MINNESOTA HEALTH HOUSING ALLIANCE Code of Ethics

MINNESOTA HEALTH & HOUSING ALLIANCE Code of Ethics A consumer focused initiative for quality in Housing with Services/Assisted Living

Rationale for MHHA’s Quality Initiatives: 1. Preservation of Minnesota’s existing Housing-with-Services Contract Act. 2. Prevention of prescriptive regulations that threatens flexibility and consumer choice. 2

The Building Blocks of Quality QUALITY PROVIDERS CONSUMER CONFIDENCE PUBLIC TRUST Voluntary Quality Evaluation System Manager, RN & Dementia Care Certificates Code of Ethics Universal Customer Satisfaction Tool Forums for learning Standardized Vocabulary Consumer Guide Voluntary Standards 3

STEP ONE: Code of Ethics

MHHA’s Housing-with-Services Code of Ethics is the first step toward establishing a consumer provider partnership for quality QUALITY PROVIDERS Providers set quality and ethical standards and present… CONSUMER CONFIDENCE …clear, consistent and trustworthy information to consumers… PUBLIC TRUST …so that consumers can make informed decisions about the services they want and need 5

What is the Code of Ethics? • A PLEDGE – a public statement describing how a provider intends to conduct business • A GUIDE - for identifying and changing values into actions for the provider’s staff • A COMMITMENT - of the provider’s intended relationship with consumer 6

Why a Code of Ethics? • Tangible evidence that providers are committed to consumers and quality • Effective tool for converting values into action for provider staff • Powerful and consistent message to consumers and stakeholders about provider intentions • Professional compact with peers 7

Who Will Use the Code? • Older adult housing providers (initial focus on HWS & AL) • Consumers (encouraged to look for the Code when seeking services) 8

How Do Providers Earn the Code? • Code and workbook to be reviewed and completed by provider organization • Provider’s governing body adopts code by official resolution – submit to MHHA • Code of Ethics certificate awarded to provider organization • Self-audit submitted to MHHA to renew code every two years 9

How Do Providers Renew the Code? • MHHA sends renewal packet preceding renewal date • Provider reviews workbook and reexamines values and action • Provider’s governing body re-adopts code by official resolution – submit to MHHA • Renewal Code certificate awarded to provider 10

Living Up to the Code • If evidence of actions contrary to the Code are known, a friendly peer intervention will be initiated • Repeated disregard for Code results in non-renewal 11

the Code of Ethics • PREAMBLE: This Code of Ethics guides our decisions and leads us to create a culture of mutual respect, understanding and trust with the people we serve and those who support them. 12

We pledge integrity and commit to… • fairness, honesty, and confidentiality • open communication and encouragement of self-expression in order to continually improve our services • nurturing choice through disclosure of vital information to enable the people we serve to make informed decisions about the level of care – and corresponding level of risk – they desire 13

We promote the highest quality housing and services and commit to… • develop a well-trained, competent staff and prudently manage (name of organization)’s resources to provide quality housing and services and to comply with applicable laws and regulations • provide innovative and supportive housing in a well-maintained setting that reflects the values of our community • assist the people we serve to obtain services to maximize their desired level of independence, autonomy and dignity. We will identify internal as well as community resources to assist them with life’s transitions 14

We foster community and commit to… • acknowledge and respect each resident as a reflection of his or her own culture, life experiences, habits and decisions • partner with the people we serve and those who support them -- their family and community, and members of our organization • demonstrate good citizenship and create opportunities for mutually beneficial activities with the greater community 15

Here’s What Consumers Say About the Code… “the Code would “The provider with “the Code is about a “We will know if the indicate the provider was trying to do the right thing. ” two-way relationship between provider and consumer; each has responsibility. ” this code would be chosen over the provider without it. ” provider lives by the Code; and it gives us a tool to remind them when they aren’t. ” 16

Here’s What Key Stakeholders Say About the Code… “Experience shows that when asked to set standards for oneself, individuals tend to develop and set standards higher than initially considered. ” “Providers will take ownership, and great pride, in supporting a Code of Ethics. ” “A Code of Ethics should (be)…a part of the fabric of an organization where people talk and ask questions about what is happening and how it happens. ” “A Code of Ethics is absolutely essential. ” 17

Sign on to the Code of Ethics in Three Simple Steps! • Review the Code of Ethics and learn how it applies to your organization • Pass a Board of Directors’ resolution to adopt the Code of Ethics • Mail a copy of your signed resolution to MHHA 18

JOIN OVER 280 MHHA LEADERS WHO HAVE ALREADY ADOPTED THE HOUSING-WITH-SERVICES Code of Ethics “The longest journeys begin with one step…. 19