| Proselytize: To persuade someone to convert to one's faith or spiritual beliefs.
Religion: A set of beliefs and practices that help individuals or groups express and carry out their spirituality.
Spirituality: A person’s deepest sense of belonging and connection to a higher power or transcendent life philosophy which may not necessarily be related to an organized religious institution. In a larger sense, it is the process of pursuing meaning and purpose in life.
Workforce Members: Employees, volunteers, interns, trainees, and other persons whose conduct in the performance of their work is under the direct control of DMH, whether or not they are paid by the County.
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| Workforce members are prohibited from proselytizing particular spiritual and religious beliefs to mental health clients, the general public, their fellow employees, volunteers, and interns during County work hours, on County property, and/or using County resources. - Workforce members shall maintain a non-discriminatory, non-judgmental, neutral position regarding the content of spiritual and religious beliefs of others.
- Merely disclosing one’s spiritual and religious beliefs to a client when they are relevant to a clinical concern shall not be considered proselytizing.
- Workforce members maintain the right to practice their own religious beliefs.
Workforce members whose scope of practice authorizes them to conduct clinical assessments shall assess the religious and/or spiritual interests of clients and integrate such interests as appropriate into clients’ mental health services.
Workforce members shall adhere to existing non-discrimination laws, regulations, and policies in the provision of services and support (22 CCR § 98100). - All DMH administrative and clinical activities, including any that are related to spiritual or religious practices or beliefs, shall comply with existing regulations and recognized ethical and professional standards.
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