Corporate Compliance and Ethics Program: Effective As Adopted On November 13, 2008
Corporate Compliance and Ethics Program: Effective As Adopted On November 13, 2008
Corporate Compliance and Ethics Program: Effective As Adopted On November 13, 2008
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SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF INTENT
Through strategic planning and collaboration with key leaders, the Compliance and
Ethics Program provides a comprehensive approach to identifying and managing
organizational risk. The elements of the Compliance and Ethics Program have been
customized to fit Prometheus’ business operations, the size of our company, and the
unique environment in which we operate. Our Compliance and Ethics Program is
dynamic involving not only company policies and procedures, but also the commitment
of our patients, physicians, employees, contractors, shareholders, and Board of
Directors with whom we do business to make the program effective. It involves regular
assessment and adjustment to ensure that the program is responsive to the company’s
evolving business needs.
Purpose
The Corporate Compliance and Ethics Program is the framework by which Prometheus
establishes a consistent and collective process to manage the legal, regulatory,
compliance and ethical challenges of our ever-changing and highly regulated industry.
By design, Prometheus has adopted a comprehensive Compliance and Ethics program
to reinforce our commitment to integrity in all aspects of our business. The Corporate
Compliance and Ethics Program is also consistent with the recommendations set forth
in both the “Compliance Program Guidance for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers,” and
“Compliance Program Guidance for Clinical Laboratories,” published by the Office of
Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (the HHS-OIG
Guidance), the US Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and the provisions of the Code on
Interactions with Healthcare Professionals created by the Pharmaceutical Research and
Manufacturers of America (PhRMA Code).
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Strategic Objectives
The Compliance Officer will chair a Compliance and Ethics Committee. The Committee
is responsible for supporting the Compliance Officer in managing the day-to-day
operation of the Program. The participants will include key leaders who are responsible
for collaborating with the Compliance Officer to develop specific plans for identifying,
managing and mitigating risk at Prometheus.
People
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conducts background investigations, criminal background checks, and if appropriate to
the position, verifies licensure, motor vehicle records, and credit history. In addition, the
overall hiring process includes a screening of all candidates to determine if they are
excluded from participating in federally-funded health care programs, or have been
convicted of a criminal offense related to the provision of health care items or services.
Prometheus does not hire individuals excluded from participation in federally-funded
health care programs. Additionally, Prometheus annually screens all current
employees, contracted physicians and contractors to verify that they have not been
excluded from participation in federally-funded health care programs.
Prometheus will not knowingly do business with persons or organizations that have
been excluded, debarred, suspended, or are otherwise ineligible to participate in
Federal healthcare programs.
Written Standards
Our Code reinforces our fundamental principles, values and framework for action within
our organization, and is a reflection of our commitment to conducting business with
integrity. In addition to our Code of Ethical Business Conduct, Prometheus has formally
adopted the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals (the “PhRMA
Code”) as well as the Massachusetts Marketing Code of Conduct for sales and
marketing activities related to licensed healthcare practitioners in Massachusetts.
All employees, as a condition of their employment, are expected to comply with our
Code. Each year, all employees will certify that they have read, understood, and agree
to abide by the principles outlined in our Code. The Code shall be reviewed annually
and as necessary, updated, with any revisions and distributed to all employees.
Compliance with our Code and the principles of the Compliance Program is used to
evaluate the performance of all Prometheus employees and contractors.
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The Code of Ethical Business Conduct is available to all employees on the company’s
intranet, on Prometheus’ website, or by requesting a copy from Human Resources.
A critical element of our Compliance and Ethics Program is the education and training of
our employees on their legal and ethical obligations under company policy, and
applicable federal health care program requirements. Education is an important part of
every employee’s career development and individual growth.
Each employee shares in the responsibility to hold themselves, as well as those they
work with, accountable for aligning their conduct with our corporate values and our
Code of Ethical Business Conduct. The strength of our integrity will grow when
individuals speak up to ask questions or raise concerns when they should.
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reputation for integrity. Knowingly failing to report a suspected violation may be
grounds for disciplinary action.
There are several ways to report suspected misconduct, or to inquire about the
appropriateness of a course of action. The following options are available to report
concerns:
• Manager or supervisor
• Human Resources
• Prometheus’ Compliance Officer or the Legal Department
• Prometheus’ 24 hour Ethics HelpLine (888) PRO-RXDX or
www.MyComplianceReport.com/brand/rxdx
In those situations where employees do not feel free to discuss or report suspected
misconduct to their supervisor, manager, or Compliance Officer, Prometheus has
established an anonymous reporting hotline, the Ethics HelpLine. The Ethics HelpLine
is an external, toll-free, anonymous and confidential reporting line available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week to facilitate the reporting of suspected violations of our Code,
company policy, or the law. All callers to the Ethics HelpLine will have the option of
remaining anonymous if they so choose. All information provided will be recorded, and a
written report will be forwarded to the Compliance Officer and/or his/her designee for
follow up. The Compliance Officer will direct an investigation of all suspected violations,
and take appropriate action to ensure that all compliance and ethics issues are promptly
addressed and resolved.
Managers must set the tone by maintaining a work environment that encourages ethical
and responsible behavior, open reporting of inappropriate conduct, and compliance with
the Code of Ethical Business Conduct and principles set forth in this Compliance
Program. Managers are expected to enforce a strict policy of non-retaliation. Anyone
who retaliates against another, whether a peer or direct report, will be subject to
discipline up to and including termination of employment.
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Auditing and Monitoring
Prometheus’ Compliance and Ethics Program includes efforts to monitor, audit and
evaluate compliance with the law, company policies and procedures, and the Code of
Ethical Business Conduct. The nature of reviews as well as the extent and frequency of
compliance monitoring and auditing varies according to a variety of factors, including
new regulatory requirements, changes in business practices and other considerations.
The Compliance Officer will determine the personnel necessary for the audit team,
based upon the expertise required. The Compliance Officer will collaborate with
leadership to develop monitoring and auditing plans. Ongoing assessment efforts will
help to identify new and emerging risk areas so that they can be addressed via audit
plans. Results shall be reported to the Compliance and Ethics Committee, and if
appropriate, the Audit Committee of the Board. Results are followed up on specifically,
and if necessary, incorporated in future education and training.
Another part of the compliance auditing program will include periodic reviews of whether
the Compliance Program elements have been satisfied, i.e., whether there has been
appropriate dissemination of the Code of Ethical Business Conduct, and whether
necessary education and training sessions have been given and appropriately attended.
This process will verify actual compliance by all departments with the Compliance
Program and may identify necessary improvements in both the Compliance Program
and operational processes to promote compliance.
Enforcement
Employees are expected to comply with the Code of Ethical Business Conduct,
company policies and procedures, and applicable law as a condition of continued
employment. Our goal is that we continue to build on an already strong compliance
program and will increase the likelihood of compliance and prevent misconduct or
unethical behavior. However, even an effective compliance program will not prevent
such misconduct or behavior. As such, our Compliance and Ethics Program requires a
prompt response by investigating potential violations of the Code of Ethical Business
Conduct, company policies and procedures, and applicable law, taking appropriate
disciplinary or other corrective action when necessary, and taking action to prevent
future violations.
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