The NAMSS Code of Professional Conduct shall apply to all persons holding membership in NAMSS, including the leadership/officers. The Code sets forth principles that connect the values and ideals of the profession to the work performed by Medical Services Professionals. The Code of Professional Conduct shall serve as the standard by which the NAMSS Ethics Committee will evaluate professional conduct and shall serve as the standards of minimally acceptable professional conduct for all members of NAMSS.
Members are responsible to observe and enhance ethical standards to maintain the respect and credibility of the profession.
The NAMSS Ethics Committee is not only responsible for evaluating professional conduct when concerns are brought forward, but also for educating NAMSS members on professional ethics. Several resources and tools are available below.
The Rules of Ethics
Because the public, healthcare providers, and employers rely on the medical services professional, it is essential that all Covered Individuals (NAMSS members, applicants, candidates, certificants, instructors, speakers, and authors) act consistently with the Code. This Code is intended to maintain minimum standards of conduct and promote the protection and safety of patients. The following conduct or activities violate the ethical requirements of section 6 of the Code, and, subject to the facts and circumstances, may result in sanctions as described under the Administrative Procedures in the NAMSS Ethics Policy.
- Employing fraud or deceit in your work or using authority for personal gain.
- Any incitement, arrest, charge, conviction, plea of guilty or nolo contendere involving a felony or misdemeanor related to ethical standards or professional conduct, including, but not limited to a crime against a person, negligent credentialing, or fraud.
- Termination from any employment for conduct that is contrary to the ethical principles appropriate to the medical services profession.
- Inability to practice the medical services profession with reasonable skill and safety because of the use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals, or any other material.
- Adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction, as mentally incompetent, or a person dangerous to the public.
- Engaging in conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, an employer and/or healthcare workers.
- Demonstrating a willful or intentional disregard for the medical services profession duties.
- Knowingly making a false statement or knowingly providing false information to NAMSS in any application or proceeding.
- Making false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading communications to any person regarding the member’s education, training, credentials, experience or qualifications, or the status of the individual’s certification.
- Using, without explicit authorization of the author, presentations and materials from NAMSS events (webinars, conferences, publications, etc.) in any other non-NAMSS event or publications. Plagiarism is expressly prohibited.
- Inappropriately utilizing NAMSS copyright materials. This includes altering in any respect any document issued by the CCN.
- Employing fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure, maintain, renew, or obtain registration or reinstatement of certification issued by the CCN.
- Subverting or attempting to subvert the CCN’s examination process. Conduct that subverts or attempts to subvert CCN’s examination process includes, but is not limited to:
- Conduct that violates the security of the CPCS® and/or CPMSM® examination materials, such as removing or attempting to remove examination materials from an examination room, or having unauthorized possession of any portion of or information concerning a current, previous or future CPCS and/or CPMSM exam; or disclosing information concerning any portion of a current, previous or future administered examination of the CCN; or disclosing what purports to be, or under all circumstances is likely to be understood by the recipient as, any portion of or “inside” information concerning any portion of a current, previous or future administered exam of the CCN;
- Conduct that violates the security of the CPCS and/or CPMSM practice examination materials, such as removing or attempting to remove practice exam materials from the vendor site, or having unauthorized possession of any portion of the practice exams; or disclosing information concerning any portion of the practice exams of the CCN;
- Conduct that in any way compromises ordinary standards of test administration, such as communicating with another candidate during the administration of the examination, copying another candidate’s answers, permitting another candidate to copy one’s answers, or possessing unauthorized materials;
- Impersonating a candidate or permitting an impersonator to take the examination on one’s own behalf
NAMSS Code of Professional Conduct
The Covered Individuals will:
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Conduct him/herself in a professional manner at all times and provide appropriate quality credentialing support when requested by a peer or superior.
- Provide for patient safety and service unrestricted by the concerns of personal attributes and without discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, creed, religion, national origin, socioeconomic status, or any other protected classification.
- Use technology consistent with the purposes for which it was designed, and employ procedures and techniques appropriately for credentialing best practices.
- Assess situations; exercise care, discretion and judgment; assume responsibility for professional decisions; and act in the best interest of patients, his or her employers/healthcare providers and the public.
- Demonstrate expertise by protecting the safety of patients and other members of the healthcare team through credentialing processes that meet industry standards and understanding regulatory requirements.
- Practice ethical conduct appropriate to the profession and protect the patient’s right for quality healthcare.
- Respect and preserve confidences entrusted in the course of professional practice and reveal confidential information only as needed and in accordance with any applicable law.
- Strive to improve his/her knowledge, skills and productivity by participating in continuing education and professional development activities, and sharing his/her knowledge with colleagues.
- Be in compliance with policies and statements put forth by NAMSS, including, but not limited to the NAMSS Diversity and Inclusion Statement, etc.
NAMSS Certificant Code of Ethics
- NAMSS Certificants shall abide by ethical principles developed to safeguard the public and to promote quality patient care through the support of the health care organization and its functions.
- NAMSS Certificants shall share knowledge, foster educational opportunities, and encourage personal and professional growth through continued self-improvement and applications of current advancements in the profession.
- NAMSS Certificants shall refrain from conduct deemed harmful to the public or inappropriate to the profession.
Complaints or concerns regarding a current CPCS or CPMSM should be addressed immediately in writing and sent to the following address:
The Certification Commission of NAMSS
2001 K Street NW
3rd Floor North
Washington, DC 20006
Your complaint will be reviewed by the Chair of the CCN and will be elevated to the Ethics Committee if necessary.
Quick Links
NOTICE: As a reminder, NAMSS is no longer mailing printed paper certificates. Digital badges and a PDF certificate are available via Credly for new and renewal certificants. Learn more.
CPCS® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a service mark of National Association Medical Staff Services.
CPMSM® is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a service mark of National Association Medical Staff Services.