AHLA Introduces New Code of Conduct

As AHLA continues to diversify its educational offering, we wanted to take a moment to develop a Code of Conduct to ensure each engagement you have with AHLA offers an inclusive, respectful, and dignified educational experience.

Effective February 2021, the following Code of Conduct will apply to all in-person programs, virtual programs, webinars, and other events held by AHLA:

AHLA is committed to maintaining an environment in which all its staff, members, subscribers, customers, and leaders are treated fairly and with respect and dignity. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, AHLA staff members, service providers, and all others are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct. This Policy applies to participation in all AHLA meeting-related events, including those sponsored by organizations other than AHLA but held in conjunction with AHLA events, as well as participation in AHLA Communities and networking events.

AHLA prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, family responsibilities, physical appearance, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Any form of harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment, or any form of discrimination are absolutely prohibited during participation with AHLA, including but not limited to Programing and Networking Events and on AHLA Community Platforms.

If you experience harassment or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, AHLA asks that you contact David S. Cade, Chief Executive Officer, at [email protected].  You can also file a report by completing this form (http://www.americanhealthlaw.org/GrievanceForm). Every complaint or concern will be investigated, and any appropriate action will be taken.

Unacceptable Behavior is defined as:

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
• Verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, AHLA staff member, service provider, or other meeting guest.
• Examples of verbal abuse include, but are not limited to, verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations, or threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, AHLA staff member, service provider, or other meeting guest.

AHLA reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the meeting without warning or refund, or revocation of access to platforms in response to any incident of unacceptable behavior, and AHLA reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting, virtually or in person.

Our Code of Conduct is available from the footer of any page on the main AHLA website, and it will be highlighted and linked to during the event registration process. With each registration, you are reconfirming your commitment to creating an educational experience free from distraction, allowing AHLA to educate and connect the health law community.