Code of Conduct
Introduction
AccuDocx has adopted this Code of Conduct & Business Ethics regarding interactions with patients, healthcare professionals and business conduct within the industry. All communication which is carried between different segments (AccuDocx, patients and healthcare professionals) must be carried out professionally in a responsible, ethical and legitimate way.
This Code describes the fundamental principles and standards to which all individuals must adhere, including board members, officers, employees, contractors, and agents (referred to in this Code of Conduct as “Company Representatives”). This Code sets a minimum standard. Laws and industry guidance that set higher standards, or more specific conditions, take precedence over this Code.
AccuDocx will ensure that all Company Representatives are appropriately trained on the requirements of this Code. AccuDocx also will develop, implement and maintain a Corporate Compliance Program and other written Compliance Program Policies and Procedures that are consistent with this Code. Any conduct that violates this Code is prohibited. Compliance with this Code and related policies is mandatory. Violations can have serious consequences for AccuDocx and for Company Representatives. This Code incorporates principles set out in
- Conduct his/her responsibilities in compliance with this Code;
- Comply with AccuDocx’s Corporate Compliance Program and any written policies, procedures and other guidelines;
- Protect AccuDocx’s reputation by actively supporting ethical behavior;
- Promptly report any potential or actual non-compliance; and
- Fully and honestly cooperate in any investigation of alleged violation of this Code or AccuDocx’s Compliance Program Policies and Procedures.
AccuDocx Corporate Compliance Program
AccuDocx is dedicated to conducting business in respect with the Federal and state laws, principles and other regulations that govern our operations. AccuDocx delivers extensive resources to assist every individual within the Company, as well as our agents and vendors, to follow legal and ethical manners.
Reporting Potential Violations
AccuDocx encourages a workplace culture that keeps each Corporate Representative accountable to each other, AccuDocx provides special methods of complaining violations so individuals can complain in an anonymous manner. These include a Compliance Hotline and other methods of confidential communication. AccuDocx is aimed to ensure that reports of misconduct or noncompliance are immediately investigated. We have a strict non-retaliation policy to protect AccuDocx Representatives who raise concerns in good faith. No action of reprisal or retaliation will be taken against any AccuDocx Representative for reporting a compliance concern or asking a question regarding our Compliance Program. Calls to the hotline or other types of reporting do not protect individuals from appropriate disciplinary action regarding their own performance or conduct.
Training and Education
Appropriate training of Company Representatives is essential and a key element of an effective compliance program. We are committed to the education of our Company Representatives on issues related to corporate compliance.
As such, AccuDocx has developed a training program that consists of compliance training for new resource and general training to all Company Representatives. There are special training sessions exclusively designed to board particular issues that only affect certain Company Representatives at AccuDocx. Attention to training and compliance is an integral part of the Company Representative Evaluation process at AccuDocx. Failure to comply with training and compliance requirements will result in disciplinary action, including possible termination.
Healthcare laws and regulatory requirements
AccuDocx is dedicated to full submission with all Federal and state laws and regulations related to telemedicine service, including but not restricted to, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; Anti-Kickback Statutes; and patient privacy and confidentiality.
Fraudulent Conduct is prohibited
AccuDocx does not tolerate fraudulent practices in any way and is committed to the strict investigation of any act of fraud. AccuDocx reserves the right to deprive those individuals or colleagues engaged in any kind of fraud or an offense involving AccuDocx, or infringement of the Code. In case, an AccuDocx representative finds any solid reason to suspect a colleague engaged in an act of fraud, he or she must report such action to his/her supervisor.
Privacy Requirements
AccuDocx value the private nature of patient’s health record and comply with all Federal and state health information privacy and security laws. Unless it is permitted or required by law, AccuDocx does not reveal secret details of patient’s health without prior authorization from the patient. AccuDocx and its business partners will limit the collection of, and access to, personal data to circumstances that are consistent with clinical quality and other specific, legitimate business needs and applicable laws and regulations. All personal data is treated as confidential unless otherwise required, secured against unauthorized access, and retained only for as long as it is necessary. In order to address privacy issues that may affect business activities, AccuDocx has adopted a number of additional Compliance Program Policies and Procedures.
Sanctioned/Excluded Individuals and Entities
The Federal government and many state agencies pay for AccuDocx products. Individuals and/or entities may be excluded, debarred or suspended from participating in Federal or state programs for various reasons, including the wrong use of Federal or state funds. AccuDocx will not knowingly employ or contract with any individual or business which is excluded, debarred or suspended from participating in any government program. Generally:
- Promotional material and communications must be accurate, balanced and not misleading in any respect. Claims must be compliant with medical, legal and regulatory standards.
- All promotional material must be reviewed and approved by AccuDocx before use.
- All promotional and advertising activities targeted toward patients will be in compliance with laws, regulations and AccuDocx Policies and Procedures.
Interactions with Healthcare professionals
Relationships with healthcare professionals are heavily regulated and strictly enforced. A healthcare professional is any individual or entity directly or indirectly involved in the delivery of healthcare services or items to patients and that can purchase, lease, prescribe, recommend, use or arrange for the purchase, lease or use of AccuDocx products or services. AccuDocx interactions with healthcare professionals, organizations and other authorities must be made in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and AccuDocx Compliance Policies and Procedures. Our general policy can be explained in two major points:
- AccuDocx or its Representatives may not condition a financial arrangement or provide free services or grants to the healthcare professional in exchange for any agreement to purchase, order or recommend AccuDocx products, or as a reward for high volume.
- Payments to healthcare professionals will only be provided to him in exchange for the provision of services for which there is a legitimate business need and a written agreement that provides for fair market value compensation.