Introduction
The University Health System has adopted an Integrity Program to demonstrate its commitment to ethical business practices. An important component of our Integrity Program is the Integrity Standards.
Integrity is defined as “rigid adherence to a code or standard of values.” More simplistically put, integrity means “doing the right thing.”
Our Integrity Standards provide guidance in carrying out our duties within appropriate ethical and legal standards. These obligations apply to our relationships with patients, physicians, third-party payors, contractors, vendors, consultants, and one another. We have developed these Standards to ensure that everyone knows and understands what is expected from them.
Integrity means “doing the right thing.”
The Standards are intended to be comprehensive and easily understood. In some instances, the Standards deal fully with the subject covered. In many cases, however, the subject discussed is so complex that additional guidance may be needed. Such guidance can be found in your Employee Handbook, the Health System’s Policies and Regulations Manuals, your supervisor and the Integrity Officer.
The Integrity Standards set forth are mandatory and must be followed by everyone.
Guiding Principles
• We will perform our duties using the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
• We will comply with Health System goals and objectives, policies and procedures, and relevant laws and regulations.
• We will provide high-quality, cost-effective health services to our patients.
• We will strive to satisfy our internal and external customers.
• We will maintain confidentiality.
• We will avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
• We will be truthful in our marketing and advertising activities.
• We will only pursue business opportunities that are ethical and legal.
• We will prepare and maintain patient and company records and reports accurately, and retain and preserve such records as required.
• We will provide accurate reporting to internal and external customers.
• We will protect the Health System’s assets and the assets of others, against loss, misuse, theft and abuse.
• We will promptly report areas or issues of concern through appropriate processes.