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:
- offer to discuss employment or business opportunities
with agency procurement officials at the Company;
- offer or give gratuities or anything of value to any agency
procurement official; or
- seek to obtain any confidential information about the
selection criteria before the contract is awarded. This
includes information submitted by other companies.
Questions & Answers
Q. What should I do if I am contacted by a law enforcement
person who requests information about our Company?
A. You should notify our Legal Department of the
request promptly and before providing any information. Explain
to the law enforcement person that Company policy requires
notification to the Legal Department before any information
is provided. The Legal Department will evaluate the request,
including whether a subpoena will be required for disclosure
of the requested information.
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
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