Code of Ethics
Executive Summary
More and more artists and arts administrators are entering the field of Arts in Health with the increasing awareness of the arts’ transformational impact on human well-being and the need for equitable solutions for community health. However, no documents currently exist to support these individuals in ensuring well-intended work is guided by a clear Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice and Standards of Care, save for a Code of Ethics and Standards published by NOAH in 2018.
As part of this effort to provide such foundational documents to support those in Arts in Health, a subcommittee consisting of NOAH members has worked to update the 2018 Code of Ethics and Standards document. The update intends to ensure current events and important industry standards are incorporated into the ethical standards required in the field.
This 2023 version focuses on supporting the Artists and Arts Administrators (paid and unpaid) who are working in healthcare and community settings. It is important to note that this is a living document and in no way covers all elements or scenarios for the intended audience. This document shall be periodically updated as technology, language, ethical concerns, and circumstances change. It is intended to reflect the current, and evolving environment impacting the Arts in Health field.
The eventual intention of NOAH is to expand the intended audience to include other professionals in the Arts in Health field and to provide additional foundational documents to support ethical decision-making and practice.
The Code’s five ethical principles are designed to inform conduct and ethical decision-making in a responsible, fair manner:
- Respect for Persons
- Do No Harm
- Integrity
- Quality
- Justice & Equity
The ethical principles work in concert, without hierarchy, and may differ in relevance depending on a given situation and its context.
