Corporate Compliance and Ethics Program: Effective As Adopted On November 13, 2008

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 7

Corporate Compliance

and Ethics Program

Effective as adopted on November 13, 2008

Page 1 of 7
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF INTENT

As a specialty pharmaceutical company and diagnostic laboratory, Prometheus


operates in a highly complex and regulated business environment. Prometheus’
reputation for integrity and doing the right thing for the right reason is an intangible asset
that is highly valued by Prometheus and its employees. Our reputation gives us
credibility, and creates value for our patients, physicians, employees, contractors,
shareholders, and Board of Directors.

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.

The Compliance Officer collaborates with department managers early in the


development and implementation of business strategies to ensure that specific plans
meet the Compliance and Ethics Program criteria. Department managers are
accountable for managing the compliance program requirements within their
department.

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).

Page 2 of 7
Strategic Objectives

• To promote an organizational culture that encourages ethical conduct, a


commitment to integrity, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• To exercise due diligence to prevent, detect and correct potential violations of the
Compliance and Ethics Program, applicable federal and state law, and company
policy.
• To provide a comprehensive approach to identifying, managing and mitigating
organizational risk.

SECTION 2. COMPLIANCE PROGRAM FRAMEWORK

Governance and Leadership

To provide high-level oversight, ultimate accountability and oversight of the Compliance


and Ethics Program is vested in the Board of Directors. The Board, through the Audit
Committee, delegates to the Compliance Officer the responsibility and authority for
developing, operating and monitoring the Compliance and Ethics Program. The
Compliance Officer is given unrestricted access to information, executives and meetings
related to business operations. The Compliance Officer reports directly to the Vice
President, Legal Affairs, with a dotted line to the Audit Committee of the Board. The
Compliance Officer provides periodic status reports to the Chief Executive Officer and
the Audit Committee of the Board to keep the members informed of compliance
activities. The Compliance Officer provides strategic guidance and oversight for the
processes leading to a culture of compliance and ethics.

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

The Compliance and Ethics Program is an expression of our commitment to conducting


business with the highest standards of integrity. The success of this commitment
depends on each of us, and the responsibility we have to make sure that appropriate
business decisions are made with integrity. Each individual brings to the workplace a
unique set of experience and values, which influence how we make decisions. Our
actions and behaviors are a reflection of our culture and our company values, and we
have a responsibility to align our actions and behaviors with our company values.

Prometheus seeks to employ individuals with a strong sense of integrity and


commitment to ethical behavior. Prior to commencing employment, Prometheus

Page 3 of 7
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.

If Prometheus has notice that an employee or contractor has become an ineligible


person or is a party to a civil or criminal case related to any federal health care program,
that individual will be removed from responsibility for, or involvement with Prometheus’
business operations related to the federal health care programs and any position for
which the individual’s salary or the items or services rendered or ordered by the
individual are paid for in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by federal health care
programs at least until such time as the individual is reinstated or until the resolution of
such civil or criminal action.

Written Standards

The Prometheus Code of Ethical Business Conduct (our Code) is a commitment we


make to ourselves, to those with whom we conduct business, and to the patients we
serve. The Prometheus Code of Ethical Business Conduct is our statement of essential
ethical and compliance principles that guide our daily operations. Our Code applies to
anyone conducting business on behalf of Prometheus (i.e. consultants, contracted
physicians, temporary or contracted employees, vendors, etc.)

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.

Page 4 of 7
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.

In addition, Prometheus has adopted written policies and procedures. Specifically,


Prometheus has adopted policies in compliance with California Health and Safety Code
§119402 regarding the adoption of a comprehensive compliance program, state laws
regarding specific disclosures, establishing specific annual dollar limits on gifts,
promotional materials, or items or activities that Prometheus may provide to an
individual medical or health care professional.

Education and Training

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.

Prometheus is committed to taking all necessary and appropriate steps to develop


comprehensive education, effectively communicating to all affected employees our
Code of Ethical Business Conduct, company policies, as well as the relevant areas of
risk associated with our business. This includes education regarding compliance with
federal and state laws/regulations or guidance publications that relate to pharmaceutical
sales and marketing and diagnostic lab services, and receiving reimbursement for lab
services. Minimum education and training requirements are established consistent with
employees’ roles and responsibilities, and all mandatory education and training will be
documented. Prometheus will regularly review and update its educational content, as
well as identify and provide additional areas of education as needed.

Communication and Reporting

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.

In addition, Prometheus is committed to providing a work environment that encourages


employees to communicate openly with management, or the Compliance Officer about
all types of workplace issues.

Whenever an employee witnesses another violating our Code of Ethical Business


Conduct, company policy, or the law, it is their responsibility to report it immediately.
Reporting suspected violations is not an act of disloyalty. Rather, it shows responsibility
and fairness to fellow employees, patients, and physicians, and protects Prometheus’

Page 5 of 7
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

Prometheus encourages employees to discuss workplace issues with an immediate


supervisor or manager. If the matter is not successfully resolved, employees may
pursue the issue with his/her next level of management, the Compliance Officer, or a
member of the Legal or Human Resources departments. At any time, if an employee
prefers to remain anonymous, reports can be made to the Prometheus Ethics HelpLine.

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.

Regardless of how an issue is reported, Prometheus has a strict policy against


retaliation so that employees can feel free to ask questions or raise concerns. Anyone
who reports, in good faith, an issue of misconduct will not be subject to retaliation or
retribution. However, the reporting of misconduct will not absolve the individual
reporting who was involved in the activities reported, although it may be considered in
the level of disciplinary action, taken if appropriate. Any employee engaging in
retaliatory activity is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of
employment.

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.

Page 6 of 7
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.

Page 7 of 7

You might also like