Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Compliance Line

What is the purpose of the Compliance Line?
The Compliance Line provides a way for associates to make anonymous compliance-related inquiries.

Who should use the Compliance Line?
Any associate wishing to report suspected misconduct or make a compliance-related inquiry.  Other options are to report concerns to supervisors or the Corporate Compliance Officer.  If an associate is uncomfortable with the direct approach, the associate should call the Compliance Line.

Why is the Compliance Line important to St. Elizabeth Medical Center? St. Elizabeth is committed to conducting all of its activities in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, statutes, and regulations.  The Compliance Line provides St. Elizabeth with an additional way for associates to communicate compliance-related concerns.  

What should be reported to the Compliance Line?
Call the Compliance Line to report violations related to St. Elizabeth’s policies, applicable Federal, State, and local laws, statutes, and regulations, which include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Medicare/Medicaid rules and regulations
• Joint Commission standards
• Medical Staff by-laws
• Stark anti-kickback statutes
• Health and safety laws
• Environmental laws
• Antitrust laws
• Theft, bribes, and kickbacks
• Fraudulent transactions
• Conflicts of interest
• Any potential criminal violations 

Do callers have to give their names?
No.  Callers will be assigned a special code number to protect each caller’s identity.  Callers are not required to identify themselves.  However, should a caller need to make any follow-up calls or should St. Elizabeth need to contact the caller for additional information related to the report, the identification code will be essential.

What happens when a call is made?
Calls are documented, and a written report is forwarded to the St. Elizabeth Corporate Compliance Officer.  After review, the Compliance Officer determines the appropriate action to take, such as investigation, referral to the Corporate Compliance Committee, etc.

Should a call be made even if all the facts are not yet known?
Call even if you are not sure of the problem.  The Corporate Compliance Officer will look into all provided information and take appropriate action as may be required.  

What happens if a caller is mistaken?
As long as associates have an honest concern, associates will not be reprimanded or disciplined for giving incorrect information in the course of reporting their concern.  The only time someone will be disciplined for calling the Compliance Line is if the person knowingly and intentionally reports something they know is false or misleading in order to harm someone else.

How can reports be made to the Compliance Line?
Call the Compliance Line at 1-877-815-2414.