Opinion  Opinion 98-4

Date:	05/13/1998
Organization:	Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

Ethical Opinions for Clerks of the Courts

Participation in program to orient nurses to serve on medical malpractice tribunals, receipt of travel costs and $50 honorarium.

Dear:

You are an Assistant Clerk in the Superior Court and you contacted this Committee seeking an opinion on whether you could participate in a program, after working hours, sponsored by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). The program would orient nurses who are willing to serve on medical malpractice tribunals. You further indicated that the MNA would like to reimburse your transportation costs and give you an honorarium in the amount of $50.00. You asked the Committee whether you could accept such travel reimbursement and honorarium.

The Committee is of the opinion that to accept both the travel reimbursement and the honorarium would not violate the Code of Professional Responsibility for Clerks of the Courts, In our view, your participation in this educational program is the type of activity that is permissible under Canons 4 and 5 of the Code.