Code of Ethics Post-Meeting Survey
This is a survey about a draft Code of Ethics for certified peer support providers in the State of Vermont, which was the subject of a July 11 meeting of stakeholders. Click to access the slide deck and recording from the July 11th meeting.

The purpose of the survey is to gather perspectives and opinions from a wide variety of individuals to ensure the Code of Ethics reflects the values, expectations, and concerns of all stakeholders.

The survey asks questions about each individual ethical guideline included in the draft Code of Ethics. You may also comment generally about the draft Code of Ethics.

The results of the survey will be used to finalize a Code of Ethics for certified peer support providers in the State of Vermont.

About Codes of Ethics Generally

A Code of Ethics is a set of rules of conduct designed to promote accountability, integrity, and trust in the practice of peer support. Codes of Ethics are for the protection of individuals receiving peer support. Codes of Ethics are an integral part of a statewide, peer support provider certification program. Every state and jurisdiction with a statewide, peer support provider certification program require certified peer support providers to attest to a Code of Ethics. Codes of Ethics vary by jurisdiction, and align with a jurisdiction's core competencies, and include at a minimum, standards related to role, scope, and responsibilities, boundaries, conflicts of interest, and confidentiality.

About the Draft Code of Ethics

The draft Code of Ethics is intended to align with Vermont's core competencies, be reader-friendly, concise and respectful of certified prospective peer support providers. Infantilizing language that is often found in Codes of Ethics from other jurisdictions was intentionally avoided. The Code was written to state what certified peer support providers do, rather than what they do not do (e.g., peer support providers are truthful versus peer support providers do not lie). The draft includes standards related to role, scope, and responsibilities, boundaries, conflicts of interest, and confidentiality. The draft also incorporates feedback received during the July 11, 2023 stakeholder meeting.


Preamble to the Draft Code of Ethics
The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to establish clear principles, guidelines, and expectations for ethical conduct and responsible behavior. It serves as a compass, guiding Certified Peer Support Providers in Vermont in their pursuit of ethical practice, integrity, and accountability. In agreeing to abide by the Code of Ethics, you are committing to uphold the values and standards that promote the welfare, dignity and rights of all individuals supported, fostering a culture of trust, respect, and accountability.
Does the preamble to the draft Code of Ethics clearly state the purpose of the code?
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Is it clear from the preamble that the purpose of the code is to promote ethical practice, protect the rights of individuals, and maintain certified peer support provider standards?
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1A. Respect and Uphold Peer Support Values

Certified peer support providers understand and embrace the values of the peer support movement, including respect for individuals' autonomy, non-judgment, and the importance of self-determination. They acknowledge the history of peer support and the relevance of human rights and social justice issues in their practice. 

If you have any objection or concern about 1A, please state your objection
1B. Respect and Uphold Peer Support Values
Certified peer support providers understand and embrace the values of the peer support movement, including respect for individuals' autonomy, non-judgment, and the importance of self-determination. Certified peer support providers understand the difference between peer support values and values of mental health clinicians.They acknowledge the history of peer support and the relevance of human rights and social justice issues in their practice. 
If you have any objection or concern about 1B, please state your concern or objection.
Do you prefer 1A or 1B, above?
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If you have a preference for 1A or 1B, please state the reason for your preference?
Between 1A and 1B, above, which ethical guideline more accurately reflects the values and principles of peer support providers?
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2. Authenticity and Lived Experience: 

Certified peer support providers share personal stories thoughtfully and selectively, ensuring that it is useful and relevant to the relationship. They bring their lived experience into the conversation, along with the skills and tools they have acquired, fostering meaningful connections. They aspire to inspire and support others through mutual understanding.

If you have any objection or concern about ethical standard 2-Authenticity and Lived Experience, please state your concern or objection.
Does proposed ethical guideline 2-Authenticity and Lived Experience accurately reflect the role and responsibilities of a peer support provider?
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3.  Self and Other Awareness:

Self and Other Awareness: Certified peer support providers continually cultivate self-awareness through introspection and self-reflection. They communicate their own discomfort and needs openly while remaining attuned to the discomfort and needs of others. They maintain a multi-dimensional awareness that includes themselves, others, and the evolving relationship dynamics.

If you have any objection or concern about ethical standard 3-Self and Other Awareness, please state your concern or objection.
Does proposed ethical guideline 3-Self and Other Awareness, accurately reflect the role and responsibilities of a peer support provider?
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4. Establish and Respect Boundaries: 

Certified peer support providers encourage open discussions about personal needs and boundaries. They recognize and clarify their own limits and encourage others to explore their boundaries. They understand that boundaries can be physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, or energetic. Boundaries are negotiated respectfully and in alignment with the values and needs of all parties involved. 

If you have any objection or concern about ethical standard 4-Establish and Respect Boundaries, please state your concern or objection.
Does ethical standard 4-Establish and Respect Boundaries, clearly outline appropriate boundaries for relationships between peer support providers and individuals receiving support?
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If ethical standard 4-Establish and Respect Boundaries does not clearly outline appropriate boundaries for relationships between peer support providers and individuals receiving support, please suggest how the standard can be improved to do so.
5A. Conflicts of Interest: 

Certified peer support providers are aware that their position can influence the individuals with whom they provide peer support. Certified peer support providers avoid exploiting the trust and/or dependency of such individuals. Certified peer support providers make every effort to avoid dual relationships or commitments that could impair judgment, increase the risk of exploitation or create conflict with the interests of individuals with whom they provide peer support. Certified peer support providers refrain from sexual/intimate/romantic activities within a formal peer support role.

Does ethical standard 5A-Conflicts of Interest appropriately address the unique challenges of peer support?
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If you have any objection or concern about ethical standard 5A-Conflicts of Interest, please state your concern or objection.
5B. Conflicts of Interest:
Certified peer support providers are aware that their position can influence the individuals with whom they provide peer support. Certified peer support providers avoid exploiting the trust and/or dependency of such individuals. Certified peer support providers disclose and discuss dual relationships or commitments that could impair judgment, increase the risk of exploitation or create conflict with the interests of individuals with whom they provide peer support. Certified peer support providers refrain from sexual/intimate/romantic activities within a formal peer support role.
Does ethical standard 5B-Conflicts of Interest appropriately address the unique challenges of peer support?
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If you have any objection or concern about ethical standard 5B-Conflicts of Interest, please state your concern or objection.
Which version of the Conflict of Interest ethical standard do you think more accurately reflects the values and principles of peer support?
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Which version of the Conflict of Interest ethical standard do you prefer?
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If you prefer either 5A or 5B, please state the reason for your preference.
6. Confidentiality and Consent: 

Certified peer support providers treat all information shared by individuals with the utmost confidentiality, unless legally required to disclose. They explicitly seek consent before sharing any personal information or experiences of the individual they support, ensuring privacy and autonomy.

If you have any objection or concern about ethical standard 6-Confidentiality and Consent, please state your concern.
Does ethical standard 6-Confidentiality and Consent appropriately address the unique challenges of peer support?
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Do you think Ethical Standard No. 6, Confidentiality and Consent, should refer expressly to HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)?
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Do you think Ethical Standard No. 6, Confidentiality and Consent, should refer to specific laws that regulate the disclosure of healthcare information?
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7. Scope of Practice: 

Certified peer support providers perform peer support only within their scope of practice, which includes their area of lived experience, training, expertise, and competence. Certified peer support providers meet and comply with all the terms, conditions or limitations of their certification.

If you have any concern or objection to ethical standard 7-Scope of Practice, please state your concern or objection.
Does ethical standard 7-Scope of Practice reflect accurately the diverse range of experiences and expertise that peer support providers may bring?
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If you think ethical standard 7-Scope of Practice does not accurately reflect the diverse range of experiences and expertise that peer support providers may bring, please suggest a revision to ethical standard 7-Scope of Practice.
8. Non-Discrimination and Inclusivity: 

Certified peer support providers embrace diversity and inclusivity, valuing individuals from all backgrounds and with varying identities. They are committed to promoting anti-oppressive practices, combating discrimination, and creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals seeking support.

If you have any concern or objection to ethical standard 8-Non-Discrimination and Inclusivity, please state your concern or objection
Does ethical standard 8-Non-Discrimination and Inclusivity effectively communicate that peer support is inclusive and respectful of diversity, cultural differences, and individual experiences?
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If ethical standard 8-Non-Discrimination and Inclusivity does not effectively communicate that peer support is inclusive and respectful of diversity, cultural differences, and individual experiences, please state what is missing?
9. Continuous Learning: 

Certified peer support providers commit to ongoing learning, staying updated with best practices, and enhancing their knowledge and skills in the field of peer support. They actively engage in self-education, attend relevant training, and stay informed about emerging research and developments.

If you have any objection or concern about ethical standard 9-Continuous Learning, please state your objection or concern.
Does ethical standard 9-Continuous Learning adequately outline expectations for ongoing training, knowledge, and skill development for certified peer support providers?
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If ethical standard 9-Continuous Learning does not adequately outline expectations for ongoing training, knowledge, and skill development, please state what you think is missing.
10. Ethical Responsibility: 

Certified peer support providers recognize and uphold their ethical responsibilities towards the individuals they support, the practice of peer support, and the wider community. Certified peer support providers are truthful in their dealings with others and abide by the law. They maintain appropriate boundaries, engage in regular supervision or consultation, and seek guidance when facing ethical dilemmas.

If you have any concern or objection about ethical standard 10-Ethical Responsibility, please state your objection or concern.
Does ethical standard 10-Ethical Responsibility effectively communicate certified peer support providers' ethical responsibility towards the individuals they support, the practice of peer support, and the wider community?
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If ethical standard 10-Ethical Responsibility does not effectively communicate certified peer support providers' ethical responsibility towards individuals they support, the practice of peer support, and the wider community, please suggest how the standard can be improved.
Attestation

The following is a draft attestation that prospective peer support providers will be required to sign as a condition of certification:

I affirm that I have read, understand, and will abide by the Code of Ethics for Certified Peer Support Providers in the State of Vermont.

Signature, Printed Name, and Date

Is the attestation sufficient to ensure that the individual signing the document understands and will abide by the Code of Ethics?
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Is the attestation sufficient to ensure that the individual signing the document is in fact the prospective certified peer support provider?
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Do you believe that the attestation should be notarized or witnessed by a third-party?
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Overall Code of Ethics 
If you were a prospective peer support provider, would you be reluctant to attest to the Code of Ethics in its current form?
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If you would be reluctant to attest to the draft Code of Ethics in its current form, please describe the reason for the reluctance?
If you would be reluctant to attest to the draft Code of Ethics in its current form, please describe what changes would be necessary to make you not reluctant to attest to the Code of Ethics.
Please feel free to leave any additional comments about the draft Code of Ethics.
Thank You
Your input on this draft code of ethics is invaluable. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. 
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