Code of Ethics (Facility)
NIC CODE OF ETHICS
Professional Standards for Caregivers & Care Facilities
1. PURPOSE
This Code of Ethics establishes the ethical principles, professional conduct standards, and responsibilities governing caregivers and care facilities affiliated with NIC. Compliance with this Code is mandatory for all NIC-certified caregivers, members, and accredited facilities.
2. CORE ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
All caregivers and facilities shall uphold the following principles:
**Respect for Human Dignity**: Recognizing the inherent worth of every individual.
**Compassion and Empathy**: Providing care with kindness and emotional understanding.
**Integrity and Honesty**: Being truthful and professional in all interactions.
**Professional Competence**: Maintaining high standards of skill and knowledge.
**Accountability**: Taking responsibility for one's actions and oversight.
**Confidentiality**: Protecting the private information of care recipients.
**Non-Discrimination**: Treating all persons equally regardless of background.
3. DUTIES TO CARE RECIPIENTS
Caregivers and facilities shall:
Treat all clients with dignity and respect.
Protect clients from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Respect privacy and confidentiality.
Promote independence where possible.
Obtain informed consent where applicable.
Act in the best interests of the client at all times.
4. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Caregivers shall:
Perform duties within their competence.
Maintain professional boundaries.
Avoid conflicts of interest.
Refrain from substance abuse.
Maintain accurate records.
Comply with lawful instructions and policies.
5. PROHIBITED CONDUCT
The following are strictly prohibited and subject to immediate sanction:
Physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse.
Neglect or abandonment of care recipients.
Falsification of professional records.
Exploitation of clients or their families.
Harassment or intimidation in the care environment.
Misrepresentation of qualifications.
6. FACILITY ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS
Care facilities shall:
Ensure safe and humane living conditions.
Employ qualified and vetted staff.
Provide adequate supervision of care activities.
Support ethical decision-making processes.
Encourage reporting of unethical conduct.
Protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY & DATA PROTECTION
Personal and medical information must be kept confidential.
Information shall only be disclosed where legally required or consented to.
Digital records must be securely managed and protected.
8. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Violations of this Code may result in:
Formal Warnings
Mandatory retraining or ethics coaching
Suspension of certification or accreditation
Permanent Revocation of NIC affiliation
Referral to relevant law enforcement authorities
© National Institute of Caregivers (NIC). All Rights Reserved.
Need Support with Compliance?
Our registry department provides technical guidance for facilities to meet these national standards.