Corporate compliance: 5 things every employee should know

Do you know that if you have knowledge of or suspect any conduct in the workplace that may be illegal or unethical, it’s your duty to report it? In fact, you must act ethically and legally with every person you come in contact with, including patients, families, visitors, physicians, volunteers, vendors and other employees, according to the Penn State Health Compliance Code of Conduct.

“This is the promise we make to our patients and the communities we serve,” explains Nicki Campbell, director of compliance operations. “And it’s why every employee is required to complete compliance training each year.”

As Penn State Health shines a spotlight on National Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week, Nov. 3 to Nov. 9, here are five things every employee should know:

1. We all must take ownership of compliance to be successful. In addition to Compliance staff and Penn State Health senior leaders, every employee plays a part in ensuring that Penn State Health maintains the highest standards of legal and ethical excellence.
2. Calling the Compliance Hotline at 800-560-1637 is just one way to report illegal or unethical conduct. You also can make a report in person or in writing to your supervisor, department head or corporate compliance officer or submit an online form.
3. No one will face retaliation for reporting a concern in good faith. Any attempt at retaliation is a serious matter and will be dealt with according to federal and state laws.
4. Most health care non-compliance issues deal with patient safety, the privacy of patient information and billing practices. Our patients depend on us to be compliant. Doing so keeps them safe. It’s your responsibility to be aware of the policies and laws that apply to your job.
5. Electronic data breaches are on the rise and becoming a major compliance issue. As health care organizations move bigger and bigger pools of confidential data, the risk increases.

Watch for your 2020 annual compliance training assignment coming this January or February.

Learn what other issues should be reported to the Compliance Hotline on the Compliance Infonet site and stay informed about the latest compliance news.

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