Consultant Expectations and Conduct
Expectations
APIC Consultants are representatives of APIC Consulting Services, a subsidiary of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). APIC Consultants hold themselves to high standards of professionalism at all times when interacting with clients and stakeholders. In-person, phone, and email correspondence with clients should always include a formal and professional tone, with the primary client communication managed by APIC Consulting Services staff members.
Consultants are expected to be prepared for all meetings with the appropriate resources and technology needed to accomplish goals, such as having all PowerPoint or other files on travel drives or accessible when presenting, having a laptop or other note-taking tools when gathering information, and using appropriate technology for reporting purposes.
When working for APIC Consulting Services, Consultants are not allowed to represent individual or private business interests. The Consultant is not permitted to distribute business cards at any time. Any follow-up requests with facilities should be sent by the Client to APIC Consulting Services staff.
The Consultant business relationship is between the Consultant and APIC Consulting Services, and as such, the Consultant should communicate any issues or challenges regarding logistics or conflicts with APIC Consulting Services staff and not the Client. APIC Consulting Services will work with the Consultant to resolve challenges that arise during the contracted scope of work timeframe.
The Consultant is required to track hours throughout the project in accordance with the set timeline. When approaching allotment of contracted hours, the Consultant will notify APIC Consulting Services via written communication with hours worked and estimated hours remaining along with deliverables to be delivered within the additional time requested. APIC Consulting Services will work to have these hours approved by the Client.
APIC Consulting Services does not require health records and/or screenings for APIC Consultants unless requested by a Client, if necessary for a specific scope of work. As of September 2021 - APIC Consulting Services has implemented a new guideline concerning the COVID-19 vaccination. Please reach out to us at APIC Consulting Services to learn more.
Conduct
In addition to the Consultant Contract expectations, APIC Consultants are required to uphold the following elements outlined below when working for APIC Consulting Services.
Representation: Consultants have an obligation to represent oneself and APIC Consulting Services truthfully, professionally, and in a non-misleading manner. Consultants shall be honest and accurate in presenting his/her qualifications and experience when representing APIC Consulting Services and communicating with others.
Professionalism: Consultants shall act and speak in a most professional and ethical manner so as neither to offend nor bring discredit to oneself, client(s), or other consulting team members. Consultants must refrain from disparaging and inappropriate comments about others in the profession or the industry.
Attire: Consultants shall adhere to business casual attire to represent APIC Consulting Services in a professional, appropriate, and positive manner.
Punctuality: If a consultant is unable to participate in a scheduled onsite or remote meeting, the consultant must notify APIC Consulting and primary client contact immediately.
Contract: Consultants shall understand that their Consultant Contract is between them and APIC Consulting Services, and that the contents of the contract, including salary and other information, are confidential. Consultant must contact APIC Consulting Services for questions and concerns regarding contractual inquires, accommodations, monetary questions, and Client concerns.
Research: Prior to providing professional expertise, consultants shall make efforts to investigate and research the facility/organization, as well as the client’s mission and culture before an assessment and/or presentation.
Intellectual Property: Consultants shall avoid using - either orally or in writing – copy righted materials, titles, or thematic creations originated by others unless appropriately cited. APIC materials must be approved in writing by APIC Consulting Services. All references should be current and noted.
Confidentiality: Consultants shall maintain and respect the confidentiality of the business or personal affairs of APIC Consulting Services, its clients, other consultants, and other participants. Consultants shall not discuss, disclose, publish, disseminate, or otherwise make use of any proprietary or confidential information. Confidential information shall mean all information that is not known or available to the public including, contracts, scope of work, financial information, and information regarding client’s employees, patients, and contracts. Any and all information about the facility visit, assessment findings, recommendations, training, staff members, residents, or any other information learned about the facility or its operations from this engagement is confidential and must not be shared with anyone, including personal friends and family members.
Taking Photographs at the Facility: Some consultants prefer to take photos of findings to help supplement written reports. The following rules must be followed: 1) Photographs should only be taken of the facility building and not of individuals, especially residents, at any time. 2) After photographs are included in the report and the report is submitted, all photographs must be deleted or otherwise destroyed. 3) All photographs of a facility must be deleted or destroyed within five (5) days of facility visit.
Commercialism: Consultants shall provide multipole options when recommending commercially available products and materials. Consultants must be product and brand neutral.
Opinion: Consultants shall select, analyze, and apply the most effective evidence-based strategies and best practices and make it clear to the client when personal experience and opinions are being expressed.