation of IFC. The intent is also to focus on IFC’s expectation
that, in questionable or unforeseen situations, timely disclosure will
facilitate satisfactory resolution before any such situation becomes
problematic.
During and, as applicable, subsequent to the agreement with IFC,
the following issues shall be disclosed and avoided or managed as
appropriate:
1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
The organization will ensure all activity by or on behalf of the
organization is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
2. Adherence to Ethical Standards
Organizations will accurately and honestly represent their services
and will not engage in any activity intended to defraud any individual
or organization of money, property or honest services.
4. Non-discrimination
Discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion,
gender, nationality, age or disability is not tolerated.
5. Confidentiality
The organization shall maintain the confidentiality of clients and that
of their service users and other confidential information in accordance
with applicable legal and ethical standards.
6. Records
All organizational records, documents and reports must be accurate,
complete, and un-tampered.
7. Avoidance of conflicts of interest
Executives, managers, employees, and Board members owe a duty of
loyalty to the organization. Persons holding such positions may not
use their positions to profit personally or to assist others in profiting
in any way at the expense of the organization.
8. Business relationships
Business transactions with vendors, contractors and other third
parties shall be transacted appropriately, without offers, solicitation
or acceptance of gifts and favors or other improper inducements
in exchange for influence or assistance in a transaction. Business
activities must be conducted on the basis of fair competitive practices.
All purchases of services and supplies must be from qualified and
reliable sources and be based upon objective factors, consistent with
the organization’s policies and procedures.
9. Occupational safety
The organization abides by all laws and regulations regarding
occupational safety. This requires an active participation in
maintaining a safe working environment and includes observance
of established safety procedures and making recommendations for
changes where they are needed.
10. Clinical research
The organization has a committee or other mechanism to oversee
all research within the organization. Any person enrolled in clinical
research is fully informed of the risks and benefits and their right to
refuse to participate or drop out of the activity without risk of reprisal.
3. Client focus
The organization has the responsibility to ensure that there are no
compromises in delivering the highest standard of services and that
every aspect of their operations promotes and reflects these standards.
No one is to take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation,
concealment, abuse of privileged information or misrepresentation of
material facts.
90 IFC Self-Assessment Guide for Health Care Organizations