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Our Company is committed to the policy that all employees
have an obligation to report problems or concerns involving
ethical or compliance violations. We have a Corporate Integrity
HOTLINE that allows us to seek guidance or report a matter
of concern. The toll free number is 1-(800) 838-2552.
All calls to our Corporate Integrity HOTLINE can be made
anonymously and without fear of retaliation. Employees are
encouraged to provide adequate information in order to assist
with further investigation. The calls are not traced and the
information is treated in a confidential manner, subject to
the limits imposed by law. Careful efforts will be made to
ensure that investigations are handled confidentially. The
Company has a policy of non-retaliation against any employee
or other individual who makes a good faith call to the Corporate
Integrity HOTLINE. The term “other individual”
refers to consultants, agency temporary employees, customers,
providers, vendors and producers, and other entities with
whom the Company does business. Any employee who violates
this non-retaliation policy will be subject to disciplinary
action up to and including termination.
The Corporate Integrity HOTLINE is intended to supplement
existing internal communication channels. It is not intended
to replace our local management team, Senior Management, or
other Corporate Resources. The Corporate Integrity HOTLINE
is available when we believe that we have exhausted normal
Company channels or feel uncomfortable about bringing an issue
to our Supervisor or another Corporate Resource.
The Corporate Integrity HOTLINE is available Monday through
Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central time, excluding corporate
holidays.
Questions & Answers
Q. Do I need to identify myself if I call the Corporate
Integrity HOTLINE?
A. It is not necessary to identify yourself
when you call the Corporate Integrity HOTLINE. You should,
however, be prepared to provide enough information about
an incident or circumstance to allow the Company to initiate
an investigation. It is our policy to preserve the anonymity
of callers, subject to the limits imposed by law. You can
be assured that all calls will be treated confidentially.
However, if you tell others about a Corporate Integrity
HOTLINE call, your anonymity may be lost.
Q. Will I be informed if my concern was investigated
and/or of the outcome of the investigation?
A. All Corporate Integrity HOTLINE calls
are taken seriously. Where appropriate, formal investigations
will be conducted discreetly and professionally. However,
feedback is often limited by our obligation to protect the
rights of all parties involved.
Q. What information should I have to make a report?
A. Because each incident is different,
there is no one correct way of documenting it. However,
the following ground rules can provide general help in guiding
you through the process. These questions should also be
used in instances where an oral report is being submitted
either by telephone or in person.
1. Describe the situation and the business
area involved.
2. Do you know of the situation from
your direct observance or did someone tell you about the
situation?
3. How did the situation occur? (Was
a procedure followed or not followed? Was an instruction
given from a Manager or a Supervisor? Did a fellow employee
or group of employees decide on an action?)
4. When did the situation occur? (Include
dates and an approximate time, period of time, or series
of times.)
5. Where did/does the situation occur?
(Specify a department, unit, facility, or other location.)
6. Who was/is involved?
7. Has anyone else observed the situation?
8. Who or what might be affected by
the situation? (Would it affect internal or external reports?
Would another unit be affected? Would customers, members,
or providers be affected?)
9. Are there any documents or other
evidence to support your report?
10. Have you discussed this matter
with anyone else? Have you ever attempted to report this
situation before? If yes, to whom and when?
Remember, if you do not understand, or if you have any
questions concerning, this Integrity Standard or any other
part of the Code, contact your Supervisor, a higher level
Supervisor, any of the Corporate Resources or call the Corporate
Integrity HOTLINE
(1-(800) 838-2552).
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