02-280-8 Me. Code R. § 1
The public places trust and confidence in the profession and the services it provides; consequently, licensees have a duty to conduct themselves in a manner that will be beneficial to the public and which fosters such trust and confidence. This Code of Professional Conduct identifies seven fundamental principles of conduct, six of which are intended to govern licensees' professional performance whether they are in public practice, industry, not-for-profit organizations, government, education or other professional endeavors. The seventh principle, independence, applies only to those professional services where it is required by professional standards. This Code of Professional Conduct defines the conduct that the public has a right to expect of the licensee, as well as all persons or entities the licensee has the authority or capacity to control.
With the exception of independence, these principles are universal and apply to all services and activities performed by the licensee in all aspects of his or her professional conduct. Independence, however, is a unique principle that applies only to those professional services where it is required in accordance with professional standards.
Users of the licensee's services draw confidence from the knowledge that the profession is bound to a framework which requires continued dedication to professional excellence and commitment to ethical behavior that will not be subordinated to personal gain.
02-280 C.M.R. ch. 8, § 1