AHA Policies and Guiding Values

Conflict of Interest Policy

As a science-based non-profit organization, public trust in the integrity and independence of the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) scientific review and decision-making processes as well as AHA’s adherence to high standards for the conduct of its charitable activities is essential.
Read the full policy on heart.org Conflict of Interest abstention form (PDF)

Diversity and Inclusion at AHA

Our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
See how AHA is making an impact AHA Inclusiveness Policy (PDF)

Ethics Policy

The American Heart Association Ethics Policy reflects the high standard of business conduct representing what is the hallmark of our organization. Our Ethics Policy helps define our commitment to support a culture of openness, trust and integrity in all we do.

Read our Ethics Policy on heart.org

Code of Conduct and Professional Guidelines

AHA/ASA Meetings and Events Code of Conduct

All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, faculty, volunteers, exhibitors, AHA/ASA staff, service providers, vendor partners, and others are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct and comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including those that prohibit harassment and discrimination against individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

Unacceptable behavior of any kind will not be tolerated and includes:

  • Disruption of presentations during sessions in any area of the event.
  • Sharing of unsolicited promotional materials or solicitation of services.
  • Copying, recording, or taking screen shots of presentations or posters.
  • Reproducing Scientific Sessions material without express written consent from the rights holder.
  • False certification of individuals as paid AHA/ASA event attendees, misuse of badge credentials, or any method of assisting unauthorized persons to gain access to any AHA/ASA event.
  • Harassment towards another individual for any reason.

Attendees acknowledge that the unacceptable behavior set out above is prohibited. AHA/ASA reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary including immediate removal from the event, without warning or refund, in response to any incident of unacceptable behavior. AHA/ASA reserves the right to prohibit attendance by violators at any future meeting, in person or online.

All participants must comply with the instructions of AHA/ASA staff or person working on behalf of the AHA/ASA.

The AHA/ASA is committed to supporting educational and scientific dialogue, and to fostering a welcoming community in which all participants can contribute fully.

Thank you for assisting us in providing a safe and positive learning environment.

 AHA Professional Membership Guidelines

The American Heart Association (AHA) does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind, including but not limited to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, ethnic or national origin, pregnancy leave, leave status, disability, uniformed service, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status or based on political or religious opinions or affiliations, membership or non-membership in employee organizations, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, whether it is within the AHA organization, at research organizations that receive AHA funding, or anywhere else AHA-funded activities are conducted.

The AHA believes that only in safe and respectful environments can individuals achieve their greatest potential and conduct the important work that supports the AHA mission. To foster a work environment free from harassment or discrimination, the American Heart Association’s Science Operations is bolstering procedures, guidelines, requirements, and communications to make expectations clear. The AHA wants to ensure that individuals know their rights, where to report incidents of harassment, and the resources available to them.

 Reporting a Violation

Reporting Harassment or Code of Conduct Violations

Incidents of harassment should be reported immediately to your institution(s)/employer(s). First, and most important - If you feel like you have experienced harassment and feel like you are not safe or are in a hostile environment - immediately contact onsite security, the local police department, or report the incident to the appropriate local authorities to help secure a safe location.

Reporting Activities:

  1. Notify Your Institution/Employer: Immediately notify your institution(s)/employer(s) equal opportunity office, human resources offices, or Title IX Coordinator.
  2. Contact the Local Authorities: AHA encourages individuals to report allegations to the appropriate authorities, which may include the local police department.

If for some reason you are unable to make a report to your institution(s)/employer(s), you may contact AHA/ASA. Phone the AHA/ASA ethics hotline at (866) 293-2427 to report your concerns. You may also log on to: www.ethicspoint.com (Please type American Heart Association when indicated in the prompts rather than AHA).

Please note the AHA/ASA does not initiate investigations of allegations. AHA/ASA cannot provide legal advice or support but if appropriate will follow up on all notifications of concerns related to the person(s) allegedly involved in the reported incident. All reports will be provided to the institution(s)/employer(s) to investigate.

Please consult with your institution(s)/employer(s) before contacting the AHA/ASA. The AHA/ASA is not responsible for the outcome or investigation process.

Find Help/Helpful Resources

Find Help and Support! There is a national network of community-based rape crisis centers and local organizations who support the needs of sexual assault survivors.