A summary of this Code is posted at each program site for the benefit of individuals served, staff  members and visitors to the programs.  The complete Code of Ethics is inserviced during orientation of new staff and reviewed at least annually.  A copy of the Code is posted at each program site and on the agency website for review by individuals served, family members and/or other visitors.

The Code is as follows:

1. Propriety – Staff maintain high standards of personal conduct in their capacity or identity as an employee of Touchstone Services, Inc.

1.      The private conduct of staff is a personal matter, except when such conduct compromises the fulfillment of professional responsibilities or is likely to impair work performance. 

2.      In an effort to obtain and maintain an optimal workforce, Touchstone conducts criminal background checks, drug screening, and confirmation of professional credentials as a part of its hiring process as well as periodically throughout the course of employment. 

3.      Staff are knowledgeable of and act in accordance with the laws and statutes of Michigan regarding all issues which affect their practice.

4.      Staff distinguish clearly between statements made and actions taken as a private individuals and as representatives of Touchstone services, Inc.

2. Competence and Professional Development – Staff strive to be proficient in professional practice and the performance of professional functions.

1.       Staff maintain appropriate registration/ licensure for their profession as required by their job description.

2.       Staff  shall function within the bounds of their profession and job description.

3.      Staff may witness the signature of persons served on documents such as plans of service, consents, advanced directives, etc. when they are able to reasonable attest to the individual’s identity.

3. Integrity -  Staff act in accordance with the highest standards of professional integrity and impartiality.

1.      Staff are alert to and resist the influences and pressures that interfere with their professional performance.  Staff make known to their supervisor any possible conflicts of interest that may interfere with the performance of their job.

2.      Staff act to safeguard the personal property of persons served as well as that owned by the agency.  Staff are stewards of agency resources and act to conserve and make best use of them.

3.      Staff do not exploit professional relationships for personal gain.  Staff are prohibited from selling items or services or from engaging in fund-raising activities on behalf of a personal cause with persons receiving services.  The staff relationship may serve to place undue pressure on persons served to enter into these financial relationships.   

4. Diversity – Staff promote multicultural competence in all places and relationships in regard to their employment with Touchstone Services, Inc.

Ethical Responsibility to People Receiving Services

A.     Primacy of Individuals’ interests – The staff’s primary responsibility is to persons receiving services.  All interactions between staff and persons served must focus specifically on what is in the best interest of the individual being served, including advocacy.    

1.      Staff serve individuals with the maximum application of professional skill.

2.      Staff will comply with Touchstone Services, Inc. policies and procedures listed in the Recipient Rights policy (40) of the Employee Policy Manual as well as Chapter Seven of the Michigan Mental Health Code to assure treatment with dignity and respect, confidentiality and the civil rights of persons receiving services. 

2.  Staff, under no circumstances, engage in sexual activities with individuals to whom they are providing services.  Exchange of gifts, money, and/or gratuities between staff individuals for whom they provide service is prohibited. 

3. Staff act with integrity in their relationships with colleagues, families, significant others, other organizations, agencies, referral sources and other professionals so as to facilitate the contribution of all resources for achieving optimum benefit for persons receiving their services.

4. Rights and Prerogatives of Persons Served – Staff make every effort to support self-determination on the part of the persons served.

Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues

1. Respect, Fairness and Courtesy – Staff treat colleagues and other professionals with respect, courtesy, fairness and good faith to assure the most effective services for individuals.

                1,  Staff cooperate with colleagues to promote professional interests and

                    concerns.

2.  Staff collaborate fully with other professionals providing services to the same individual to assure the most effective services.

2. Development of Knowledge – Staff take responsibility for identifying, developing and fully utilizing knowledge for professional practice.

1. Staff base practice upon recognized knowledge relevant to psychiatric rehabilitation and/or substance abuse treatment.

2. Staff critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to psychiatric rehabilitation and/or substance abuse treatment.

Ethical Responsibility to the Community

A.   Promoting the General Welfare – Staff will promote social awareness for acceptance of persons who experience psychiatric disabilities and/or substance abuse issues.

1.      Staff act to expand choice and opportunity, eliminate attitudinal barriers, and encourage respect for the diversity of all cultures and groups which constitute our community.

2.      Staff will seek out opportunities to participate in community events in an effort to provide education about psychiatric and substance use disorders.

 Ethics in Marketing – Touchstone Services, Inc. will hold itself out to the community as a provider of psychosocial rehabilitation and substance abuse services, consistent with the agency’s stated mission, purpose and vision.  The agency will seek to expand services provided and areas served, as determined feasible by the Administrative Team.  The agency’s focus is to always remain on the provision of high quality service.  Marketing efforts will reflect an honest portrayal of the agency’s areas of expertise.

Implementation of the Code of Ethics

1. All staff practice within the scope of the guidelines herein.

2. In the event that staff do not conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Ethics, persons receiving services, advocates, or other professionals can initiate a complaint.

3. In accordance with the Compliance Plan, a complaint form can be directed to the Executive Director for review.  The Executive Director will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within five (5) working days.  Interviews, research and reviews will be conducted as necessary to investigate the complaint.  A report will be prepared within thirty (30) days that either substantiates or does not substantiate the complaint.  Remedial action, disciplinary action, and / or legal action will be implemented as appropriate.  A final report will be distributed to the complainant.

4. Anonymity will be maintained if requested, and if possible.  Every effort will be made to guard against retaliation.