Code of Ethics and Professional Standards of Conduct for Emergency Management Professionals

Sandy Maxwell Smith; Shirley Feldmann-Jensen

doi:10.5055/jem.0831

Authors

Sandy Maxwell Smith, PhD, RN https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7017-0736
Shirley Feldmann-Jensen, DPPD, MPH, RN https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0667-0430

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0831

Keywords:

ethics, code of ethics, emergency management, profession, professional standards of conduct, core competency

Abstract

The Code of Ethics and Professional Standards of Conduct for Emergency Management Professionals (2022) was recently created to further delineate the ethical boundaries and conduct expectations for professional emergency management practice. Significantly, the code of ethics provides an essential foundation toward recognition as a profession with hallmarks of monopoly, autonomy, and authority.

The code and standards of conduct establish a clear definition of the role emergency management has in overseeing a complex, diverse risk portfolio that protects lives, livelihoods, and quality of life. The document captures the intent, challenges, dimensions, and significance of emergency management practice in a rapidly changing world and brings ethics to the forefront of decisions. This article speaks to the discursive dialogue toward, methodological development of, and future tools for integrating into practice the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards of Conduct for Emergency Management Professionals.

Author Biographies

Sandy Maxwell Smith, PhD, RN

Department of Emergency Management, Professional Studies, and Student Affairs Administration, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas

Shirley Feldmann-Jensen, DPPD, MPH, RN

School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California

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