Code of Ethics - NBPHE

Code of Ethics


Preamble
The purpose of the Code of Ethics of the National Board of Public Health Examiners is to establish standards of conduct for anyone Certified in Public Health (CPH) or applying for that certification. All CPH professionals have a duty to protect and promote the health of the public. In fulfilling this duty, certification is a privilege that must be earned and maintained. The CPH recertification process fosters life-long learning, professional development, and promotion of the public health profession. CPH professionals who violate any provision of the Code of Ethics are subject to investigation. The outcome of such investigation could lead to temporary or permanent loss of the CPH credential.

I. The CPH’s Responsibilities to Community and Society

  • Place the safety and health of the public above all other interests.
  • Disclose any financial or other conflicts of interest in carrying out their responsibilities.
  • Demonstrate integrity, honesty and fairness in all activities.
  • Act truthfully and speak in good faith in an objective manner based on knowledge of facts and competence of subject matter.
  • Provide current and accurate information about all public health issues, and when it occurs.
  • Valuing all individuals and populations equally.
  • Recognizing and rectifying historical injustices.
  • Providing resources according to need.

II. The CPH’s Responsibilities to the Population Served

  • Apply skills with competence.
  • Disseminate timely information that safeguards the health of the public.
  • Protect confidential information in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

III. The CPH’s Responsibilities to Their Organization

  • Promote the mission, vision, and values of their organization within an ethical framework.
  • Abide by procedures and governance in place to safeguard client confidentiality of and organizational information.
  • Ensure that organizational activities, procedures, and communication are based on scientifically verified evidence when available, and informed expert consensus when
    conclusive evidence is not yet available.

IV. The CPH’s Responsibilities to Their Organization’s Employees

  • Insist upon ethical conduct in the work environment.
  • Keep the work environment safe and healthy.
  • Identify and eliminate coercion and harassment in the workplace.
  • Promote the best use of employees’ knowledge and skills.

V. The CPH’s Responsibilities to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Promote a culture of inclusivity and cultural competence that seeks to prevent, discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
  • Act in a manner free of bias regarding race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age,
    or disability.
  • Create and maintain internal organizational structures and external collaborations that allow for the participation of individuals and groups regardless of demographic, political, or social
    characteristics.

VI. The CPH’s Responsibilities to the Profession of Public Health and the National Board

  • Accurately and appropriately represent academic and professional qualifications.
  • Maintain and advance individual public health competencies through recertification.
  • Abide by the policies and procedures required by NBPHE.
  • Acknowledge that the credential is the property of NBPHE.
  • Use the NBPHE logo and credential as authorized by NBPHE

VII. The CPH’s Responsibility to Report Violations of the Code

A CPH who has reasonable grounds to believe that another CPH has violated this Code has a duty to communicate such allegations to the Ethics Committee of the National Board of Public Health Examiners.


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