Legal and Legislative Affairs, Professional Ethics, Standards of Practice and Best Practices Committees

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Lois Petzold, Chair

 

Sean Banks, Eric Berger, Judy Bruner, Howard Gadlin, Tom Kosakowski, Laurie Mesibov, Grace Meyer, Craig Mousin, Belinda Newman, Patrick Robardet, Lillian Santa-Maria, Virginia Santiago, Indu Sen, Charmaine Tomczyk, Andrew Vogel

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Please contact Lois Petzold, Chair, at (202) 623-6878 or lpetzold@imf.org

MISSIONS

The Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee keeps members informed about legislative and legal developments that affect the ombudsman profession and provides guidance to the IOA Board in establishing legislative priorities for the IOA.

 

The Standing Committee on Professional Ethics, Standards of Practice, and Best Practices Committee identifies, defines and provides guidance on the ethical principles and standards of practice for organizational ombudsman professionals.

 

PRIORITIES

  • Track federal and state legislation and court decisions that relate to and impact ombudsman practice and the profession.
  • Continue to strategize about how best to advocate for passage of ombudsman privilege statutes.
  • Periodically review and update IOA’s Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics and Best Practices to assure that they are consistent with legal and professional developments, IOA Bylaws and membership criteria.
  • Educate our members through programs and seminars regarding legal issues as they relate to office structure and ombudsmen practice and IOA’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
  • Provide ethical guidance to IOA members seeking assistance.
  • Coordinate with other IOA committees regarding legal impact to the profession in all aspects of IOA activities, as well as to promote awareness of and adherence to IOA’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Continuing to revise IOA’s Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics and Best Practices in light of current legalities and practice experience.
  • Educated IOA members on legal and legislative/standards of practice issues through IOA specialized courses, pre-conference courses, the listserv and consultation.