HPS Objective

[Bill Pitchford <Bill.Pitchford@asu.edu>]

The first listed principle of the HPS Code of Ethics is:

	*Members of the Society shall give support to the objectives of 
	 the Health Physics Society.

The HPS Objective as declared in the bylaws is:

	The Health Physics Society is a professional organization 
	dedicated to the development, dissemination, and application of
	both the scientific knowledge of, and the practical means for, 
	radiation protection.

        The objective of the Society is the protection of people and 
	the environment from unnecessary exposure to radiation.

        The Society is thus concerned with understanding, evaluating, 
	and controlling the risks from radiation exposure relative to
        the benefits derived. 

Does the "crossroads" that the members of the Society find themselves at 
require a re-evaluation of THE OBJECTIVE ?

And where do "brand" and "marketplace" fit into the ethic and bylaws ?

(This is not an attack on the esteemed R.J. Vetter, but rather an 
invitation to further dialogue about our responsibilities as radiation 
protection professionals and how the HPS seems to respond to ethical 
questions and how it might lobby for change in the public interest.)

Lets hear from the backbone of the Society about this issue !!!

Go Team Go, RAH, RAH !!!

Bill Pitchford			Bill.Pitchford@asu.edu
Secretary / Treasurer
Arizona Chapter
Health Physics Society