Certification Board for Structural Integration

Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice Document

Introduction

The Certification Board Code of Ethics is the general ethics code for Certified Structural Integrators and is meant to offer a basic set of boundaries and principles as a guide to acceptable conduct.  Ethical behavior, in accordance with this Code, is necessary to remain a Certified Structural Integrator. The Code of Ethics is not meant to preclude any professional ethics code of any other profession or organization.

This Code offers guidance for professional conduct and a vehicle for the assessment and appraisal of situations having ethical implications.  This Code also is offered as a guide and an affirmation of the will of the Practitioners Certified by the Certification Board and is intended to protect their best interests and reputation while insuring the highest quality professional service to all of their clients.

CBSI Code of Ethics

Client / Practitioner Relationship

Certified Structural Integrators are entrusted with the responsibility of creating an environment which allows the Structural Integration Client to have a rewarding and positive experience.  Certified Structural Integrators will:

• Ensure client safety, protecting them from unreasonable physical and emotional risk;
• Enable and empower all clients in their growth and evolutionary process with empathy, dignity and caring;
• Never discriminate against anyone in providing Structural Integration services because of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or disability;
• Engage only in honest and fair business practices;
• Ensure that all Structural Integration practice is conducted in an alcohol and drug free environment;
• Avoid all sexual relationships with clients; and
• Never engage in sexual harassment of any kind or create a sexually intimidating or offensive environment.

Standards of Practice

All Certified Structural Integrators have a duty to adhere to the CBSI Standards of Practice.  Certified Structural Integrators will:

• Only provide Structural Integration services for which they were properly trained, have proven competency and are recognized by their peers as capable to provide such services in the scope of their practices;
• Accurately and truthfully represent CBSI policies, actions and procedures;
• Use the established CBSI ethics procedures to resolve all complaints of conduct regarding charges from a client or charges between members;
• Ensure client confidentiality;
• Never misrepresent themselves through information which is based on falsifications regarding accomplishments, qualifications, education, experience, certifications, licenses or criminal records;
• Never misrepresent the nature and scope of their Structural Integration practice;
• Seek advice and counsel of peers and other professionals whenever it is in the best interest of their clients.

Practitioner Conduct

All Certified Structural Integrators are to be in compliance with all national, regional and local criminal and administrative codes. 

Development

Certified Structural Integrators should strive to increase their competency, skill and proficiency in the craft of Structural Integration. Certified Structural Integrators must take responsibility for remaining current on safety, health and developments that are relevant to the practice of Structural Integration. 

Conflict of Interest

Certified Structural Integrators are responsible for avoiding conflicts of interest, both actual and perceived, while acting in a business capacity for the CBSI. It is unethical for any member to:

• Achieve personal gain by using CBSI services, their position in office, or authority inherent or implied or associated with their elected or appointed position in CBSI;
• Incur unsubstantiated, unnecessary and/or unreasonable debt in the name of or while representing CBSI;
• Participate in any decision making mechanism within CBSI which would result in their immediate of future personal gain.  

Enforcement of the Code

Enforcement of the CBSI Code of Ethics depends on voluntary compliance, peer involvement, client participation and the support of all members.

• Voluntary Compliance
• Any Certified Structural Integrator who believes that another Certified Structural Integrator has violated the CBSI Code of Ethics, unless extraordinary circumstances dictate otherwise, should first address the concern directly with that practitioner.  The respondent Certified Structural Integrator should comply completely to the satisfaction of the complainant member. A member of the Ethics and Standards of Practice Committee may be sought for a consultation and/or negotiation role in this part of the process.
• Any Certified Structural Integrator in personal ethical conflict is required to seek advice and counsel of a peer and/or the CBSI Ethics and Standards of Practice Committee.

• Peer Involvement.
• Any Certified Structural Integrator, who after addressing an Ethics concern directly to another member with unsatisfactory results, is obligated to file a signed, written complaint with the CBSI Ethics and Standards of Practice Committee and cooperate fully with all subsequent investigations.
• All Certified Structural Integrators will cooperate fully with any investigation.

• Client and Member Participation
• Any client, Certified Structural Integrator or person outside of CBSI, may file an ethics complaint.
• All written and signed complaints will be handled personally by the CBSI Ethics and Standards of Practice Committee according to the CBSI by-laws.
• Before a complaint is sent to the CBSI Ethics and Standards of Practice Committee, all procedures will be explained to the complainant, both verbally and in writing.
• Both complainant and respondent will be supported by all staff and Committee members.
• Negotiation to a conclusion will be pursued initially when deemed appropriate by the Committee.
• At the end of the investigation, when necessary and appropriate, the Committee will present a detailed report, including recommendations, to the Certification Board  remove spacefor final disposition.  If the Certification Board determines there is valid evidence of a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice violation, Certification will be permanently revoked.  
• If the Certificant wishes to appeal,remove comma the decision, all appeals will be made directly to the Chair of the Certification Board for Structural Integration.  Certification will remain valid during the appeals process.