Virtual Code of Conduct

Effective date: September 3, 2025
Last updated: September 3, 2025

Purpose

NANT is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and professional environment across all virtual spaces where members, partners, and guests interact. This Virtual Code of Conduct (“Code”) sets expectations for behavior in online events, learning platforms, communities, and communications to ensure respectful, safe, and productive engagement aligned with NANT’s mission to empower dialysis excellence.

Scope

This Code applies to all participants—including members, non‑members, speakers, volunteers, staff, sponsors, and vendors—who engage in NANT‑affiliated virtual spaces, including but not limited to:

  • Webinars, conferences, workshops, and social hours (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Hopin, etc.)

  • Online learning platforms and the Learning Library

  • NANT websites and discussion boards

  • Email lists and direct messages related to NANT activities

  • NANT‑branded social media pages and hashtags

Core Values

  • Respect & Professionalism – Treat all participants with courtesy and assume good intent.

  • Inclusion & Belonging – Value diverse backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints.

  • Patient‑First Mindset – Protect patients’ dignity, privacy, and safety at all times.

  • Integrity – Share accurate information, cite sources, and disclose conflicts of interest.

  • Learning & Collaboration – Contribute constructively; help others grow.

Expected Behavior

  • Use professional, considerate, and inclusive language.

  • Be present and engaged—listen actively; keep contributions concise and on topic.

  • Respect time: arrive on time, adhere to agendas, and honor moderators’ guidance.

  • Credit others’ ideas and intellectual property; obtain permission before sharing content.

  • Maintain confidentiality; do not share private or identifying information without explicit consent.

  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including HIPAA and data privacy laws.

  • Disclose any financial relationships or potential conflicts when relevant (e.g., discussing products, research, or services).

  • Use the chat, Q&A, and reactions to contribute constructively; raise concerns via private channels per Reporting below.

Unacceptable Behavior

NANT will not tolerate:

  • Harassment, discrimination, or intimidation in any form (including comments related to race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, veteran status, body size, or any protected characteristic).

  • Sexualized language or imagery; unwelcome sexual attention or advances.

  • Demeaning, insulting, or threatening comments; personal attacks; bullying or doxxing.

  • Disruptive behavior during sessions (e.g., repeated interruptions, spam, trolling, or hijacking chat/Q&A).

  • Sharing or soliciting protected health information (PHI) or details that could identify a patient.

  • Misinformation presented as fact, especially regarding patient care or safety.

  • Unauthorized recording, screenshots, redistribution, or commercial use of NANT content.

  • Sales pitches in educational spaces without prior authorization and disclosure.

  • Illegal activity or encouraging others to do so.

Digital Etiquette & Participation Guidelines

  • Cameras & Mics: Keep microphones muted when not speaking; use the camera as you’re comfortable and as event format requests.

  • Names & Pronouns: Use your preferred name; pronouns may be included (e.g., in Zoom display name).

  • Chat & Q&A: Keep comments relevant, respectful, and concise; avoid all caps or excessive emojis.

  • Breakout Rooms: Follow facilitator instructions; allow all voices to be heard.

  • Accessibility: Use clear audio, avoid talking over others, describe visuals briefly when presenting, and share slides/materials in accessible formats whenever possible.

Privacy, Confidentiality & Patient Safety

  • Do not share PHI or any information that could identify a patient. Use de‑identified examples only.

  • Respect the privacy of participants; do not share screenshots, recordings, or chat transcripts outside the event unless NANT explicitly authorizes and participants are notified.

  • Follow organizational policies and laws (e.g., HIPAA) related to patient privacy at all times.

Educational Content, Evidence, and AI Use

  • Identify opinions vs. evidence‑based guidance; cite reputable sources when giving clinical context.

  • Do not present personal anecdotes as clinical standards.

  • AI tools: If you use AI to prepare content, you are responsible for accuracy, integrity, and respecting copyrights and privacy; disclose AI assistance when material is shared publicly.

Intellectual Property & Recording

  • NANT or its presenters retain rights to session materials, recordings, and slides unless otherwise stated.

  • Do not record, live‑stream, or redistribute content without prior written permission from NANT.

  • When permission is granted, include required attribution statements and do not alter content in misleading ways.

Sponsors, Exhibitors & Vendor Partners

  • Sponsorship does not equal endorsement. All promotional content must be clearly labeled.

  • Vendors must follow this Code in all interactions and refrain from unsolicited direct messaging or hard‑sell tactics in educational spaces.

  • Product claims must be truthful, accurate, and supported by evidence; disclose risks and limitations.

Moderation & Live Event Safety

  • Moderators may:

    • Remind participants of this Code and request behavior changes.

    • Mute microphones, disable chat, remove posts, or move disruptive participants to waiting rooms/breakout spaces.

    • Remove individuals from an event for persistent or severe violations.

  • For immediate threats or harassment, contact the host privately; moderators may end a session to ensure safety.

Reporting, Investigation & Outcomes

How to Report (during or after an event):
Email: nant@meinet.com

What to Include:

  • Your name and contact information (optional if anonymous)

  • Event or platform, date/time, names or display names of individuals involved

  • Description of the behavior and any supporting screenshots or messages

Process:

  1. NANT acknowledges receipt of reports.

  2. A designated review team assesses the concern, may request additional information, and determines whether the Code was violated.

  3. Outcomes may include education/coaching, written warning, removal from an event, restriction of platform access, membership sanctions (including suspension or termination), and—when warranted—referral to an employer or authorities.

  4. NANT will inform the reporter of closure, subject to privacy and legal constraints.

Appeals:
Individuals may submit a written appeal within 14 days of notification. A separate reviewer or committee will evaluate the appeal and issue a final decision.

Retaliation & Bad‑Faith Reporting

Retaliation against any individual who reports a concern in good faith is prohibited. Knowingly false or malicious reports are also violations of this Code.

Accountability & Member Responsibilities

All participants share responsibility for upholding this Code. Leaders, speakers, and moderators have an enhanced duty to model best practices, address issues promptly, and escalate concerns appropriately.

Questions & Contact

For questions about this Code or to request accommodations, email nant@meinet.com

 

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