The Code of Conduct (“Code”) is a key component to the Compliance Program. It serves as a guide for all employees, staff members and volunteers of McGehee Hospital, Inc. (“Hospital”), to ensure that all work and interactions are performed in an ethical and legal manner. The Code emphasizes our values and the expectations that all members associated with the Hospital will follow the Code.

Failure to follow the Code is a serious matter that may lead to disciplinary action, which may include termination. Conduct that violates applicable laws may also subject the individual to legal action.

All members of management are responsible for ensuring that their employees are acting ethically and in compliance with the Code. All questions regarding the Code of Conduct and / or the applicable Standards should be directed to the Compliance Officer or members of the management team.

The Code of Conduct is a “living document,” which may be amended and revised in response to the ever-changing healthcare environment.

Standards of conduct:

  • Follow the rules. As a provider of healthcare, the Hospital and its staff are governed by many federal and state laws, as well as regulations of local agencies. In addition, the Hospital has its own set of policies and procedures that must be followed. The Hospital is committed to following all regulatory requirements. As a member of the Hospital Family, it is your personal duty and responsibility to comply with all regulatory requirements, professional standards, and policies and procedures which apply to you. Your compliance with the Code of Conduct is a condition of your employment or other association with the Hospital and any other Hospital agencies. Your failure to comply with the Code of Conduct will result in prompt, appropriate disciplinary action, including the possibility of termination.
  • Report violations. In addition to your personal responsibility for complying with the Code of Conduct, you have a responsibility and an obligation to report any activities, which you know or suspect, are in violation of federal, state, or local laws, rules, and regulations or Hospital policies and procedures. You may report this activity in several ways. You may report the activity to your supervisor, to the Compliance Officer or you may report it [anonymously] utilizing the Confidential Hospital Compliance hotline (870-690-4177). There are no penalties for reporting in good faith. Your failure to report illegal, immoral, unethical, or non-compliant activities will result in disciplinary action
  • Respect everyone. All individuals are worthy of respect regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Hospital employees and staff members are expected to treat all internal and external members of the community with respect and dignity and without discrimination.
  • Be honest. Act honestly and responsibly in everything you do and say. Always be truthful.
  • Protect privacy. It is the responsibility of every employee and staff member to protect the privacy of our patients and their information. Employees and staff members are also expected to protect confidential employee and Hospital business information. McGehee Hospital is committed to complying with all privacy laws.
  • Don’t request or accept substantial gifts or gratuities. Staff members and employees are prohibited from requesting or accepting any gifts of more than nominal value or promotional items from anyone.
  • Avoid conflicts of interest. We have a duty to place the interest of the Hospital ahead of our personal interests by avoiding both financial and clinical conflicts of interest. A financial conflict may occur when an employee is involved with a business decision that could directly and personally benefit the employee. A clinical conflict of interest may occur when a provider puts his or her own financial interest over what is in the best interest of the patient when making a clinical decision. If you are unsure if a situation is a conflict of interest, seek guidance from your supervisor or the Compliance Officer.
  • Keep accurate and timely records. Staff members and employees are obligated to keep accurate and timely records. This includes, but is not limited to, clinical records, coding and billing records and timekeeping documents. The Hospital is committed to complying with all regulations related to documentation standards.
  • Don’t offer or solicit bribes or kickbacks. It is illegal to provide payments to anyone to “induce” referrals or to purchase services from the Hospital.
  • Protect our assets. It is the responsibility of all employees and staff members to protect the physical, electronic and intellectual property of the Hospital. This includes being mindful of resources and using them wisely.

Discrimination

The Hospital is committed to ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all employees. Employment decisions and practices, including hiring, training, promoting, demoting, layoff and termination will be made based on the Hospital’s need and the employee’s qualifications, ability, achievement, experience and conduct without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, uniformed service status, or any other classification prohibited by law.

The Hospital and its employees shall not discriminate against any qualified individual with a disability on account of the disability regarding any condition of employment. The Hospital will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical and mental limitations of qualified individuals with disabilities unless such accommodations would result in an undue hardship on the Hospital’s business operations.