Which statement is correct under the Code and Standards regarding independent practice?

Which statement is correct under the Code and Standards regarding independent practice?

• A. Independent practice that could compete with an employer is prohibited without consent from the employer.
• B. Members may undertake independent practice that competes with their employer without any consent.
• C. Independent practice that competes with the employer is allowed if the member's clients approve.
• D. Written consent from the employer is necessary to permit independent practice that could result in compensation or other benefits in competition with their employer.

Answer: (D)

When you’re employed, you owe loyalty to your employer, and you must avoid activities that could conflict with their interests or compete with their business. If you’re considering independent practice that might compete with your employer or bring you compensation or other benefits tied to that competition, you must obtain explicit written consent from the employer before proceeding. The written form matters because it creates a clear record of what’s allowed, sets any conditions, and helps manage conflicts of interest. That’s why the best choice states that written consent from the employer is necessary to permit independent practice that could result in compensation or other benefits in competition with the employer. Verbal consent isn’t sufficient, and client approval does not substitute for the employer’s consent.

When you’re employed, you owe loyalty to your employer, and you must avoid activities that could conflict with their interests or compete with their business. If you’re considering independent practice that might compete with your employer or bring you compensation or other benefits tied to that competition, you must obtain explicit written consent from the employer before proceeding. The written form matters because it creates a clear record of what’s allowed, sets any conditions, and helps manage conflicts of interest.

That’s why the best choice states that written consent from the employer is necessary to permit independent practice that could result in compensation or other benefits in competition with the employer. Verbal consent isn’t sufficient, and client approval does not substitute for the employer’s consent.