The mission of the New Mexico Society of Acupuncture and Asian Medicine (NMSAAM) is to promote the profession of acupuncturists and the inclusion of professional acupuncturists as an integral part of the health-care system of our communities. A foundational part of that mission is the promotion of open, professional, and collegial discussion between acupuncturists.

This Code of Conduct provides an overview of the general rules and policies that are consistent with the high standards of business ethics we uphold and emphasizes the value we place on trust and treating all NMSAAM members and stakeholders with respect. This Code of Conduct is a great resource, but it does not cover every situation. It is important to use good judgment in your words and actions and contact NMSAAM if you’re unsure about the right course of action. While we encourage a lively exchange of ideas and insights in face-to-face and online proceedings, we do ask that you read and adhere to the NMSAAM Code of Conduct when participating in NMSAAM events and discussions whether online, verbal, written or visual.

Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination

In proceedings of the NMSAAM, NMSAAM strives to maintain professional environments and professional in-person or online interactions where people are treated with dignity, decency, and respect - an environment characterized by mutual trust and the absence of intimidation, oppression, and exploitation. NMSAAM will not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment of any kind. NMSAAM will not tolerate negative biases and racial stereotypes from any party including staff, volunteers, speakers, guests, members, contractors, government, and industry representatives.

Prohibition Against Hate-Speech

Hate Speech is defined as:

Any kind of communication in speech, writing or behavior, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, color, descent, gender or other identity factor

The NMSAAM will not tolerate hate speech of any kind from any party including staff, volunteers, speakers, guests, members, contractors, government, and industry representatives.

Prohibition Against Illegal Conduct

The NMSAAM does not permit the discussion of any actions that violate the laws of the State of New Mexico or the United States including but not limited to:

Discussion of the illegal use or distribution of any substance defined in the Controlled Substance Act.

Communication about prices or terms of service, to exchange practice management or any other proprietary information, or otherwise communicate in a manner that may violate federal or state antitrust laws.

Posted statements that are offensive and insulting to individuals (or constituencies or organizations) violate the NMSAAM Code of Conduct and may violate applicable defamation laws. The term defamation can include verbal and written statements that are factually false. Defamation laws are generally intended to protect individuals and organizations from false factual statements that could harm their reputations. One key element in proving defamation claims in most states is that the aggrieved party must establish that the defendant uttered or published a false factual statement to a third party. Exercise good judgment and avoid engaging in personal attacks against others while using the NMSAAM online forums.

NMSAAM proceedings or online forums may not be used in a manner that violates applicable federal, state, or local laws, including laws protecting intellectual property. For example, while sources can be disclosed, participants may not post or distribute files, articles, or other information subject to trademark, copyright, or other proprietary rights, except with the express consent of the owner of the rights.

General Principles of NMSAAM Online Community and Discussion Forums

  1. Maintain online communities that are open, secure, and trustworthy for all member participants.
  2. Establish fellowship and support among acupuncturists that will enhance their care of patients, individuals, and communities.
  3. Cultivate engagement, exchange of information, collaboration, and sharing of innovative ideas relevant to acupuncture and Asian medicine.

Rules Applicable to NMSAAM Online Discussion Forums and Lists

  1. Respect the diversity of fellow forum users Honor our differences. Fellow online users should always be treated with respect, without exception. Discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital status, religion, sexuality, gender, gender identity, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances will not be tolerated. We want the NMSAAM online communities to be welcoming forums for all members. This means that discriminatory statements, both clear and masked in words or images, are not appropriate. Harassing, bullying, trolling, taunting or defamatory content will also not be tolerated.
  2. Communicate in a professional manner Maintain open, honest, and respectful dialogues. Discussions should encourage conversation and not create divisiveness or tension. Every member deserves the opportunity to express his or her opinions on our profession and related matters openly and in a civil, respectful manner. Participants should act in a dignified and courteous manner to avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by false, malicious or improper action. Obscene, vulgar, or inappropriate language and/or images are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
  3. Keep Discussions on Topic Use of NMSAAM online communities to discuss and debate non-health-care: politics, religion, or sexual content is prohibited. Posting of political promotions and/or content of self-interest is also prohibited.
  4. Behave ethically All persons participating in NMSAAM online communities shall act honestly, in good faith, and with the highest professional standards.
  5. Safeguard patient and member privacy; maintain confidentiality where applicable Never share personal health information (PHI) on NMSAAM online forums. Preserve, protect, and secure PHI and hold in the highest regard health information and other information of a confidential nature obtained in an official capacity, taking into account the applicable statutes and regulations. Comply with HIPAA requirements.Do not disclose any kind of confidential, proprietary, or sensitive business or other information. Do not disclose personal emails, phone numbers, addresses, family information, employer details or any kind of private information that should not be displayed in a public forum.

Changes to the Code of Conduct

The NMSAAM Board of Directors reserves the right to revise the rules and guidelines contained in the Code of Conduct at any time. Participants are expected to check this page from time to time to take notice of any changes.

Code of Conduct Violation Policy

The Code of Conduct should not be seen as all-inclusive, but rather to give our members a general idea of the guidelines one should follow when participating in NMSAAM communities.

The NMSAAM Board of Directors shall determine, in its sole discretion, whether there has been a breach of the Code of Conduct and may take any action deemed appropriate.

In order to preserve an environment that encourages respectful and meaningful dialogue, the NMSAAM Board of Directors reserves the right to remove content and suspend or terminate participation on all lists for anyone who violates these rules.

The NMSAAM Board of Directors reserves the right to delegate to the Executive Committee, as defined by the by laws of The Society, or to any committee of moderators determined by the Board, enforcement of the Code of Conduct for NMSAAM online communities.

Disciplinary Actions for Code of Conduct Violations

  1. First and second violation, an email or phone call is communicated to the member that explains the violation that occurred. The post is removed.
  2. The member may be placed in a moderation queue, where messages from the member’s account are reviewed before they are posted online.
  3. Third violation, a formal letter is sent to the member who violated the Code of Conduct. The member is removed from participating in the NMSAAM online forum.
  4. Continued or especially egregious violations of the Code of Conduct will be referred to the Board of Directors for possible suspension, expulsion, or denial of membership according to Article V Section II of the by laws of The Society.

Appeal Process

A member may not appeal removal of a post. A member may appeal their removal from an NMSAAM online forum by contacting governance@nmsaam.org in writing. Final decisions will be reviewed and decided upon by a panel of staff and peers. Appeals should include the following information:

  • First name, last name, email address, phone number
  • Full disclosure of any previous violations
  • Why you feel the online community removal should be overturned; include any relevant or supporting evidence.

Suspension, expulsion, or denial of membership, including appeals, will be dealt with as defined in Article V Section II of the by laws of The Society.

The by laws of the society are available here.

Disclaimer

The views expressed on the various NMSAAM online communities are those of the individual contributors. They do not, and should not, be construed as representing the views of The Society. NMSAAM makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information posted on its various communities and assumes no responsibility or liability regarding the use or misuse of such information for any purpose. The NMSAAM disclaims any responsibility to maintain copies of any information posted or to assure that such information is deleted. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the NMSAAM does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, advice, guidance, product, process, service or organization presented or mentioned on its online forums, and information from these forums should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. However, the NMSAAM retains the right to monitor posted information and remove messages or materials that it believes do not comply with its Code of Conduct.