BCE Code of Ethics

PREAMBLE

The profession of entomology is increasingly important to the welfare and progress of human society. Professional entomologists have the position and authority to render effective service to humanity, in keeping with high standards of ethical conduct. In order that the honor and dignity of the profession be advanced and maintained, the Entomological Society of America has established the following code to define the professional conduct and ethics, binding on Board Certified Entomologists.
 

OBLIGATIONS TO SOCIETY

1.1     The Board Certified Entomologist's knowledge and skills will be used for the betterment of human welfare.    

1.2     The Board Certified Entomologist will share in sustaining the laws, institutions, and burdens of the community.
 

OBLIGATIONS TO THE PUBLIC

2.1     The Board Certified Entomologist will have proper regard for the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance of professional duties.

2.2     The Board Certified Entomologist will be honest and impartial, and will preface any one-sided statements, criticisms, or arguments by clearly indicating on whose behalf they are made.

2.3     The Board Certified Entomologist will express an opinion on an entomological subject only when it is founded on adequate knowledge and honest conviction; and will be factual in all estimates, reports, and testimony.
 

OBLIGATIONS TO THE PROFESSION

3.1     The Board Certified Entomologist will strive to advance the science and art of entomology, to guard and uphold its high standard of honor, and conform with the principles of professional conduct.

3.2     The Board Certified Entomologist will cooperate in upbuilding the profession by exchanging information with fellow entomologists, and by contributing to the work of technical societies and the technical press, where disclosure of such information does not conflict with the interests of clients and employers.

3.3     The Board Certified Entomologist will defend the prestige of the profession, and will report to the Entomological Society of America any any misuse or misrepresentation of the terms entomology, entomologist, Certified IPM Technicians, Board Certified Entomologist, Associate Certified Entomologist, Public Health Entomology Certificate, or derivatives thereof.

OBLIGATIONS TO EMPLOYERS AND CLIENTS

4.1     The Board Certified Entomologist will act as a faithful agent or trustee for each employer or client, and will not knowingly engage in illegal work or cooperate with any person so engaged.

4.2     The Board Certified Entomologist will undertake only those entomological assignments for which the Entomologist is qualified. The Board Certified Entomologist will obtain or advise the employer or client to obtain the assistance of specialists whenever the employer's or client's interests are so served best, and will cooperate with the specialists.

4.3     The Board Certified Entomologist will indicate to the employer or client alternatives to recommended courses of action and the expected consequences of each recommended action and alternative.

4.4     The Board Certified Entomologist will inform the employer or client as to any financial interest the Entomologist has in any person, material, device, or concept which is or might become involved in a project or work for the employer or client. Decisions regarding entomological services to be performed shall not be influenced by such financial interests.

4.5     The Board Certified Entomologist will act fairly and justly toward vendors and contractors, selecting their products and services on the basis of merit and value.

4.6     The Board Certified Entomologist will not disclose information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of present or former employers or clients without their consent.

4.7     The Board Certified Entomologist will not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for the same service, or for other services pertaining to the same work, without the consent of all interested parties.
 

OBLIGATIONS TO FELLOW ENTOMOLOGISTS

5.1     The Board Certified Entomologist will give credit for entomological work to whom it is due.

5.2     The Board Certified Entomologist will promote solidarity and harmony with fellow entomologists, respect their judgment, and support them collectively and individually whenever possible against unjust claims and accusations.

5.3     The Board Certified Entomologist will not accept any engagement to review the professional work of a fellow entomologist (except in editing scientific papers and in litigation) without the knowledge of such entomologist, unless the entomologist's connection with the work has been terminated.

5.4     The Board Certified Entomologist will not injure intentionally the professional reputation, prospects, or practice of another entomologist. However, proof that another entomologist has been unethical, illegal, or unfair should be communicated to the Entomological Society of America.

5.5      The Board Certified Entomologist will provide a prospective entomology employee with complete information on working conditions and the proposed status of employment, and during employment will keep the employee informed of any changes therein.

5.6      The Board Certified Entomologist who employs or supervises other entomologists will endeavor to provide opportunity for their professional development and advancement.