VIRGINIA BOARD OF NURSING
CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code of
Conduct is a set of behavioral expectations intended to assure the public that
the Board of Nursing and its individual members uphold the highest level of
integrity and ethical standards. Board members
and staff will conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of the process
and all participants, including board members, staff, licensees and the public
during conferences, hearings, and general meetings.
The mission
of the Board of Nursing is to ensure safe and competent practice of nursing to
protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth.
The following guidelines and protocol
provide the foundation for assuring the public trust in professional regulation:
1. The Board of Nursing shall fulfill
the oath taken to uphold and familiarize themselves with the laws of the State
of Virginia, rules, Board of Nursing regulations, policies, guidance documents
and procedures of nursing for the protection of the public that govern their
service.
2. Being a member of the Board of
Nursing is a privilege to serve the public.
3. The Board of Nursing shall provide an
annual continuing education session support the ongoing effective and efficient
work of the Board.
4. Board members shall disclose any
actual or perceived conflict of interest and recuse themselves from those
decisions, if deemed appropriate.
5. Board members shall strive to avoid
any relationships, activity or position that may influence, directly or
indirectly, the performance of his or her official duties as a board member.
6. Board members shall communicate to
Board staff through the Executive Director; staff members communicate to the
Board members through the President of the Board.
7. Board of Nursing members shall
conduct themselves with the following guidelines and protocol while in official
capacity as a member of the Board:
a.
Members
shall be on time for all sessions, preferably be present ten minutes before the
opening session or meeting;
b.
Members
shall ensure that their demeanor and body language remains professional and
respectful at all times;
c.
Members
shall signal for recess by a red card or correspond with the President for any
additional concerns;
d.
All
electronic equipment will be off, including those on vibrate mode. The public will be advised to do the same;
e.
Members
shall inspect all mailed materials against agenda and inform
the chair prior to the
opening of the session of any concerns;
f.
Members
shall address respondent, board, staff and public by their last name and/or
title and stay focused during the hearings or meetings in a fair, equitable,
impartial and just manner.
g.
Members
shall refrain from speeches during hearings and avoid repeating questions,
unless a clear answer was not given;
h.
Members
shall accept responsibility, accountability and resolution with respect and
support for the decisions made by the Board;
i.
Members
shall maintain confidentiality of all confidential documents, information and
general Board matters;
j.
Members
shall not speak or act for the Board of Nursing without authorization;
k.
Members
shall not confer with licensee and/or legal counsel even if members know them
personally.
