Page 120 - 2023 CIDI Notebook

PI Standards - Licensed and Unlicensed

Standards of Practice
 Conflicts of Interest
 There must be reasonable steps to determine potential
conflicts.
 Only one party is the client – unless disclosed and agreed by
both parties;
 Compensation from only one party (contracted) – unless
disclosed and agreed by both parties, or court order.
 Any conflict must be avoided, and disclosed to the client.
 This includes personal interests making loyalty to the client and best
interests unavoidable.
Licensed or not - a conflict of interest must
be avoided. It is strongly recommended
developing these as your agency Standards
of Practice as professional and client
protections.
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Standards of Practice

 Confidentiality (seek legal advice)
Unless otherwise provided by law or regulation:
 All cases were confidential and for the client’s (not PI’s) use
only (now – only if an attorney is the client – state in your contract!);
 Specify only the client may waive confidentiality (in writing);
 A valid and enforceable subpoena or summons to the PI may
waive confidentiality;
 Confidentiality did not prohibit professional practices review
by DORA; and
 PI may use confidential information as a defense in a claim
against them.
It is strongly recommended developing these
as your agency Standards of Practice as
professional and client protections.
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Standards of Practice

 Recordkeeping Recommendations (was required)
 Separate files for each client, for minimum of 7 years from
completion;
 Secured from unauthorized access, loss or destruction
(includes paper or cloud);
 Include:
 All contracts and agreements (and exhibits to them – i.e. fee
schedules);
 Date of start (and end);
 Any written final report (suggest a memorandum to file for verbal
reports); and
 Timesheet and activities conducted, including expenses.
 Readily accessible – available within 10 days of a request.

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PPIAC-CIDI 2023 7