Public confidence in government depends on trust and that trust is built though strong, transparent ethics, said David Reisman, HHSC’s new chief ethics officer. Reisman was recently named to the postion by HHSC Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek.
Reisman wants to make sure health and human service agency employees know exactly where the landmines are, how to avoid them and to feel comfortable raising ethical concerns in any situation.
“A lot of people don’t know the circumstances that create a conflict of interest,” Reisman said. “We want to make sure they do and that they know where to go when they have a question or an issue.”
Reisman will create new training for all employees. Eventually, he wants everyone to undergo face-to-face training, which he sees as a discussion, not a lecture.
“We want people to work through scenarios, to raise issues and be able to talk and laugh,” he said. “That makes them more comfortable asking questions when issues come up at work.”
In addition to training, Reisman’s office will investigate possible ethical violations and if necessary refer them to the appropriate authority, whether it’s the employee’s supervisor or the district attorney.
Reisman believes a centralized policy for all five health and human service agencies will be more efficient, though he understands some agencies might have unique issues.
“The ethical culture needs to start at the top and it needs to flow down,” he said. “Unless there is a feeling those above us are following those same core principles, it won’t be as effective.”
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