Depatment of Health and Human Services Logo DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES             Public Health Service

Indian Health Service
Rockville MD 20852

SGM 06-01

FEB 7, 2006

TO: All Employees

 
FROM: Director

 
SUBJECT: Public Trust Standards of Ethical Conduct

 
Everyone who enters public service has a duty to maintain the highest standards of integrity in Government. As Indian Health Service (IHS) employees, we must ensure that we demonstrate a high standard of professionalism and ethical conduct. Each of you should be aware of all applicable ethics laws and regulations, including the following general principles of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch”:

 
1. Public service is a public trust requiring employees to place loyalty to the Constitution, laws, and ethical principles above private gain.

 
2. Employees shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duty.

 
3. Employees shall not engage in financial transactions using non-public Government information or allow the improper use of such information to further any private interest.

 
4. Employees shall put forth an honest effort in the performance of their duties.

 
5. Employees shall not knowingly make unauthorized commitments or promises of any kind purporting to bind the Government.

 
6. Employees shall not use public office for private gain.

 
7. Employees shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any private organization or individual.

 
8. Employees shall protect and conserve Federal property and shall not use it for other than authorized activities.

 
9. Employees shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to the appropriate authorities.

 
10. Employees shall not engage in outside employment or activities, including seeking or negotiating for employment, that conflict with official Government duties and responsibilities.

 
11. Employees shall not, except where permitted by applicable law or regulation, solicit or accept any gift or other item of monetary value from any person or entity seeking official action from, doing business with, or conducting activities regulated by the employee’s agency, or whose interests may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee’s duties.

 
12. Employees shall satisfy in good faith their obligations as citizens, including all just financial obligations, especially those such as Federal, State, or local taxes that are imposed by law.

 
13. Employees shall adhere to all laws and regulations that provide equal opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.

 
14. Employees shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the law or the ethical standards set forth in this part. Whether particular circumstances create an appearance that the law or these standards have been violated shall be determined from the perspective of a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts.

 

Thank you for your continued commitment to maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethics in Government as we continue to serve American Indian and Alaska Native people.

Signature of Charles W. Grim, D.D.S., M.H.S.A., Assistant Surgeon General