How Methodist's Code of Conduct Goes Hand in Hand With The Meaning of Care

Welcome back to “What is Compliance?” article series, where we discuss the who, what, when, where, why and how of the Methodist Health System Compliance Department. Our introductory articles will discuss our compliance program at a high level, but future articles will touch on hot-button compliance issues and other compliance-related topics. This installation is the second in the series, and it will focus on the Methodist Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct provides an overview of the standards and principles that guide and define our roles and relationships as employees and leaders of Methodist Health System. The code is based on, and a beacon for, The Meaning of Care. It covers topics such as the Methodist mission, vision and core values; the importance of being good stewards of technology resources and confidential patient information; and our firm stance forbidding retaliation against individuals who make good-faith reports of suspected issues. 

Historically, our code of conduct was a part of the Corporate Compliance Program Policy, but it was recently split out into a standalone document. Because it is now a standalone document, it is more user-friendly and visually appealing, and it can be more effectively utilized as a reference or training tool for employees and leaders, regardless of experience or tenure. We have also added sections to reflect new and updated policies and procedures, our commitment to a Just Culture, and our ongoing efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion. 

From the opening remarks by Methodist Health System President and CEO Steve Goeser to the conclusion from our Compliance Department leaders, the Code of Conduct embodies the importance of our organizational and individual commitments to ethical, professional and upstanding behavior. And that is the foundation of The Meaning of Care.

Our next article will begin to delve into the seven elements of effective compliance programs that have been identified by the Office of Inspector General, or OIG. No. 4 on that list is “Open Communication and Reporting Systems,” but by no means should you wait for that article to communicate with us or report any of your compliance concerns. You can find contact information for the whole compliance team (and other useful information, like our reporting hotline phone numbers) on the Compliance Resource page on the intranet.

To review the Methodist Code of Conduct, click here.

To read the first article in this series, click here.

If you have questions or concerns, reach out to Chief Compliance Officer Jen Anderson at (402) 354-4901 or jen.anderson@nmhs.org.