Ascension's Compliance Program

At Ascension, we manage our activities in a responsible way governed by Standards of Conduct. These guidelines are an extension of our values. They state expectations for how we conduct ourselves to promote and protect our organization’s integrity. We expect all our associates to comply with these standards.

Standards of Conduct

• Relationships with Others
  We interact with others in a sincere and authentic manner. We develop relationships based on honesty, fairness and mutual trust. We act with dignity and mutual respect and do not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, gender/sex, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
   
• Compliance with Laws and Regulations
  We comply with all laws and regulations applicable to Ascension. We encourage associates to openly communicate concerns and report potential violations of applicable laws or regulations or our Standards of Conduct without fear of retaliation.
   
• Associate Experience
  We strive to cultivate a work environment where associates’ uniqueness and the intrinsic worth of every individual is respected; where they are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion to foster a trusting work environment; where they are provided meaningful and holistic resources to live healthfully and practice safely; where all associates are recognized and rewarded for their achievements; where they are provided with the tools necessary to do their jobs well; where everyone has the opportunity to develop their skills and competencies and discover their purpose; where policies and procedures foster fair, consistent, and equitable treatment for all. Through our Mission and our ABIDE (Appreciation, Belongingness, Inclusivity, Diversity, & Equity) framework, we continue to seek opportunities to recognize our shared humanity and bring our actions into the service of love, truth, respect, compassion and justice.
   
• Business and Ethical Practices and Confidentiality
  We are committed to ethical business conduct and integrity consistent with our Catholic tradition. Associates must represent our organization accurately and honestly. They must not purposely defraud anyone – including other companies or the government – of money, property or services. Associates must also take all reasonable steps to preserve and protect Ascension’s assets by making prudent and effective use of our resources, and properly and accurately reporting its financial condition.
   
  Associates have access to a variety of confidential and proprietary records and data, including personally identifiable information, patient information and company trade secrets. Associates are expected to: maintain the confidentiality of all organization information; access, use and disclose confidential and proprietary information only for which they are authorized; keep confidential and proprietary information secure when not using the information; and refrain from discussing confidential and proprietary information with unauthorized personnel or outside sources. This expectation of confidentiality extends beyond the Associate’s employment at Ascension, and any use or disclosure of Ascension confidential or proprietary information by a former employee is strictly prohibited.
   
• Conflicts of Interest
  Associates are expected to act in a manner in the best interest of Ascension. They may not use their positions to profit personally or assist others in profiting in any way at Ascension’s expense. In any situation where an associate’s outside interests conflict with the organization’s, the associate must disclose the conflict in accordance with organizational policy.
   
• Your Voice
  Each Ascension organization/market has a designated Compliance leader. Associates can contact their organization’s/market’s Compliance leader or other Compliance team member to report situations that may violate laws, the Standards of Conduct or applicable policies. Associates can also report potential violations through the Ascension Values Line at 1(800)707-2198 or www.ascensionvaluesline.org. All reported information will be treated confidentially. Note that patient concerns related to billing or care received at an Ascension facility should be directed to the billing department or Patient Relations at the facility where care was received.

Learn more about our Standards of Conduct and our Ascension Values Line in our Ascension Standards of Conduct Brochure.