Objectivity, neutrality, and confidentiality are the foundations of a credible arbitration system. All decisions must be based solely on the arguments made in the contentions and the evidence submitted by the parties to avoid any perception of bias on the part of the arbitrator. An effort should also be made to keep confidential all information that could be used to personally identify someone in the process.

In addition, an arbitrator must excuse himself/herself from hearing a case if he or she has a direct or indirect interest in the outcome (financial, business, personal, or professional). We also recommend that arbitrators excuse themselves from hearing a case that involves a prior co-worker or claim adversary if their decision could create an appearance of impropriety.

AF policies also help ensure the privacy and confidentiality of our membership's data. The Neutrality, Privacy, and Confidentiality statement reinforces to arbitrators that the information submitted by parties is private and confidential and may only be used to resolve the dispute. It may not be copied or printed or used for any other purpose.

Neutrality, Privacy, and Confidentiality Statement
This decision is according to my understanding of the current local law and the facts presented. I may not render a decision on a case where I or my company is directly or indirectly interested, or where there is even an appearance of bias. Also, I understand as an arbitrator I will have access to confidential material involving company and/or insured information. All information related to this case will be utilized for the sole purpose of rendering this decision. I agree to protect the privacy, security, and confidentiality of all information related to this case. I affirm that I have read and understand the above.

For these reasons, arbitrators acknowledge the Neutrality, Privacy, and Confidentiality Statement on each case they hear.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
AF policies prohibit the inclusion of PII when uploading evidence. PII can be defined as any information about an individual maintained by AF that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual‘s identity through a combination of the individual’s name and one or more of the following:

1. Social security number
2. Driver's license number or non-driver identification card number
3. Account number, credit or debit card number, in combination with any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual's financial account
4. Any information regarding an individual’s medical history, mental or physical condition, or medical treatment or diagnosis by a health care professional
5. An individual’s health insurance policy number or subscriber identification number and any unique identifier used by a health insurer to identify the individual

PII does not include information about an individual that has been made publicly available by a federal, state, or local governmental entity. PII also does not include information that is encrypted, secured, or modified by any other method or technology that removes elements that personally identify an individual or that otherwise renders the information unusable.