EMHA Executive Committee Code of Ethical Conduct

All EMHA Executive Committee members, in their corporate capacity, are responsible for discharging their duties with honesty, integrity, and in the interests of public morals and civility. Members are expected to comply with, support, and promote the guiding principles outlined in this Code.

These principles align with EMHA's mission, values, and by-laws. Executive Committee members are expected to demonstrate leadership by supporting and promoting these principles by example.

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Guiding Principles

1. Accountability

Executive members are accountable for their decisions and actions to the EMHA membership. This includes:

• Respecting confidential information learned in the course of EMHA activities.

• Participating in meetings with preparation, clarity, and respect for others’ time.

• Remaining flexible and open to change.

• Supporting the final decisions made by the Executive and its sub-committees.

• Contributing positively to committee functioning by supporting fellow members.

2. Respect

Executive members respect diversity of opinion, ideas, and debate. This includes:

• Recognizing the equal right of all public and EMHA members to be heard and respected.

• Valuing the diverse expertise and knowledge of Executive members to enhance constructive debate and effective decision-making.

• Promoting collaborative behavior, mutual respect, and efficient use of time.

• Avoiding personal or group criticism of fellow members both in and outside committee meetings.

3. Integrity

Committee members must avoid obligations that could influence their official duties. This includes:

• Making decisions in the Association’s best interest.

• Maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding personal or competing interests.

4. Openness

Committee members should be transparent and clear about their decisions and actions. This includes:

• Disclosing and managing conflicts of interest appropriately.

• Explaining the reasons and rationale behind Executive decisions.

• Holding themselves and each other accountable to this Code of Ethical Conduct.

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Accountability Process

Every committee member is responsible for adhering to this Code and for holding others accountable.

A disciplinary process is triggered if a member:

1. Breaches, fails, refuses, or neglects compliance with the By-Laws or Rules of Operations.

2. Acts in a manner prejudicial to the association’s objects or interests.

3. Acts contrary to the Executive Code of Conduct guiding principles.

Disciplinary Committee

• Convened by the President, Vice President, or delegate.

• Chaired by the President, Vice President, or delegate.

• Includes three other Executive members.

• If three impartial Executive members are unavailable, members in good standing may be included.

Disciplinary Outcomes

First Offense:

• Verbal warning with written notice sent to the EMHA Secretary.

Second Offense:

• Written warning from President, Vice President, or delegate.

• Automatic one-meeting suspension of voting rights.

• Written notice sent to EMHA Secretary.

Third Offense:

• Immediate suspension from all Executive duties until further notice.