Code of Ethics

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is a membership organization that includes multidisciplinary professionals with a common interest in human genetic research and clinical practice. Society members contribute to the advancement of science for the benefit of health.

The Code of Ethics provides an ethical framework for members as they work to further the aims of ASHG. Members act in a manner consistent with the good reputation of the Society. Members do not represent the Society as such. This Code of Ethics does not replace the ethical or legal obligations of individual members as set by their own professional bodies, employers, or applicable legislation.

ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE

Members advance both fundamental and applied knowledge in human genetics for the benefit of the public.

• Improvement of Health Care

  Promote public health, through the advancement of human genetic research
  and the provision of high quality genetic services.
   

• Training

  Educate employees, students, and professionals to follow responsible research
  practice and genetic services, consistent with the highest ethical standards.
  Treat trainees with respect and provide them with opportunities for professional
  growth and development.
   

• Collaboration

  Share knowledge in research, practice, and ethics through publication,
  professional meetings and conferences. Encourage inter-professional and
  international collaboration for the benefit of health care. Meet applicable ethical
  and legal standards while conducting collaborations.

INTEGRITY

Members comply with the highest ethical standards such as honesty and courtesy. They conduct themselves with appropriate behavior and attitudes.

• Maintain professional competence

  Advance their knowledge and understanding of new scientific developments
  and emerging areas of practice through ongoing education and training.
   

• Respect professional Codes of Ethics

  Abide by the prevailing ethical and legal norms of their profession.
   

• Objectivity

  Approach professional activities with an unbiased attitude, gathering evidence
  fairly and precisely.
   

• Accountability

  Act responsibly toward colleagues, government, corporate sponsors, the wider
  health care community and the public at large. Build public trust through
  accountability.
   

• Collegiality

  Treat colleagues and researchers with respect and courtesy, based on
  principles of equality and mutual respect for those with differing worldviews or
  from different cultures. Share ideas honestly, giving proper credit for others’
  contributions to their work.

PRIVACY

Members protect the privacy of the individual, especially in light of concerns over possible discrimination and confidentiality of medical information.

• Confidentiality

  Respect the confidential nature of all information entrusted to them. Disclosing
  personal health information with proper and specific authority through the
  consent of the individual or where there is a legal, ethical or professional right
  or duty to disclose.
   

• Storage and security

  Maintain confidentiality in creating, storing, accessing, transferring, and
  disposing of personal health information.

TRANSPARENCY

Members act fairly and provide complete, accurate and timely information to their colleagues, to the public, and to the media.

• Professionalism

  Claim expertise in fields where they have the necessary depth of knowledge,
  especially when interacting with patients, or contributing to public discussion or
  policy debate. Do not make statements that are false, deceptive, or fraudulent
  concerning research, practice, or other work activities, or those of persons or
  groups with whom they are affiliated.
   

• Conflicts of interest

  Disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Safeguard the quality and credibility
  of their professional judgment.
   

• Diffusion of results

  Report findings accurately, completely, without distortion and in a timely
  manner. Present personal opinions as such and not as those of the Society.
   

• Public education

  Foster public understanding of the nature and objectives of human genetics
  consistent with open and responsible use of human genetic findings in science
  and health care.

Approved March 2006
ASHG Board of Directors