Article 1

The artists are all professionals who have been trained and hired by member organizations. They are professional performing artists who are also trained in healthcare- specific elements such as infection control and prevention, reading environments, collaborating with inter-professional staff and adjusting to specific healthcare concerns. Depending on where their programs are located, they have a comprehensive knowledge of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996): a United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information or to the Personal Health Information Protection Act, also known as PHIPA (the Canadian legislation established in November 2004. PHIPA is one of two components of the Health Information Protection Act. The Health Information Protection Act, also established in 2004, comprises two schedules: PHIPA and the Quality of Care Information Protection Act).

Article 2

The artists perform their function of using humor and clown artistry as a healing tool in partnership with patients and families with the goal to uplift their mood and improve their emotional wellbeing. Other goals include offering opportunities for empowerment, improving communication and relationships and assisting with procedures and various therapies as appropriate. This will be done with dedication to artistry, and in partnership with healthcare staff at the host facility. 

Article 3

The artists are committed to the philosophy of working in pairs, and firmly believe that these partnerships represent Best Practices of this work. Because of this structure, we can provide stronger interactions and offer more choices to the patients and families we serve.

Article 4

Artist organizations and artists maintain a commitment to ongoing, regular artistic, reflective practice and psychosocial training, research development and regular performance evaluations by site staff and peers. They will commit to sharing best practice approaches and techniques with their colleagues internationally

Article 5

The artist will respect the privacy of patients and their families and maintain professional discretion and confidentiality by strictly adhering to the rules of HIPAA/ PHIPA.

Article 6

The artists are responsible for their behavior and actions at the healthcare site. The artists will refrain from any comments that may be inappropriate as well as avoid any statements regarding their own background, traditions, religious faith or political beliefs. Artists must never work under the influence of alcohol or other stimulants.

Article 7

The artists will not pursue a relationship with a patient or family outside of the artist’s professional activities. The artists will not solicit families or staff, professional work which is other than their position within the site

Article 8

The artists always ensure the safety of the patient. Artist’s activities, noise levels, props, or movements must always put the safety of the audience first.

Article 9

The artists respect the rules and regulations of hygiene, security and safety specific to each area of the healthcare site.

Article 10

The artist never takes sides concerning controversies within the healthcare site, complaints about service, or problems regarding personnel or management. 

Article 11

The artist will not accept any gratuity for their work.