Office of Business Conduct
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center believes that conscientious adherence to the highest ethical standards is essential to its mission of providing exceptional patient care, enhanced by learning, teaching and research. Adherence to the law and responsible stewardship of resources is central to our mission and critical in preserving our reputation as a national leader in health care. This is especially true because a significant portion of the medical center's services and research are reimbursed through governmental programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, National Institutes of Health and others.
Each of us needs to do our part by following applicable rules/regulations, as king when in doubt about the right thing to do and helping the people with whom we work to do the right thing. Our core values, described in Sections One and Eight, act as a guide to employees in making ethical decisions and choosing appropriate actions. When in doubt about what to do, ask for advice, but also think about these values. If the action you are considering is not compatible with these values, don't do it!
The Office of Business Conduct was established to provide employees with answers to regulatory and compliance questions, and to look into those issues that may be of concern. They have issued a booklet called the "Code of Conduct" which further describes the standards of behavior that all medical center employees are expected to meet, and what actions employees can take to report to the medical center breaches of the Code of Conduct or any violation of law.
You can call the Office of Business Conduct confidentially without fear of retribution at:
617-667-1897, or you may call anonymously at (888) 753-6533. You also may write to them directly:
Office of Business Conduct
109 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
E-mail: conduct@bidmc.harvard.edu
While the Office of Business Conduct may not be able to solve each issue, it will make every effort to identify the correct source of information, advise you of the procedure(s) to follow, investigate your concerns when needed and assist you as appropriate.
Employees, staff, contractors and others who do business with Beth Israel Deaconess have an obligation, as part of their employment, credentialing or contract, to notify the medical center through their manager or supervisor, the CEO, Human Resources or the Office of Business Conduct whenever they suspect behavior that violates the Code of Conduct or any rule, regulation or law to which we are subject. The medical center is committed to protect employees, staff and others who in good faith, report actions they believe are violations of the code or applicable laws. Retribution against such reporting is forbidden and should be reported to the Office of Business Conduct.
Managers, supervisors and clinician leaders must be open to concerns about compliance. Although uncomfortable questions and concerns may arise, they must be addressed honestly and swiftly. The Office of Business Conduct, as well as Human Resources, the Safety Office and others all are prepared to assist in the investigation and resolution of any such issues.
If it is determined that a report was knowingly fabricated, distorted, exaggerated or minimized either to injure or inappropriately protect someone else, the reporter may be subject to corrective action. If an employee or professional staff member knowingly chooses not to report conduct that violates any of the medical center's policies, that individual may be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination of employment or revoking of privileges.
