Code of Conduct
Making the Best Choices.
2024
This Code of Conduct applies to all U.S. Medical Management, LLC doing business as HarmonyCares and its owned
and managed entities (“HarmonyCares”). Statements made about the “Company” refer to these entities.
References to employees and team members means employees, officers, directors, consultants, contractors,
volunteers, and anyone else providing services to HarmonyCares patients under agreement with HarmonyCares.
“Patient” refers to HarmonyCares patients, clients, and their legally authorized representatives.
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About Our Code of Conduct
Our Code is based on our Mission, Vision, and Values.
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Let the Code of Conduct Guide Your Actions
As a team member of HarmonyCares, you must comply with the Code of Conduct and all
policies, laws, and regulations that apply to your job and our company.
You should feel empowered to do the right thing at all times.
Team members required to comply with the Code of Conduct include employees, independent
contractors, subcontractors, vendors, volunteers, officers, Board Members and any other third-
party individuals or entities acting on behalf of the company.
The Code of Conduct serves as a general guide for doing the right thing by providing information
on a number of topics. However, this Code does not cover every topic you may encounter in
your job or the specific details you may need to understand an issue or concern. Therefore, we
ask that all team members seek guidance whenever you have questions or concerns using the
Speak Up process.
During your onboarding and annually, you will be asked to acknowledge receipt and
understanding of the Code of Conduct. At that time, you will also be asked to comply with the
Code and report any issues or concerns that you feel may be a violation of the Code or any
other company standard, policies, procedures, or state/federal regulations. Compliance with
the Code of Conduct and applicable policy and procedures are part of performance evaluations
for all employees and contractors. We refer to this process as Living the Code.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Team members that supervise others have an additional responsibility to be examples to others
in the way that they conduct themselves. Supervisors are expected to create a culture in which
team members feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns without fear of
retaliation.
If a team member raises a question or concern, supervisors:
Take prompt action to address the concern or answer the question.
Evaluate if corrective action is needed to prevent issues from reoccurring.
Ensure that team members understand the Code of Conduct, policies and procedures
and regulations that impact their job and our company.
Understand that business results or performance are never more important than
conducting business in an ethical manner.
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Message from the CEO, Matt Chance
Thank you for your commitment to HarmonyCares.
We have been embarking on a journey that involves incredible transformation for our leaders
and colleagues. Our company culture will be the result of each team member embracing our
mission, vision, and core values.
As we rethink how we do our day-to-day work, how we report on progress, and how we
become accountable to each other, we are grounded by conducting our business with honesty,
integrity, and transparency.
The HarmonyCares leadership team and I are personally making efforts to meet as many of you
as possible and asking for feedback. My hope is that you will be transparent about the issues
that are most important to you and that you will offer ideas relative to culture and business
transformation, as you continue to take ownership for your areas of responsibility. Through
these actions, my hope is each of you can connect to the overarching goal and mission of our
organization.
Quality is the focus of the work we do. We will be continually innovating all areas of our service
delivery so that we can provide world-class cohesive in-home care at scale to increase access to
quality of care for everyone.
I’m excited to be on this journey with each of you and am humbled on a daily basis by the
dedication we see to our mission, our patients, and their loved ones, and each other.
Thank you,
Matt
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Message from the Chief Compliance Officer
Recently I was asked, “With so many rules, regulations, policies and procedures, how do I know
when I am making the best choice?” The answer is simpler than it seems. One way is to briefly
pause and think about it:
At the end of the day, am I proud of the work I’ve done?
Is the treatment we’re providing, prescribing, and educating the best course of action?
Would my team members and managers agree with my decision?
Am I treating my patients the way they want to be treated?
Do I seek out guidance, and ask questions?
If I feel like I’ve made the wrong decision, do I let someone know and re-choose?
At HarmonyCares, how we provide services is as important as why. We are caring, professional
and committed to Making the Best Choices as we work. We understand that we have been
entrusted with a huge responsibility when we provide care to our patients and services that
support patient care.
When we make decisions each day, we should challenge ourselves to consider whether what
we are doing is in tune with our mission and core values.
This Code includes guidance that helps us do the right thing for our patients and our teammates
on a daily basis. We use our Code to help with our individual actions that lead to combined
success as an organization. Of course, it is not meant to address every requirement and
situation, which is why we maintain detailed policies and procedures and also offer the Speak
Up process.
It is up to all of us to live our Mission and Values. It is up to all of us to build HarmonyCares.
Let’s make living our Code of Conduct something we do every day.
Thank you for all you do as you support our Mission.
Janine
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Introduction
We share a commitment to conducting ourselves in an ethical, legal, efficient, and effective
manner every day - whether we are providing care to patients and families or providing support
services.
We have a shared responsibility…we are responsible to each other as well as to many other
stakeholders:
Our patients and their families.
Our co-workers.
Other healthcare providers that assist with services to our patients.
Non-HarmonyCares colleagues and customers.
Payors, including federal and state governments and health plans.
Regulators, surveyors, and monitors.
Vendors and suppliers.
Owners and investors.
The Compliance and Ethics Program (Program) was created so that HarmonyCares can self-
monitor and improve performance. The Program has two main guiding goals:
Prevention of violations of standards and regulations, where possible, by creating and
maintaining great teams and structure and providing effective education; and
Detection of concerns and violations to mitigate risk.
Let this Code help you Make the Best Choices.
This Code of Conduct is the foundation of the Program. It is a guide to appropriate behavior at
work and can help you to make the right decisions. The Code applies to everyone that works
here; we are all responsible for supporting the Program in every aspect of workplace behavior.
The Code is supported by the employee handbook and policies and procedures that apply
specifically to your job. It discusses the importance of Basic Principles of Quality, Honesty and
Integrity, and Compliance.
We provide our services under strict regulations and close oversight. Compromise in our
standards could harm our patients, co-workers, and our company. To confirm that all of us
understands and agrees to abide by the Code, every employee is required to read it and
acknowledge our Commitment to its content during training completed in orientation and again
annually. This training and acknowledgement are a condition of employment and providing
services for HarmonyCares.
Because no single resource can adequately describe every regulation we follow, or answer
every question or concern, we expect our team members to be guided by their own personal
integrity. Questions are encouraged; in fact, if a question arises about your work or any moral,
legal, or ethical concerns, you are required to let us know, following the Speak Up process
described in this Code.
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Summary of the Compliance and Ethics Program
The HarmonyCares Compliance and Ethics Program is designed to effectively self-identify and
address compliance issues and includes eight core elements, summarized briefly below. The
primary purpose of the Compliance and Ethics Program is to reduce risk and seek opportunities
to improve.
Element 1: Code of Conduct, Written Standards and Policies and Procedures (Standards)
The Standards promote quality of care and are written plainly, so that they are reasonably
capable of reducing the incidence and effects of administrative, civil, and criminal violations.
Element 2: Compliance Leadership
HarmonyCares has identified and assigned key leaders with the overall responsibility to oversee
compliance with our Standards, including:
Each location leader; including Administrators, Practice Managers, Regional Leaders, their
managers, and each business line leader; collectively referred to as Compliance Liaisons; and
The Compliance Officer, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer.
Element 3: Due Care, Background Screening and Credentialing
HarmonyCares provides specific resources and undertakes due care to ensure that we don’t
give authority to individuals who may commit compliance violations. The HarmonyCares Talent
and Human Resources Department works with management to identify and screen all
candidates for employment. On an ongoing basis the Compliance Department routinely
screens team members against exclusions lists to ensure that excluded individuals are not
employed, contracted, or ordering services. While credentials, including licenses, certifications
and degrees are verified prior to and during employment, team members are personally
responsible for license/certification and enrollment maintenance.
Element 4: Effective Education and Training
HarmonyCares provides effective, comprehensive, and job-appropriate education, including
training on this Code of Conduct, to team members, who are expected to comply fully with
educational content and ask questions at any time.
Element 5: Confidential Disclosures Reporting and Investigation (Speak Up)
HarmonyCares strives to discover issues of concern and potential adverse events and to resolve
allegations regarding violations of compliance and regulatory standards. Speak Up is a
comprehensive and confidential reporting tool to assist management and employees to work
together to address fraud, waste, abuse, and other misconduct in the workplace, all while
cultivating a positive work environment. Speak Up also provides a mechanism for our patients
and their representatives to ask questions and report issues. HarmonyCares believes in open,
honest, and timely feedback in order to internally identify issues. Any person can report
concerns and violations, anonymously if they wish, and without fear. Reports are investigated
to establish associated facts and corrective actions.
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Element 6: Internal Monitoring and Auditing
HarmonyCares uses periodic monitoring and auditing processes designed to detect violations,
improper conduct, and process opportunities.
Element 7: Consistent Corrective Actions
After a violation or opportunity is detected, HarmonyCares works to ensure that all reasonable
steps are taken to mitigate and/or reduce the potential recurrence of similar issues. Corrective
actions are always specific, confirmed and monitored for effectiveness.
Element 8: Risk Assessment
The Compliance Department conducts an annual Risk Assessment based on our strategic
objectives and mission, regulatory requirements and interests, and internal operations. This
Assessment is used to assess the effectiveness of our Program and inform the Compliance and
Ethics Program Annual Work Plan.
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Element 5 Fine Points: We want you to Speak Up.
HarmonyCares encourages feedback from stakeholders including but not limited to patients,
their representatives, family members, friends and companions, employees, management, and
other staff. The company maintains the Speak Up Program to respond to matters brought to our
attention in an efficient and effective manner. HarmonyCares embraces a philosophy that
encourages disclosures, prohibits retaliation, offers methods to solve problems, and attempts to
ensure that allegations regarding violation of our standards are properly addressed as a key
element of our Compliance and Ethics Program.
When to Speak Up: Communication is Key
Anytime you have a question or concern.
Anytime you observe or suspect conduct that could be contrary to our Code.
Any time you think there might be a violation of law, regulations or policies and
procedures.
All concerns involving abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation affecting our
patients.
How to Speak Up:
Talk to your supervisor, manager, someone else in management, human resources,
compliance or someone else who can help; OR
Call 1-800-609-9783 (available 24 hours, 7 days a week); OR
Email [email protected]; OR
File a web-based report at https://app.mycompliancereport.com/MCR (Company Code
HMY).
Speaking Up helps us all get better at what we do.
Reports from you are opportunities.
Retaliation is never permitted.
Reports can be made anonymously.
Reporting is your responsibility. Failure to report misconduct is misconduct.
After reports are made, we follow up.
We take all issues seriously.
We inquire about the issues and conduct investigations when appropriate.
We implement corrective and preventive measures to address identified concerns.
We protect the confidentiality of the individuals involved.
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What Should I Do?
If you feel as if anyone has asked you to do something that is wrong, we expect you to speak
up. You may decide to discuss the concern directly with the person. However, if you are not
comfortable doing so, you should raise the concern through the Speak Up process described
above.
Similarly, if you feel that you are in a situation in which profitability is being placed above
ethical conduct, then you should raise the concern through the Speak Up process.
If you are not certain if a situation is ethical or not, you might ask the following questions to
help determine your next steps:
Is it legal?
Does it align with the Code of Conduct?
Does it represent our mission and cores values at HarmonyCares?
Is it fair and honest?
Would I be concerned if the situation was discussed in the media?
If your answer is no to any of the questions above or you just don’t feel the situation is “Living
the Code” – Speak Up!
The company will not retaliate against any employee for reporting misconduct or for engaging
in or refraining from engaging in protected concerted activities under Section 7 of the National
Labor Relations Act. None of our policies should be construed to interfere with, restrain, or
prevent employees from exercising their rights under the National Labor Relations Act.
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QUALITY
At HarmonyCares, our priority is providing quality services to our patients and supporting our
team in providing quality services. This means offering compassionate care and support in all
interactions so that our patients feel heard and valued during their care journey. We work
toward the best possible outcomes while abiding by the rules we must follow.
Our quality services are demonstrated when we:
Tailor our care to the unique needs of our patients.
Respond in a timely and courteous manner to patient needs.
Use clinically appropriate methods to address illness.
Engage in ongoing training opportunities to evolve with industry standards and
technologies.
Provide information to patients so that they can discuss the benefits, risks, and costs of
appropriate treatment alternatives, including the risks, benefits, and costs of forgoing
treatment. Provide guidance about what is considered the optimal course of action for
the patient based on objective professional judgment.
Answer questions about the patient’s health status or recommended treatment.
Allow patients to make decisions about treatment recommendations and respect their
decisions. If the patient has decision-making capacity, they may accept or refuse any
recommended medical intervention. Understand that a patient may ask for a second
opinion.
Advise patients regarding any conflict of interest that staff may have in respect to their
care.
Protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
Provide continuity of care by coordinating care with other health care professionals,
within and outside of HarmonyCares.
Give sufficient notice and reasonable assistance in making alternative arrangements for
care when necessary.
Recognize that patients have the right to voice concerns or grievances at any time.
Patient Choices and Provider Choices
Patients have the right to make choices and decisions about the type and extent of care they
wish to receive. Team members should not feel pressure to refer patients to a specific provider.
In addition, patients have the right to choose their provider. Patients may request to change
providers, refuse specific services, or be discharged from services, and HarmonyCares staff
must respect and honor the wishes of their patients.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
HarmonyCares service locations comply with civil rights laws and do not exclude, deny benefits
to, or otherwise discriminate or permit discrimination, including but not limited to bullying,
abuse or harassment against any person (i.e. patients, companions, and employees) or based
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on any individual’s association with another individual, based on actual or perceived race, color,
religion, national origin, (including limited English proficiency and primary language), gender,
gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation and sex characteristics, health status
(including HIV status), age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, ancestry, genetic information,
amnesty, veteran status, cost of treatment, participation in benefit plans, or payment source.
This prohibition applies to admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits
under any of our programs and activities conducted by any service location directly, or through
a contractor or any other entity with which the location arranges to carry out its programs or
activities.
HarmonyCares provides reasonable modifications for individuals with disabilities, and
appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreters for individuals with
disabilities and information in alternate formats, such as braille or large print, free of charge
and in a timely manner, when such modifications, aids, and services are necessary to ensure
accessibility and an equal opportunity to participate to individuals with disabilities.
Language assistance services, including electronic and written translated documents and oral
interpretations are provided free of charge when such services are necessary to provide
meaningful access to a limited English proficient individual.
Interpreter Service Request and Plan
It’s important for our patients and their companions to understand their clinical conditions and
associated treatment interventions.
When patients complete their initial consents, they complete the Interpreter Services Request
and Plan which documents their right to receive qualified language interpreter services during
treatment, visits, and other communications. The Request and Plan notes that interpreter
services or auxiliary aids and services are offered free of charge and provides a method for
documenting the specific decisions that are made about these services for each patient.
Language Line Services
LanguageLine Solutions is our company-approved interpreter/translator services vendor. The
LanguageLine mobile application makes it quick and easy to communicate with our patients
with limited English proficiency or disabilities, like hearing loss. LanguageLine provides audio
and video interpreter services, and for our patients and their representatives who
communicate using American Sign Language, interpreters are available through a Zoom video
conferencing platform. Detailed instructions for accessing these services are posted on the
Compliance Page on the SharePoint site.
Culturally Competent Care
Our patients come from a range of cultures and backgrounds. Cultural competency is the
ability to interact with individuals who have diverse values, beliefs and behaviors and being
able to honor the different cultures of those you work with. Cultural competence must be a
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guiding principle to ensure that services to our patients are culturally sensitive and provide
appropriate prevention, outreach, assessment, and intervention.
Examples of Compassionate and Culturally Competent Interactions:
Talking to patients compassionately, respectfully, and understandably
Talking about patients and families respectfully
Keeping personal feelings or situations from interfering with patient care
Understanding how a patient’s values and beliefs impact their approach to their care
Providing quality services to all patients without discrimination in any form
When we recognize diversity, it can lead to better outcomes and solutions for our patients
including:
More successful patient education
Clinically appropriate testing and screening
Greater adherence to medical advice
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Respect for Patient Property
Many of our HarmonyCares staff have the honor of visiting and treating patients in their home
environment. Staff are expected to respect patients personal property and protect it from
loss, damage, misuse, or theft.
Medical Necessity
HarmonyCares staff are required to furnish healthcare services and supplies necessary to
diagnose or treat illness, injury, condition, disease, or its symptoms and that meet accepted
standards of care. Our medical record documentation should provide clarity about the medical
necessity for each service and treatment and helps to ensure that we bill external payers
appropriately.
The Quality and Documentation Connection
The quality of service we provide should be directly reflected in our documentation. Our
medical record notes and corresponding communication are relied on by multiple internal and
external stakeholders.
That’s why we:
Document the services we provide as soon as possible and typically no later than 24
hours after service delivery
Accurately and completely reflect evaluation, management, education and treatment
that was performed on the date of service
Provide concise and objective statements that describe the symptoms, problems,
conditions, diagnoses, or reasons for the patient encounter
Are extremely cautious with the use of cutting and pasting methods or tools to avoid
misrepresentation of the care and services provided
Ensure visit notes, clinical notes and assessments (including the History of Present
Illness, physical examination, and vital signs) are a complete and accurate portrayal of
the patient encounter
Document services performed, services ordered, and prescriptions in the appropriate
sections of the medical record
Complete a plan of care for each diagnoses documented for the patient encounter
Provide appropriate notes related to patient instructions and return visits
Complete medical record entries, including a signature and date
Documentation Best Practices:
Complete visit notes within 24 hours of the time of visit
Review every note for professionalism, accuracy, and document clearly and completely.
What you write impacts the care that others provide
Use professional and factual language
Use only approved abbreviations
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Contact the local office if information is missing from the patient demographic, account,
patient contact or pharmacy tab or if you have questions or concerns
Cloning, or copy/pasting in medical documentation occurs when users select information from
one source and replicate it in another location without adjusting language to reflect current
services and information. When doctors, nurses, or other clinicians copy and paste
information but fail to update it or ensure accuracy, the patient’s medical record may be
inaccurate and inappropriate charges may be billed to patients and third-party health care
payers. Clinicians are prohibited from cloning documentation because it may lead to:
Other team members drawing the wrong conclusions about the current status and
course of treatment for the patient
Inappropriate clinical interventions
Inaccurate or questionable billing
Prohibition against Abuse and Neglect
The company will not tolerate any form of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or
misappropriation.
Abuse: The willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment
with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish. Abuse also includes the deprivation by an
individual, including a caretaker, of goods or services that are necessary to attain or maintain
physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Instances of abuse of any patient, irrespective of
any mental or physical condition, cause physical harm, pain, or mental anguish. It includes
verbal abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and mental abuse including abuse facilitated or
enabled using technology. Willful means the individual must have acted deliberately, not that
the individual must have intended to inflict injury or harm.
Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact of any type with a patient.
Neglect: The failure to provide goods and services that are necessary to avoid physical harm,
pain, mental anguish, or emotional distress.
Exploitation: Taking advantage of a patient for personal gain, using manipulation, intimidation,
threats, or coercion.
Misappropriation of patient property: The deliberate misplacement, exploitation, or wrongful,
temporary, or permanent use of a patient’s belongings or money without the patient’s consent.
Mistreatment: Inappropriate treatment or exploitation of a patient.
Adult Protective Services (APS) Reporting Requirements
To comply with federal and state requirements and to protect the safety of patients, all
HarmonyCares staff who suspect that a patient is being subjected to abuse, neglect,
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exploitation, misappropriation and/or mistreatment should personally report such
information to APS within 24 hours of the suspicion or becoming aware of the suspicion.
Reports may be filed anonymously.
If the staff member believes further information is needed prior to determining that
there is reasonable cause, a direct supervisor, or higher-level supervisor may be
contacted for guidance. The staff member may also contact the Compliance or Legal
Department for guidance or contact the Speak Up Line.
Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care
providers, who come together voluntarily to give coordinated high-quality care to the Medicare
patients they serve. Coordinated care helps ensure that patients, especially the chronically ill,
get the right care at the right time, with the goal of avoiding unnecessary duplication of services
and preventing medical errors. When an ACO succeeds in both delivering high-quality care and
spending health care dollars more wisely, it will share in the savings it achieves for the
Medicare program.
HarmonyCares operates in two ACO models, the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP)
ACO and the Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health (REACH) ACO which focuses on
underserved communities and promotes provider leadership and governance.
These two models vary in the flexibilities provided to allow ACOs and their participants to
market to beneficiaries and otherwise incentivize beneficiaries to align with an ACO without
violating fraud and abuse laws.
HarmonyCares is committed to complying with the provisions in the guidance for operating
ACOs and providing the coordinated care our ACO patients need. Our Compliance Program is
designed to comply with ACO requirements.
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HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
This Code is about Making the Best Choices. At the end of each day, we want to be able to feel
confident in the things we’ve said and done. Honesty is about being compassionately truthful
in our interactions. Integrity is about having strong moral principles, and Making the Best
Choices, even when no one is watching.
Maintaining Appropriate Patient Relationships
On a daily basis we may interact with multiple patients, family members and other people
providing assistance to our patients. We often develop meaningful relationships with our
patients. It important to also maintain appropriate professional boundaries:
If you are providing direct care to a relative, notify your direct supervisor who will
evaluate the situation to determine if there is a conflict of interest
Conduct visits with patients during normal business hours in the patient’s home/facility
setting
Avoid speaking about intimate or personal issues or problems
Engage in appropriate relationships with patients or their immediate family members
Be sure not to tease or make inappropriate comments or jokes
Gifts from Patients and Family Members
Team members are prohibited from accepting any form of gifts from patients or family
members, including tips, gratuities, personal property, and loans. In addition, selling to or
buying anything from a patient or family member is prohibited.
Government Contracting
When doing business with federal, state, or local governments, we must ensure all statements
and representation to governmental officials are accurate and truthful, including costs and
other financial data. If your assignment directly involves the government or if you are
responsible for someone working with the government on behalf of the company, be alert to
the special rules and regulations applicable to our government customers. Additional steps
should be taken to understand and comply with these requirements.
Any conduct that could appear improper should be avoided when dealing with government
officials and employees. Payments, gifts, or other favors given to a government official or
employee are strictly prohibited as it may appear to be a means of influence or a bribe. Failure
to avoid these activities may expose the government agency, the government employee,
HarmonyCares, and you to substantial fines and penalties. For these reasons, any
communications, and interactions with federal, state, or local government entities must be in
accordance with our company policy.
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Equal Opportunity
HarmonyCares hires and promotes team members based on their qualifications, experience,
and dedication. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons
involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including
supervisors and co-workers.
In accordance with applicable law, HarmonyCares prohibits discrimination against any applicant
or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: race, color,
religion, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry,
citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and
characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status or any other status protected
by federal, state or local law.
Any employee with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination or retaliation in the
workplace is encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of a supervisor, Human
Resources, or through the Speak Up process. No one will be subject to, and the company
strictly prohibits, any form of discipline, reprisal, intimidation, or retaliation for good faith
reports or complaints of incidents of discrimination of any kind, pursuing any discrimination
claim, or cooperating in related investigations.
HarmonyCares considers all requests for reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals
with known disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship to our organization. This
policy applies to all aspects of our employment relationships, including staffing, job
requirements, salary, corrective actions, termination, as well as access to benefits and training.
The Speak Up process described above is always available for you to report issues of concern
during employment.
Employee Screening and Credentialing
Background Screening: All team members are background screened prior to hire in
accordance with company policy and state/federal regulations. If you are arrested,
convicted, indicted, or plead guilty or no contest during your employment, you are required
to be honest about it and report to your supervisor. Your supervisor will review the
situation with Human Resources and/or the Legal Department to determine if you are
permitted to continue working.
Excluded Parties: We do not knowingly contract with, employ, or bill for services rendered
by an individual or entity that is excluded or ineligible to participate in federal healthcare
programs, suspended or debarred from federal government contracts, or has been
convicted of a criminal offense related to the provision of healthcare items or services. You
are required to inform your supervisor and the compliance team if you have been excluded
or are otherwise ineligible to participate in federal healthcare programs.
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Credentialing: If your position requires a license, certification, or payer enrollment, it is
your responsibility to renew your credentials as required. In addition, you are required to
report to your supervisor if your credentials expire or any licensing agency has initiated an
investigation or taken any action relating to your credentials.
No Harassment or Discrimination
HarmonyCares is committed to providing a work environment that is free from all forms of
discrimination and conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive, including
sexual harassment. The company specifically prohibits any form of harassment and/or
discrimination, whether in person or via electronic media, by or toward any person doing
business with or for the organization or on the organization’s premises, including co-workers,
managers, contractors, suppliers, or customers.
Employees who believe they have experienced or witnessed sexual or other unlawful
harassment or discrimination in the workplace must report it immediately through the Speak
Up Process. Any supervisor who becomes aware of possible unlawful harassment or
discrimination must immediately advise Human Resources or Senior Management or contact
the Speak Up Line.
No one will be subject to, and the company strictly prohibits, any form of discipline, reprisal,
intimidation, or retaliation for good faith reports or complaints of incidents of harassment of
any kind, pursuing any harassment claim or cooperating in related investigations. All allegations
of unlawful harassment or discrimination will be promptly and discreetly investigated.
Information learned during the investigation will be managed as confidentially as possible and
on a need-to-know basis to the extent possible without impeding the investigation.
Refer to the HarmonyCares Employee Handbook for additional Information.
Workplace Safety and Violence Prevention
HarmonyCares strives to provide a workplace that is safe and free from threatening and
intimidating conduct. The company does not tolerate any acts or threats of violence in any
form in any workplace, at work-related functions or outside of work if it affects the workplace.
Behavior that threatens team members or property should be immediately reported through
the Speak Up Process.
Drug and Alcohol Use
Working under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited. Possession, distribution,
sale, transfer, or use of alcohol or illegal drugs in the workplace, while on duty or while
operating employer-owned vehicles or equipment is also not permitted.
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Use of Company Property and Electronic Media
Company property including supplies, equipment, employee time and information, must be
used for legitimate business purposes. In addition, the company provides information and
technology resources such as email, instant messaging, computer software, intranet/internet,
fax machines, telephones, cell phones, portable electronic devices, and voice mail systems.
Occasional, limited, or incidental personal use of these resources is permitted, but the company
reserves the right to track and review personal use of company property to ensure that security
and privacy is maintained.
Team members must strive to protect company property from theft, improper access, loss, and
carelessness. Any suspected incident of theft or loss must be immediately reported to the IT
Department.
Conflicts of Interest
Conflict of Interest refers to any situation or position in which a personal interest conflicts with
organizational interests, affecting an individual’s ability to make impartial decisions in the best
interest of HarmonyCares.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
Other or alternate employment
Financial involvement with competitors, vendors, or others
Significant investments in other healthcare companies
Provision of medical direction for non-HarmonyCares entities
Provision of board or other advice for non-HarmonyCares entities
Immediate family member employment or financial interests that may have a potential
to influence your decisions affecting Harmony Cares
Under the Code of Conduct, team members are:
Expected to recognize and avoid activities and relationships that involve, or might
appear to involve, conflicts of interest or behavior that may discredit HarmonyCares or
compromise its integrity.
Required to disclose and remove any potential conflict of interest that would affect our
responsibility to act ethically within HarmonyCares, including financial conflicts.
Required to also report any immediate family members with conflicts of interest with
HarmonyCares or affiliated entities.
Understand that failure to report is a violation of policy.
Social Media
Social media provides a way for individuals and the company to share information with others.
However, the use of social media also presents certain risks and carries with it certain
responsibilities. Employees must not make comments on behalf of the company without proper
authorization. In addition, you may not disclose confidential or proprietary information about
our business, associated businesses, or our patients. In addition, employees should remember
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that what they publish on social media may negatively affect their relationships with other
team members or connections to our patients and families.
Advertising, Marketing and Media Relations
It is our responsibility to accurately represent HarmonyCares and our services in our marketing,
advertising, and sales materials. Deliberate misleading messages, omissions of important facts
or false claims about our services, individuals, or our competitor’s products, services, or
employees are inconsistent with our values and may violate the law.
Although it may sometimes be necessary to make comparisons between our services and those
of our competitors, we must make factual and accurate statements that can be easily verified
or reasonably relied upon. Please check with the Legal Department and Compliance
Department if you have any questions about these types of statements.
The Marketing Department assures that all information about HarmonyCares locations
provided to the public, patients, patient representatives and other stakeholders is accurate.
The Marketing Department is also responsible for the creation and approval of all company
websites and social media sites.
The Marketing and Communications Department are also responsible for responding to
inquiries from media outlets. Any staff member that receives a media inquiry should not
respond to the inquiry and immediately forward the inquiry to
[email protected] who will prepare the appropriate response to the media
outlet(s).
Confidential Information
Confidential information is information that would not generally be known to the public.
Examples of confidential information include financial information, patient listings, medical
records, clinical data, strategic plans, marketing plans, proprietary policies, procedures, and
documents, employee or patient protected health information (PHI), personally identifiable
information (PII), information about changes in company structure (e.g. acquisitions,
divestitures, or other business dealings) that the company has not yet made public, pricing
data, cost data, computer systems and software, and other private business-related data.
Confidential information may only be used to perform job duties and must not be shared with
individuals or entities outside the company unless it is required to meet specific obligations or
until the information is released to the public through approved channels.
Materials that contain confidential information (e.g. memos, binders, notebooks, and
computers) should be stored securely.
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Intellectual Property Rights and Copyright Laws
Intellectual property rights include registered copyrights, trademarks, trade names, and logos.
Intellectual property also includes any work product that is created or developed in whole or in
part on company time as part of your job responsibilities with the use of company resources or
information. Team members are expected to protect the intellectual property of the company
and we must not knowingly infringe upon the intellectual property rights of another individual
or company (e.g. copyrighted books, articles, images, software).
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COMPLIANCE
HarmonyCares is committed to complying with all standards, laws, and regulations that apply to
our business. Healthcare has numerous rules and regulations many of which focus on quality,
patient and employee protections and rights. Others focus on the accurate and prompt
documentation of services, coding, claims for payment and data submitted to federal and state
healthcare programs or otherwise publicly reported. Violation of these standards, laws and
regulations can have severe consequences, including financial fines, penalties, and other
serious consequences.
The Code of Conduct supplements the Employee Handbook and the specific policies and
procedures that apply to your job. No single resource can answer every question or cover
every concern you may encounter at work. If you encounter a situation where there does not
seem to be a specific policy that applies, discuss the concern with your local management,
contact the compliance team or use Speak Up.
Throughout this Code we summarize many key Compliance focus areas. In this section we
provide some additional specific considerations.
Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
The company is committed to honest and ethical billing practices including compliance with the
federal False Claims Act (FCA).
Examples of false claims include the following:
Billing for a service or item that is not reasonable or necessary for a patient’s treatment
or diagnoses
Billing for services that were not provided
Submitting bills with insufficient or incomplete documentation in the medical record
Documenting false or misleading information about a patient’s diagnoses or condition
Adjusting billing code to increase reimbursement
Billing for services or items more than once
Fraud is intentionally submitting false information to the government to get money or a
benefit. This includes situations in which you should have known the information was false.
Waste includes practices that, directly or indirectly, result in unnecessary costs to federally
funded programs, such as overusing services or misusing resources.
Abuse includes actions that may, directly or indirectly, result in unnecessary costs to federally
funded programs. Abuse involves paying for items or services when there is no legal
entitlement to that payment.
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Team members are required to follow our policies and procedures which assist us in preventing
and detecting fraud, waste, and abuse.
Billing statements must always reflect the services actually provided, including the
correct charges for those services.
Employees involved in any aspect of the revenue cycle, from providing services,
documenting, coding, billing and to collecting payment, must understand and abide by
Medicare, Medicaid or other third-party insurer coverage, documentation, coding, and
billing rules.
Intentionally assigning inaccurate codes or patient statuses to increase reimbursement
is never permitted.
Each employee must use their best efforts to prevent and report errors, as well as billing
situations that seem suspicious.
We engage in ongoing monitoring and auditing efforts to evaluate compliance and
implement corrective actions when necessary.
Team members are encouraged to report concerns about fraud, waste, and abuse, including
false claims, to the Speak Up line. The False Claims Act also allows individuals to report
credible allegations about the submission of false claims to governmental agencies. In these
situations, the individuals are protected as whistleblowers and cannot be retaliated against.
Reporting and Return of Overpayments
HarmonyCares strives to bill accurately for all services performed in accordance with all state,
federal, and third-party payor requirements. Submission of incorrect and/or inaccurate claims
to any government entity may result in overpayments or potentially false claims.
Any overpayment received should be reported and returned by no later than:
The date which is 60 days after the date on which the overpayment was identified;
A maximum of six years from overpayment receipt, generally known as the Lookback
Period;
The date any corresponding cost report is due; or
In accordance with contractual obligations.
Overpayments must be reported and returned only if a person identifies the overpayment
within six years of the date the overpayment was received, or in accordance the contractual
obligations.
Interactions with Referral Sources and Patient Inducement
Physician Referrals and Stark Law
The Stark Law prohibits physicians from referring patients to receive Designated Health
Services payable by Medicare or Medicaid from entities with which the physician or an
immediate family member has a financial relationship unless an exception is satisfied.
These financial relationships must be disclosed. The Compliance team manages
disclosures and monitors relationships and will work with Legal to ensure any
exceptions are satisfied.
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Anti-Kickback Policy
The Anti-Kickback statute prohibits any person or entity from offering, paying, soliciting,
or receiving anything of value in exchange for referrals for health care items or services
(kickbacks) payable by a federal health care program. Most states have similar laws
prohibiting kickbacks in health care.
We accept patient referrals, and order items and services, based solely on clinical needs
and our ability to provide the services required by the patient. We make referrals based
solely on clinical needs and the providers’ ability to provide the identified items or
services. HarmonyCares and its personnel never solicit, accept, offer, or provide
kickbacks of any kind. The Federal Statute as well as many state laws contain exceptions
or safe harbors that permit payment practices that satisfy specific certain conditions.
Questions about whether a safe harbor applies should be directed to the Legal
Department.
Selection and Use of Delegated Entities and Other Third Parties
We rely on suppliers, contractors, and consultants to help us accomplish our goals, and believe
in doing business with third parties that demonstrate high standards and ethical business
behavior. We offer fair opportunities for prospective third parties to compete for our business,
and our selection process is a reflection of HarmonyCares. In addition, we must maintain a
positive environment that provides an incentive for third parties to engage with HarmonyCares.
Relationships with Providers
HarmonyCares contracts with third party providers to deliver care to our patients. We strive to
establish a collaborative relationship with high-quality providers based on integrity and trust to
the benefit of our patients, internal providers, and the company. All provider contracts should
be completed with assistance from the Legal Department and comply with applicable federal
and state rules and regulations.
Vendor Relations
HarmonyCares has processes for reviewing all arrangements and contracts with vendors and
contractors. We expect vendors to be familiar with the company policies and procedures that
address compliance and interactions with our employees, locations, and support units. In
addition, vendors are encouraged to have a Compliance and Ethics Program, a Code of Conduct,
or other policies and programs that demonstrate commitment to ethical business practices.
Vendors are required to comply with state and federal regulations that apply to their business
or profession, including the Federal False Claims Act.
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Vendor funding for education events, charitable events, trade shows and conferences are
permitted as outlined in our policy and procedures to ensure that the funding and/or
participation is not inappropriately offered, solicited, or accepted by the company.
Discounts, rebates, and administrative fees received from vendors must be structured to
comply with safe harbor provisions, so the Legal Department is required to be consulted about
these arrangements.
Business Associate Agreements are required for vendors that access protected health
information and must be approved by the Legal Department.
Patient Confidentiality and HIPAA
Our team members are entrusted with sensitive and confidential information about our
patients and their families that we must safeguard at all times. HarmonyCares complies with
the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the
HITECH Act and similar laws.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is information explicitly linked to a specific individual
such as social security number or driver’s license number.
Protected Health Information (PHI) is individually identifiable verbal, written or electronic
health information that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health
conditions and services.
We maintain and/or communicate using PHI in:
Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Health Information Exchanges (HIE), and databases
Paper documentation
Telephone calls and voice mail
Verbal discussions
Faxes
Emails
Photos/videos
Team members must work to protect PHI by:
Limiting access and sharing of PHI to the minimum amount necessary to accomplish an
intended purpose.
Following the requirements outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practice which describes
how we access, use, or disclose PHI that is not related to treatment, payment, or
healthcare operations.
Using caution with suspicious messages that could be phishing attempts and report
concerns to IT Security immediately.
Not texting PHI. Electronic communication including PHI should only occur using
HIPAA-compliant programs such as the electronic medical record system, internal email,
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or encrypted external email. Before you send make sure you have the correct recipients
and use secure email when sending PHI to external authorized users.
DO . . .
Use strong passwords
Use a password management tool for
personal and work needs
Apply email encryption to emails
containing PHI
Log out of systems when leaving your
workstation
Lock PHI in a drawer, file cabinet or
other secure area when not at your
workstation
Discard PHI and other confidential
information using designated and
secure bins or shredding
For individuals remotely accessing
external health records, adhere to the
requirements of the external provider
Regularly clean out your email box
Have confidential discussions when
sharing PHI
A breach is any acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of PHI not permitted under the HIPAA
Privacy Rule which compromises the security or privacy of the PHI. Determining whether a
breach has occurred is complex - and because we must perform a breach assessment for any
concern that PHI may have been inappropriately disclosed or exposed, we require reporting of
suspected security incidents or privacy breaches to the Compliance Department at 800-609-
9783 or to [email protected]
Photography
Photographs can be useful for effective treatment and care quality. HIPAA regulations should
always be considered, and we should always take reasonable steps to inform and protect
patients from unauthorized use and/or release of photographic images and recordings.
Team members should take photos with the minimum content necessary for treatment
purposes. Backgrounds should be blurred or not included. The patient’s face should
only be included when absolutely essential.
Photographs should always be taken using company-issued equipment within
authorized applications. Team members are prohibited from taking patient photos on
their personal phones or personal computers.
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The rights and dignity of the patient should always be respected when photos are taken.
All images should be stored in the electronic medical record.
After images are uploaded to the electronic medical record, they must be deleted from
mobile devices.
Cybersecurity
Malicious software (malware) refers to any intrusive software developed by cybercriminals
(hackers) to steal data or damage or destroy computers and computer systems. Ransomware is
a form of malware designed to deny a user or organization access to files on their computer
until a ransom is paid. Phishing is a technique used to attempt to acquire sensitive data
through targeted emails, text messages or phone calls.
HarmonyCares is a target for these types of schemes due to the PII and PHI that we use and
retain in our various systems. Team members should be vigilant about protecting our company
data. To help remind employees about these threats, the IT Security Department conducts
regular phishing training and exercises.
Keep these important tips in mind:
Do not install or download unapproved software or computer programs without
permission from IT Security.
Do not uninstall security software or disable device GPS locators on company issued
devices.
Review and react to warnings on your emails. Do not open unexpected or suspicious
attachments.
Contact IT Security if you receive a suspicious email:
o Emails that attempt to convey a sense of urgency or are aggressively requesting
a response
o Emails that come from a name you know/trust, but they are asking you to do
something unusual or that they’ve never requested before
o Emails warning you of some impending negative action, unless you click on an
attached link
o Emails that promise an unexpected reward
Please immediately report any real or suspected security incidents using the Report Email
function, or to the Compliance Department at 800-609-9783 or
Record Retention
The company maintains and destroys all medical documentation and other company-related
documentation in accordance with state and federal laws, contractual requirements, and the
company record retention schedule.
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Antitrust and Fair Competition
HarmonyCares believes in open competition. Antitrust and competition laws are complicated,
and failure to adhere to these laws could result in significant penalties imposed for the
company or individual team members. The company prohibits collusive or unfair business
behavior, such as price fixing and bid rigging that restricts free and open competition.
Legal issues may also arise if we refuse to deal with certain customers or competitors or restrict
free and open competition. Consult with the Legal Department if you have any questions or
concerns.
Obtain Competitive Information Fairly
Gathering information about our competitors is a legitimate business practice and helps us stay
competitive in the marketplace. However, we must never use any illegal or unethical means to
get information about other companies. Legitimate sources of information include information
available to the public such as news accounts, industry surveys, competitor displays at
conferences and trade shows, and information on the Internet. You may also obtain
information appropriately from customers and suppliers (unless they are prohibited from
sharing the information), by obtaining a license to use the information, or purchasing the
ownership of information. When working with consultants, vendors, and other third parties,
ensure that they understand and follow company policy.
Anti-corruption/Anti-bribery
Federal and state laws prohibit bribery, kickbacks, and other improper payments. A bribe is
defined as directly or indirectly offering anything of value (e.g. gifts, money, or promises) to
influence or induce action, or to secure an improper advantage. No team member, officer,
agent, or independent contractor acting on our behalf may offer or provide bribes or other
improper benefits to obtain business or an unfair advantage.
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other U.S. laws prohibit payment of any money or
anything of value to a foreign official, foreign political party (or official thereof), or any
candidate for foreign political office for the purposes of obtaining, retaining, or directing of
business. We expect all staff members, officers, agents, and independent contractors acting on
behalf of the company to strictly abide by these laws.
Political Activities and Contributions
We encourage all team members to exercise their right to vote and be active members in
political processes. You may support the political process through personal contributions or by
volunteering your personal time to the candidates or organizations of your choice. However,
these activities must not be conducted during company time or involve the use of any company
resources such as telephones, computers, or supplies. You may not make or commit to political
contributions on behalf of the company.
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It is acceptable for the company to express our view to governments on subjects that might
affect the welfare of the company. Communicating the company’s position on issues or matters
of policy to government employees and officials can make team members and our company
subject to applicable lobbying laws. The company may also choose to contribute funds to
support or help defeat public initiatives that may substantially affect our business. Our Chief
Executive Officer and General Counsel must approve all participation or use of funds for these
purposes.
Relationships with Regulators
We are committed to maintaining an open, constructive, and professional relationship with
regulators on matters of regulatory policy, submissions, compliance, and product performance.
Given the highly regulated environment in which we operate, we must be vigilant in meeting
our responsibilities to comply with relevant laws and regulations. We expect full cooperation of
our staff members with our regulators and to respond to their requests for information in an
appropriate and timely manner.
We should be alert to any changes in the law or new requirements that may affect our business
units and be aware that new products or services may be subject to special legal and/or
regulatory requirements. If you become aware of any significant regulatory or legal concerns,
bring them to the attention of your supervisor, or the Legal and/or Compliance Departments.
Investigations and Litigation
The company may have independent or state/federal third auditors or other authorities
conduct remote and/or on-site audits including, but not limited to, financial audits, regulatory
audits, or health plan related audits. Team members are expected to fully cooperate with these
activities and provide all requested and relevant information.
Government inspectors or investigators may also contact our team members to ask questions
or request information. Team members are advised to:
Always ask for identification.
Inform the General Counsel or Legal Department of the record request immediately so
that they can provide the appropriate guidance.
Provide records in accordance with a court-approved search warrant.
If the investigator does not have a search warrant and is requesting records, do not
allow them to take, view or copy records.
Allow a search if the investigator produces a search warrant and take the following
steps:
o Contact the Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel immediately for
guidance;
o Do not interfere with the investigator;
o Make a copy of the search warrant, including all attached schedules, exhibits,
and supporting affidavits (if made available); and
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o Send staff home during a government search, except anyone designated to
manage HarmonyCares responses to the search or required to remain for patient
care purposes.
If you receive a subpoena or other written request for information from a court or government
agency, contact the Compliance or Legal Department for guidance on how to respond.
You may also be contacted by an investigator outside of the workplace. It is your decision
whether you choose to participate in the investigation. You have the legal right to contact an
attorney before responding to an investigator’s questions.
To further comply with any external request noted above, you must NEVER:
o Conceal, destroy or alter any documents;
o Lie or provide false or misleading statements or attempt to persuade others to
give false or misleading statements;
o Provide inaccurate information;
o Be uncooperative; or
o Obstruct or delay communication of information.
Internal Investigations and Audits
The Compliance Department investigates all reported concerns promptly and confidentially to
the fullest extent possible. The Compliance Department conducts objective investigations and
audits and does not form any conclusions until their work is completed. Team members are
expected to cooperate with audits and investigations and any associated corrective action plans
such as coaching, performance improvement plans, or ongoing monitoring or assessments.
Failure to cooperate with an internal investigation may result in disciplinary action.
Gifts To/From Business Partners
To avoid the appearance or actual occurrence of impropriety when giving gifts to, or receiving
from, individuals who do business or seeking to do business with HarmonyCares, staff may never
use or allow gifts or other incentives to improperly influence relationships or business outcomes.
Company policy provides for limited situations where gifts may be provided to, or received from,
business partners. Refer to company policy for specific details on the frequency, amount and
types of gifts that are permissible. Gifts are further guided by our policies and procedures.
Address questions about gifts to the Compliance Department.
Policy on Policies and Standards
HarmonyCares follows a specific protocol to write, revise, approve and implement policies and
procedures. All team members are encouraged to provide input on our standards.
Individuals that are subject to each policy are required to comply or be subject to progressive
discipline and engage in required training, testing and acknowledgement (where applicable)
within communicated timelines.
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Code Violations
Any team member that violates the Code of Conduct is subject to the appropriate level of
disciplinary action, including possible termination of employment or services. All suspected
violations are treated with discretion and the appropriate outcome is determined based on the
facts and circumstances of the specific situation.
==============================================================================
Thank you for doing your part to make the best choices for yourself and the company!
Your responsibility to comply with the Compliance and Ethics Program and the Code of Conduct
are critical to the success of the company.
Make the Best Choices. Choose to:
Provide high quality care and services to our patients
Act with integrity and take personal responsibility
Be compassionate, professional and courteous in your interactions with patients, family
members and team members
Study this Code of Conduct and comply with its requirements
Follow company policy and procedures and state and federal regulations that guide our
business
Complete required trainings that provide you with important guidance for your job
Report any situation that you feel may be illegal, unprofessional, unethical or wrong
Remember you may reach out to the Compliance Department at any time for assistance or
guidance by calling 1-800-609-9783 (available 24 hours, 7 days a week) OR emailing
[email protected]. Please visit the Compliance Page on SharePoint for additional
details and resources.