N.Y. Executive Law § 554: Codes of conduct

§ 554. Codes of conduct. 1. The justice center shall adopt and amend,

as appropriate, codes of conduct for all custodians as defined in

subdivision two of section four hundred eighty-eight of the social

services law who have or will have regular and direct contact with

vulnerable persons who reside in or receive services from such

facilities or provider agencies. Such codes shall govern the conduct of

such custodians with respect to the safety, dignity and welfare of

vulnerable persons to whom they provide care. The justice center shall

establish a process by which each custodian is provided with a copy of

the applicable code of conduct and is required, at the time of his or

her initial employment, and at least annually thereafter, to acknowledge

that he or she has read and understands such code of conduct. Such

process shall also provide for the enforcement of such codes consistent

with appropriate collective bargaining agreements.

2. Minimum requirements for codes of conduct. Such codes of conduct

shall include, at a minimum: a. Provisions regarding the responsibility

of such custodians to support the emotional, physical and personal

well-being of the vulnerable persons they serve, including their

protection from abuse and neglect, and to seek guidance and advice to

resolve issues as needed when making decisions relating to the persons

they serve.

b. Provisions regarding the responsibility of such custodians to

assist the vulnerable persons they support to direct the course of their

own lives, honoring, where appropriate, their right to assume risk in a

safe manner and recognizing their potential for lifelong learning and

growth.

c. Provisions regarding the responsibility of custodians to

participate in available, appropriate training to maintain their

competency and skill-level, and to model and shape the behavior of their

co-workers.

d. Provisions regarding the responsibility of such custodians to

promote and practice justice, fairness and equity for the vulnerable

persons they support, uphold and respect their human and civil rights

and respect their human dignity and uniqueness.

e. Provisions regarding the responsibility of such custodians to

assist, where appropriate, the vulnerable persons they support in

developing and maintaining relationships with families, friends and the

community-at-large.

f. Provisions regarding the responsibility of such custodians to

advocate with and/or on behalf of the vulnerable persons they support

for their needs, interest, justice, inclusion and full community

participation.

g. Provisions requiring such custodians to report reportable incidents

as required in section four hundred ninety-one of the social services

law.