Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct

Our Commitment

At Patient Advocacy Strategies (PAS), ethics are not a compliance requirement. They are a foundational principle that guides how we engage with patients, advocacy organizations, sponsors, colleagues, and the communities we serve.

We believe that meaningful patient engagement begins with trust, transparency, respect, and a genuine commitment to understanding the experiences of others. These principles shape our decisions, our partnerships, and our work every day.

Our Ethical Responsibility

PAS operates at the intersection of healthcare, clinical research, patient advocacy, and community engagement. The work we do influences decisions that may affect patients, caregivers, research participants, and healthcare stakeholders.

Because of this responsibility, we hold ourselves to high personal, professional, and organizational standards.

Every PAS team member, contractor, partner, and representative is expected to uphold these standards in all interactions.

Personal Standards

Integrity

We do what is right, even when it is difficult or goes unnoticed.

We communicate honestly, act ethically, and avoid conduct that could compromise the trust placed in us by clients, patients, advocacy organizations, colleagues, or the public.

Expectations

• Be truthful in all communications.
• Honor commitments and responsibilities.
• Avoid conflicts of interest.
• Take accountability for mistakes and work to correct them.
• Never misrepresent facts, credentials, expertise, or outcomes.

Respect

Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, professionalism, and respect.

We recognize that patients, caregivers, advocacy leaders, researchers, providers, and industry professionals bring valuable perspectives that deserve to be heard.

Expectations

• Treat others with courtesy and professionalism.
• Listen to understand, not simply to respond.
• Respect differing viewpoints and experiences.
• Foster an environment where all voices can contribute meaningfully.

Confidentiality

Trust depends on protecting sensitive information.

PAS team members are expected to safeguard confidential, proprietary, personal, and business information obtained through their work.

Expectations

• Protect client information.
• Respect patient privacy.
• Maintain confidentiality agreements.
• Share information only with appropriate authorization.
• Follow all applicable privacy and data protection requirements.

Organizational Standards

Patient-Centered Decision Making

We believe patient perspectives improve outcomes.

Patient communities, caregivers, and advocacy organizations provide valuable insight that can strengthen decision-making, improve engagement strategies, and support better health and research outcomes.

Expectations

• Elevate and respect patient voices.
• Seek to understand community needs and priorities.
• Avoid practices that exploit or misrepresent patient experiences.
• Promote meaningful engagement rather than transactional interactions.

Transparency

Trust is strengthened through openness and honesty.

We communicate clearly about our role, our objectives, our limitations, and our recommendations.

Expectations

• Present information accurately.
• Disclose relevant relationships when appropriate.
• Avoid misleading statements or exaggerated claims.
• Base recommendations on evidence, experience, and stakeholder input.

Independence and Objectivity

We strive to provide recommendations that serve the best interests of our clients while remaining grounded in ethical principles and patient needs.

Expectations

• Provide honest guidance, even when it may be difficult to hear.
• Avoid decisions driven solely by financial considerations.
• Maintain professional judgment and objectivity.
• Support ethical business practices throughout client engagements.

Collaboration

Meaningful progress is rarely achieved alone.

PAS values collaboration among patients, advocacy organizations, sponsors, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

Expectations

• Build relationships based on mutual respect.
• Encourage shared problem-solving.
• Foster productive dialogue across stakeholder groups.
• Recognize and value diverse expertise and lived experience.

Corporate Standards

Ethical Business Practices

PAS is committed to conducting business with honesty, fairness, and accountability.

Expectations

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Compete fairly and ethically.
• Avoid bribery, corruption, or improper influence.
• Maintain accurate business records.
• Use company resources responsibly.

Social Responsibility

We recognize that our work contributes to broader healthcare and research ecosystems.

Our responsibility extends beyond clients to the patients, caregivers, and communities ultimately affected by the decisions we help inform.

Expectations

• Support practices that advance patient well-being.
• Promote ethical engagement with patient communities.
• Contribute positively to the industries and communities we serve.
• Consider the long-term impact of our work

Inclusion and Belonging

PAS is committed to fostering an environment where individuals are welcomed, respected, and valued.

We believe diverse perspectives strengthen organizations, improve decision-making, and create better outcomes.

Expectations

• Treat all individuals fairly and respectfully.
• Promote an inclusive workplace and professional environment.
• Reject discrimination, harassment, bullying, or retaliation in any form.
• Encourage participation from diverse voices and communities.

Speaking Up

Ethical organizations depend on individuals who are willing to raise concerns when something does not seem right.

PAS encourages team members, partners, and stakeholders to report ethical concerns, misconduct, or behavior that may violate these standards.

Concerns will be taken seriously and reviewed appropriately.

Our Guiding Principle

Everything we do ultimately comes back to one belief:

People deserve to be heard, respected, and understood.

Whether we are working with patients, caregivers, advocacy organizations, sponsors, colleagues, or partners, we strive to build relationships rooted in trust, integrity, transparency, and respect.

These principles define who we are, how we work, and what we expect from everyone who represents Patient Advocacy Strategies.