USP Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics affirms USP's commitment to responsible, ethical, and legal practices throughout the organization and in all aspects of USP activities. The principles contained in this Code govern the conduct of USP's employees, officers, trustees and other volunteers as USP pursues its vision of good pharmaceutical care for all. These principles are implemented through the policies, rules and procedures applicable to USP's employees, officers, trustees, and volunteers, including USP Policies, the Rules of Business Practice for the USP Board of Trustees, the Rules and Procedures of the Council of Experts, and USP's internal Employee Handbook, Quality Manual, and SOPs. As used in this Code, the term "volunteers" refers to the volunteer members of USP's Council of Experts, Expert Committees and ad hoc Advisory Panels, who agree to abide by USP's Code of Ethics and Policies as a condition of their participation in USP's standard-setting and other scientific decision-making processes.

Any questions regarding this Code of Ethics, or USP policies, rules or procedures, or any concerns regarding suspected violations of or failures to comply with this Code of Ethics, or such policies, rules or procedures, should be brought to the attention of USP's leadership. To further encourage reporting of such concerns, USP has adopted a Whistleblower and Non-Retaliation Policy that provides employees, officers, trustees and volunteers with a mechanism for anonymously reporting concerns, assurance that concerns will be investigated in a full, fair and impartial manner, and protection against retaliation. This Whistleblower and Non-Retaliation Policy is attached to this Code of Ethics and is available on USP's Web site.

I. Ethics and Values

  • USP will conduct its activities with honesty, integrity and trust
  • USP employees, officers, trustees, and volunteers will operate in accordance with the highest ethical standards
  • USP will assure its independence and objectivity through adherence to conflict of interest, gift, organizational relationships and related policies
  • USP will respect and protect the confidentiality of proprietary information, whether belonging to USP or provided by third parties

II. Standards-setting Processes

  • USP will establish standards and information through processes that are volunteer-driven, science-based, credible and unbiased
  • USP will conduct its standards-setting activities in an open and transparent manner that allows for participation by all key constituencies

III. Management Processes

  • USP will design, implement and maintain quality assessment programs to continuously monitor, improve and measure the quality and impact of USP programs and services
  • USP will manage its finances in accordance with sound financial principles and maintain accurate records that ensure full, fair, timely and understandable financial disclosure
  • USP will comply with all applicable laws and regulations affecting its activities
  • USP will apply a comprehensive, continuous enterprise risk management process to ensure that risks affecting the organization are appropriately identified, evaluated, managed and reported

IV. Workplace Environment

  • USP will seek a diverse base of employees, officers, trustees and volunteers and ensure equal opportunity to all qualified individuals in recruiting, compensation, professional development, promotion and other employment practices
  • USP will provide a supportive working environment in which employees, officers, trustees and volunteers are free from harassment and discrimination and may freely contribute to the organization
  • USP will provide a safe and secure working environment