Which action is appropriate when a potential conflict of interest is identified?

• A. Continue without disclosure
• B. Document it only in internal logs
• C. Inform traveler of the conflict and obtain consent
• D. Follow ethics policies, recuse if needed, and involve a supervisor

Answer: (D)

When a potential conflict of interest is identified, the proper course is to handle it through the agency’s ethics framework by disclosing the situation, stepping away from any decision where bias could affect the outcome, and involving a supervisor to determine the appropriate actions. This sequence guarantees transparency, prevents personal gain from influencing official duties, and provides oversight to mitigate risk. Following ethics policies and recusing when needed keeps decisions impartial and protects public trust; a supervisor can document the issue and implement the correct mitigation steps. Merely continuing without disclosure or logging it privately does not remove the risk or alert others to the conflict, and informing the traveler to obtain consent does not resolve the bias or the appearance of impropriety.