St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii abides by an Organizational Code of Ethics that ensures transparency and responsiveness are integral to our everyday decisions and actions. We expect all staff, board members and volunteers to conduct all personal and professional activities with honesty, integrity, respect, and in good faith as representatives of St. Francis, and we seek to colloborate with groups, organizations and vendors that promote values and business practices that are consistent with our values.

As a Catholic organization committed to creating healthy communities in the spirit of Christ’s healing ministry, our core values of peacemaking, simplicity, charity and joy are at the heart of our mission and vision. Client services and patient care activities are the visible embodiment of our ethical commitments and values.  

The following guidelines are based on the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services*.

As Health Care Providers, we:

Make Patient Care and Client Services a Priority

• Assess appropriateness and quality improvement in patient care and client services
• Ensure the use of qualified, appropriate personnel
• Resolve conflicting values and ethical dilemmas among patients, clients, volunteers, medical staff and employees
• Safeguard the confidentiality of patient and client information. 

Treat Patients Regardless of Ability to Pay

• Admit, transfer, refer, and discharge patients based on medical judgment with due consideration to their personal preferences, without regard to their ability to pay or type of health plan coverage

Provide Full Disclosure to Patients

• Advise patients and their families of Patients’ Rights including available alternatives, responsibilities, risks of available medical treatment, and options to accept or forgo any or all treatment.

Respect Hawaii’s Unique Culture

• Respect the customs and cultural practices of patients, clients or others served.

As a Community Resource, we:

Serve as a Health Care Advocate

• Address social, economic, health care, and ethical issues faced by our community.

Improve Access to Care

• Collaborate in community actions that improve access and availability of care to the underserved and marginalized.

Reduce Barriers to Better Health

•  Empower the community through health education activities, using communication strategies that overcome economic, cultural and age barriers and demonstrate fair and effective use of resources.

As Corporate Entities, we:

Uphold High Standards in Business

• Provide written guidelines relating to conflict of interest and appearances of impropriety in decision-making; provide appropriate, timely information to other organizations and health care providers for the benefit of those served; and provide accurate and truthful information about our operations, including governance, finances, and programs and activities.
• Use best-bid practices for contractual agreements.
• Adhere to ethical business practices.

Meet Compliance Requirements

• Adhere to all regulatory requirements and comply with laws in the jurisdictions in which St. Francis conducts professional and personal activities.

Create a Respectful, Fair Work Environment

• Conduct our operations with professionalism.
• Promote a working environment that treats all individuals with respect and fairness.
• Create a climate of zero tolerance of all forms of harassment and discriminatory behavior.
• Emphasize to all employees that a “whistleblower” protection strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against an employee who, in good faith, reports a violation or suspected violation or is requested to participate in a government investigation.

*Guidelines were reviewed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2001.