Integrity Standard - Cooperating with the Government
Policy:
The Company is committed to comply with the laws and regulations
that govern the state and federal programs we administer,
e.g., the Federal Employee Program, Indian Health Service
and Medicare.
We must always show respect for government and
regulatory officials. We will cooperate with all reasonable
requests for information from government and regulatory
agencies. Requests for information other than routine forms
must be forwarded to the Legal Department.
All information provided shall be truthful and
accurate. We will never take any steps that would impede,
obstruct, improperly influence the conclusions of, or affect
the integrity or availability of any review or investigation
performed by government personnel.
Requests for Information from Government Agencies
We must always provide accurate and complete information
to government agencies. We must ensure that information
we provide to government agencies includes all material
facts necessary to ensure that the information submitted
is not misleading.
We must never lie or make false or misleading statements,
whether oral or written, to any government official or agency.
We must never attempt to persuade any Company employee,
or any other person, to provide false or misleading information
to a government official or agency.
We must never destroy or alter any Company document or
record in anticipation of or following a request for the
document or record by a government agency or court. When
a government audit or investigation is imminent or pending,
our normal document destruction procedures will be suspended
until all documents relevant to the litigation, audit or
investigation can be identified and segregated.
If we are approached by any person who identifies himself
or herself as a government investigator, we should contact
the Legal Department immediately. A representative of the
Legal Department will then assist us in following proper
procedures for cooperating with the investigation.
Do not feel pressured to talk to a government investigator
without first contacting our Legal Department. It is our
policy to provide consultation with our Legal Department
to any employee who is contacted in connection with a government
investigation of the Company.
Gifts to Government and Regulatory Officials
Federal laws prohibit government employees from accepting
anything of value, except modest items of food and refreshments.
Because of these restrictions, we must not offer or make
a gift to a federal employee.
We will abide by all applicable laws, rules and regulations
relating to gifts and entertainment of government officials
and employees. For additional information, please see the
Gifts, Gratuities and Kickbacks Integrity Standard.
Federal Procurement
The Company is subject to the Federal Procurement Integrity
Act when bidding on federal contracts. This law dictates
certain business conduct for companies seeking to obtain
work from the Federal Government. During the bidding process,
employees may not:
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).
Return to the Code of
Conduct Page