Integrity Standard - Proper Use of Corporate Assets

Policy:
Company assets are to be used for the benefit of the Company. Company assets include, but are not limited to, corporate data, business strategies and plans, financial data, and other proprietary or confidential information about the Company business or its employees, equipment, furniture, vehicles, office supplies, corporate funds, credit cards, employee time, and computer supplies and software. We have a responsibility to protect the Company’s assets and to ensure that they are used for valid Company purposes.

We will use and maintain Company assets with the utmost care and respect, guarding against misuse, waste, abuse, loss, and theft.

We will not give confidential or proprietary Company information to unauthorized
persons such as competitors, suppliers, or outside contractors without proper authorization.

Intellectual Property and Trade Secrets
Intellectual property and trade secrets include all ideas, inventions, discoveries, improvements and innovations and include but is not limited to the following categories:

The Company owns all intellectual property that we make, create, develop, write or conceive either on our own or with another person while employed by or contracted with the Company whether developed during working hours or not, and:

• is related in any way to actual or anticipated business, research or development of the Company;
• results from work assigned to or performed by us for the Company; and/or
• is conceived or made with the use of Company systems, equipment, materials, facilities, computer programs, or confidential or proprietary business information.

Use of the Internet and other Electronic Media
The Company’s communication systems, e.g. phones, voice-mail, fax, e-mail, Internet, and Company intranet are to be used for business purposes. They may never be used to access, store, download or distribute materials that are:

• unauthorized or personal, such as software, music, etc.
• offensive, threatening or malicious;
• criminal or promote criminal activity, or
• sexually explicit.

Company systems should not be used to send chain letters or personal broadcast messages.

Occasional personal use is allowed so long as such use does not interfere with the security or effectiveness of any system or interfere with our job performance.

The Company owns these communication systems; therefore, employees should have no expectations of rights to privacy. The Company reserves the right to access, monitor and disclose the contents of any communications, whether made for business or personal reasons in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Unauthorized Software
We will not make unauthorized copies of computer software programs or use personal software on Company computer equipment. The creating or loading of unauthorized software onto Company-owned PCs, workstations or other computer systems is strictly prohibited. Such unauthorized actions could cause the destruction of information or computer systems, technical problems (for example, incompatible drivers or commands, or viruses) or other substantial harm, if not approved by and coordinated with appropriate Company personnel in advance. In addition, the unauthorized copying or use of unauthorized software could be a violation of federal copyright laws and could result in civil and/or criminal liability.

Respecting the Property Rights of Others
We will respect the property rights of others and not engage in the unauthorized use of their intellectual property or trade secrets including the copying or downloading of trademarks, copyrighted materials and logos.

Questions & Answers

Q. If I see an employee intentionally misusing, damaging, or stealing Company property, what should I do?
A. We all have an obligation to treat Company property and equipment with care and respect. If you are aware of anyone intentionally or negligently damaging or stealing Company property or equipment, report your observations to your Supervisor, or another Corporate Resource, who will investigate the matter and take the appropriate action.

Q. Can I supply a list of our clients to an outside source?
A. No. Client lists are a valuable asset and should never be disclosed to anyone outside of the Company without specific management approval.

Q. Can I download documents, pictures, media clips or software from the Internet for distribution, printing or use on my computer?
A. Documents, pictures, media clips and music can be downloaded if they are related to a legitimate business need and if allowed by the Internet host site. However, copyright laws must be applied prior to any distribution or copying, even if there is a legitimate business need.

Under no circumstances should software be loaded on an HCSC computer at any time unless authorized and installed by the appropriate Information Technology resources. In many cases, software may be contaminated with viruses or conflict with the computer architecture, which could disrupt not only your computer but also your co-workers’ computers.

Q. What are the possible consequences of visiting an internet site and viewing, downloading or sending sexually explicit materials?
A. In most cases, termination will result. The Company prohibits the use of its systems to view, download or send sexually explicit materials. This type of activity represents inappropriate use of Company assets and is considered a serious violation of Company policy. When discovered, disciplinary action will be taken up to and including termination.

Q. Can I use a Company pool car for non-business related purposes?
A. No, Company pool cars are available for Company business related purposes or activities only. If you have a Company pool car overnight or over a weekend, you cannot use the vehicle for non-business or personal trips of any kind.

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).

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