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Ethics and Compliance

Introduction

This Ethics and Compliance Policy (“Policy”) is established to guide the conduct of all staff, management, and affiliated personnel (“Employees”) of Express Urgent Care (“Facility”). Our commitment is to provide exceptional care to our patients while adhering to the highest standards of ethical conduct and compliance with all applicable healthcare laws and regulations. This Policy serves as a framework for our daily operations, ensuring that we act responsibly, with integrity, and in the best interest of our patients and the community we serve.

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to:

  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to healthcare providers.
  • Promote a culture of honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior.
  • Guide Employees in making ethical decisions in their professional activities.
  • Establish procedures for reporting and addressing unethical conduct or non-compliance issues.

Scope

This Policy applies to all Employees of the Facility, including full-time, part-time, temporary staff, contractors, and volunteers.

Compliance with Healthcare Laws and Regulations

  • Legal Compliance: Employees shall conduct all activities in accordance with healthcare laws, including but not limited to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the False Claims Act, and the Anti-Kickback Statute.
  • Licensing and Certification: Employees must maintain all required professional licenses, certifications, and registrations necessary to perform their duties.
  • Billing and Documentation: Accurate billing and documentation practices must be followed to comply with federal and state healthcare program requirements.

Ethical Conduct

  • Integrity and Professionalism: Employees are expected to perform their duties with the highest level of integrity and professionalism, maintaining the dignity and respect of patients, colleagues, and the community.
  • Confidentiality: Patient confidentiality must be respected and protected at all times in accordance with HIPAA regulations and Facility policies.
  • Conflict of Interest: Employees must avoid any activities or relationships that might conflict, or appear to conflict, with their responsibilities to the Facility or its patients.

Patient Care and Safety

  • Quality of Care: The Facility is committed to providing high-quality, safe, and effective patient care. Employees shall adhere to accepted medical and professional standards.
  • Informed Consent: Patients or their legal representatives must be provided with clear, understandable information regarding their care and must give informed consent for treatments.
  • Emergency Treatment: The Facility shall provide emergency medical treatment to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay, in compliance with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).

Employee Responsibilities

  • Training and Education: Employees are required to complete all mandated training programs related to ethics and compliance, including but not limited to HIPAA, fraud, waste, and abuse.
  • Reporting Violations: Employees have a duty to report any suspected or actual violations of laws, regulations, or this Policy without fear of retaliation.
  • Accountability: Violations of this Policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Reporting and Non-Compliance

  • Reporting Mechanisms: The Facility provides multiple channels for reporting ethical concerns or compliance violations, including an anonymous hotline and direct communication with supervisors or the Compliance Officer.
  • Investigation of Reports: All reported concerns will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. Confidentiality of the reporting individual will be maintained to the extent possible.
  • Non-Retaliation: The Facility strictly prohibits retaliation against any Employee who reports a concern in good faith.

Monitoring and Auditing

  • Compliance Program: The Facility will maintain a comprehensive compliance program, including regular audits and monitoring activities, to ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards.
  • Continuous Improvement: The Facility is committed to continually improving its ethics and compliance program based on the outcomes of audits, investigations, and evolving best practices.

Conclusion

The Ethics and Compliance Policy of Express Urgent Care reflects our unwavering commitment to ethical conduct and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Our dedication to these principles is fundamental to our mission of providing exceptional care to our patients and upholding the trust of our community.

Contact Information

Get in touch with us by phone at 314-481-5000 or by mail at info@expressurgent.care

Reach us at 4477 Woodson Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63134