The House of Delegates is ultimately responsible to the membership. Thus each member of a council, committee, or section has the opportunity to help shape policy and develop programs, which are considered and perhaps refined at several organizational levels, for the benefit of the Society as a whole.
Conflict of Interest or Bias Because of the wide variety of matters considered by councils, committees, or sections it is possible that an item of business assigned to them could involve a conflict of interest with one or more members. In such circumstances, the member(s) involved in a potential conflict of interest should bring this fact to the attention of the Chair so that a proper decision can be made as to best handle the situation. No officer of the Society or member of a council, committee, or section acting as an officer or a member of a council, committee, or section may undertake an obligation, which favors his private interest above his duty as an officer or member of a council, committee, or section. This definition in no way restricts the right of members to earn a livelihood within the scope of the principles of medical ethics, provided that their personal interests do not conflict with their duties as a council, committee, or section member. Confidentiality of Information Some of the Society’s councils, committees, or sections may, on occasion, deal with matters of doctor - patient relationships and other items of a sensitive nature. During these discussions the council, committee, or section may receive information not ordinarily available or considered privileged under the basic principle of the doctor-patient relationship. Confidentially deliberations and findings are important parts of claiming protection from liability under appropriate Louisiana statutes. It should be noted that discussion of this information outside of the meeting could possibly compromise the confidentiality and/or discoverability of the information. Generally, any sensitive material should never be discussed or reproduced outside of the council, committee, or section meeting. Per Article XXXIV of the LSMS Bylaws, the members of the Board of Governors and the members of all LSMS Councils and Committees shall be required to sign a confidentiality agreement with the Louisiana State Medical Society. Section members are not required to sign and file the agreement. The confidentiality agreement is as follows: “I, ________________the unde rsigned member of the (insert applicable Board, Council, or Committee) of the Louisiana State Medical Society (the “Society”), hereby acknowledge and affirm that I have read, understand and will observe and abide by the policies of the Society regarding confidential and privileged information as adopted by the Board of Governors and as set forth in the manual on Procedures of the Board of Governors.” LSMS Council or Committee members who are removed by the President for violations of the confidentiality agreement shall have the right of appeal to the LSMS Board of Councilors. The decision of the Board of Councilors shall be final and not subject to further appeal. If the council or committee member who has been removed is also a member of the Board of Councilors, he or she shall recuse themselves from voting on their appeal. Use of Medical Society Letterhead Stationery having the name and address of the Louisiana State Medical Society shall be used only for official business of the Society.
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