Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy

Last revised:

January 5, 2015

Introduction:

Benchmark Independent Medical Examinations Inc. (“Benchmark”, “we”, “us”, and “our”) is committed to a Person Centered Philosophy. We have established our Code of Ethics to include an expansive array of ethical responsibilities that are standard for Benchmark employees. Our code of ethics addresses: Business practices; Marketing practices; Contractual relationships; Service delivery; Professional responsibilities; Human resources; Prohibition of waste, fraud, abuse, and other wrongdoing; Advocacy efforts; Corporate citizenship; and Conflict of Interest. We have also established policies and procedures for addressing and acting on violations of our Code of Ethics. If you have any questions regarding our Code of Ethics, please feel free to contact Benchmark at 905.827.4248.

Code of Ethics – Business Practices:

• Employees must have knowledge of the legal status of the Person Served (i.e., a minor)
• Employees shall, when applicable, provide information to the Person Served regarding resources related to legal status
• Employees shall behave in a manner that demonstrates dignity and respect to the Person Served, examiners, visitors, staff members, volunteers, and other stakeholders
• Employees must present and maintain a professional decorum with the Person Served, examiners, and/or other associated or third party relations
• Employees must be honest and forthright in their communication, and communication with any Benchmark employee; employee of a client, collaborative partner, or provider; or other business associate working directly or indirectly with Benchmark
• Employees shall use language that is respectful and professional when communicating with the Person Served, examiners, visitors, staff members, volunteers, and other stakeholders
• Employees shall not engage in contracts or agreements with outside organizations and/or agencies on behalf of Benchmark unless permitted in their job description or granted permission to do so
• All material received from conferences is the property of Benchmark and shall be stamped as Benchmark property, and turned in upon termination from Benchmark
• Employees shall behave in a trustworthy manner with those whom they serve
• Employees shall consult with their immediate supervisor and refer to the company’s policy when responding to subpoenas or other legal requests for company and/or client records
• Employees shall not engage in activities that fall into the category of fraud, waste, abuse, or fiscal mismanagement and/or misrepresentation of organizational funds
• Employees shall not act as a witness to documents such as Power of Attorney, guardianship, advance directives, and/or company contracts without the expressed written approval of the Director of Clinical Services and Operations or Director of Sales
• Employees shall not intentionally or unintentionally mismanage the resources of Benchmark or other stakeholders

Advocacy Efforts:

Benchmark continues to advocate for the Person Served, personnel, and other community stakeholders. Benchmark will continue to demonstrate a commitment and value for advocacy services on behalf of the Person Served through a number of venues, including corporate responsibility strategies and as a part of ongoing service delivery.

The continuum of advocacy services will include from time to time, based upon changing needs, the following:

• Linking to local advocacy groups, agencies, and organizations
• Systems Advocacy: Seeking to change a policy or practice that affects the Person Served
• Legislative Advocacy as permitted by law: Seeking legislative enactments that would enhance the rights of and/or opportunities for the Person Served
• Self-Advocacy: Enabling the Person Served to advocate on his/her own behalf

Corporate Citizenship:

Benchmark encourages corporate responsibility at all levels of the organization. Corporate responsibility demonstrates what an organization stands for including its ethical, social, and environmental values. Corporate responsibility assists in: Advocating for the Persons Served; Promoting ethical business practices; Developing efficiency as an organization; and considering the impact of organizational activities on the Person Served, personnel, other stakeholders, and the environment.

The participation of staff in corporate responsibility activities requires receiving approval from the Director of Clinical Services and Operations for corporate responsibility activities that must be conducted during the course of the regular work day.

Potential Conflict of Interest:

Employees shall be alert to, and avoid, conflicts of interest that interfere with the exercise of professional discretion and impartial judgment.

Employees should not directly or indirectly engage in any employment activity or enterprise which is inconsistent, incompatible or in conflict with his/her duties as a Benchmark employee, or with the duties, functions and responsibilities of the program in which he/she is employed. The policy is not meant to restrict or infringe upon the activities of the employee or his/her family, but is intended to protect the company from instances where the achievement of its goals is impeded by the intentional or unintentional acts of its employees.

*All information available in accessible formats upon request.