American College of Health Care Executives (ACHCE) has framed its ethical code in order to maintain the ethical standards or the organization. The code of ethics contains the responsibilities for colleagues, customers, patients and community. Violation of the code can jeopardize the reputation and relations of the organization. One of the ethical codes is that: -
“Ensuring a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual and other; coercion of any kind, especially to perform illegal or unethical acts; and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.” (ACHCE)
In case any executive is involved in breach of this code of ethics and a complaint is received from the patient or client the inquiry is to be conducted to find out the facts and determine as to what punishment is suitable for the executive. There has to be fair and just investigations so that facts come to light and it becomes easy to take decisions and corrective actions. The decisions will effect the future conduct o the employees of the organization. The system of inquiry has to be activities in logical sequence.
The Inquiry System
The inquiry has to be conducted in the following manner: -
- Receipt of Complaint. The first step of the inquiry system is that a complaint either from the effected individual or from with in the organization is received in writing. The head of the department is to analyze the severity of the complaint and if the breach of the code of ethics is found the investigations will commence.
- Show Cause Notice. The first step will be that the executive against whom the complaint is received will be asked to clarify position and reply against the complaint received. Once the reply is received within the stipulated time the decision regarding holding further inquiry will be taken...........
