Code of Ethics for the Health Education Profession

Preamble

The health education profession is dedicated to excellence in the practice of promoting individual, family, organizational and community health. The Code of Ethics provides a basis of shared values that health education is practiced. The responsibility of all health educators is to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct and to encourage the ethical behavior of all those with whom they work.

Article I:

Responsibility to the public. A health educator's ultimate responsibility is to educate people for the purpose of promoting, maintaining and improving individual, family and community health. When a conflict of issues arises among individuals, groups, organizations, agencies or institutions, health educators must consider all issues and give priority to those that promote wellness and quality of living through principles of self-determination and freedom of choice for the individual.

Article II:

Responsibility to the profession. Health educators are responsible for their professional behavior, for the reputation of their profession, and for promoting ethical conduct among their colleagues.

Article III:

Responsibility to employers. Health educators recognize the boundaries of their professional competence and are accountable for their professional activities and actions.

Article IV:

Responsibility in the delivery of health education. Health educators promote integrity in the delivery of health education. They respect the rights, dignity, confidentiality and worth of all people by adapting strategies and methods to meet the needs of diverse populations and communities.

Article V:

Responsibility in research and evaluation. Health educators contribute to the health of the population and to the profession through research and evaluation activities. When planning and conducting research or evaluation, health educators do so in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, organizational and institutional policies, and professional standards.

Article VI:

Responsibility in professional preparation. Those involved in the preparation and training of health educators have an obligation to accord learners the same respect and treatment given other groups by providing quality education that benefits the profession and the public.