Code of Conduct Policy

Members of CoxHealth must avoid all activities, associations or interests that create a conflict of interest. Conflicts of interest for employees must be reported to the Corporate Integrity Department (269-7655). A file will be maintained of all reported conflicts of interest. If you are a medical staff member, the Conflict of Interest process may be accessed through the Medical Staff Office. If you are a Board Member, the Conflict of Interest process is handled through the Executive Office and is defined in the Board Bylaws. For vendors, the policy is distributed at their first contract with CoxHealth. Examples of conflicts of interest include the following: An employee working a second job and/or making business commitments during work time, using your position to get a benefit or to refer a service to a relative or receiving a payment, gift or improper entertainment in exchange for a contract. Please call your Supervisor, department Director, the Corporate Integrity Department (269-7655) or the Human Resources Department (269-6954) if you have concerns or questions.

In order for CoxHealth to provide the highest level of patient care possible, all members of the health care team must treat each other with respect and dignity. The American Medical Association broadly defines disruptive behavior as “a style of interaction with physicians, hospital personnel, patients, family members and others that interfere with patient care.” These behaviors interfere with the effective, efficient delivery of patient care, impact morale negatively, and prevent team members from effectively working with each other. As such, disruptive behaviors exhibited by employees, members of the medical staff vendors or other associates of CoxHealth will not be tolerated. Disruptive behaviors will subject the offender to progressive disciplinary action pursuant to applicable CoxHealth policies or the Medical Staff Bylaws. 

Examples of disruptive behaviors include (but are not limited to) the following: 

• The use of abusive, offensive or degrading language; 
  
• Intimidating or threatening physical actions; 
  
• Physical abuse/assault, including the striking of another person; 
  
• Criticism of a personal rather than professional nature; Inappropriate touching; 
  
• Throwing, dropping or intimidating use of instruments or equipment; 
  
• Threats of violence of physical harm; 
  
• The use of sexually explicit or suggestive language; 
  
• Examples of desirable behaviors include (but are not limited to) the following: 
  
• Private, constructive criticism directed to correct an individual’s professional, performance-related deficiency; 
  
• Supportive, encouraging comments directed to members of the care team whose performance exceeds expectations; 
  
• The treatment of other care team members with respect, dignity and courtesy; 
  
• The use of clear, concise language in all directions and other communications. 
  

Incidents or patterns of disruptive behavior can be reported to an individual’s direct supervisor, the Human Resource Department (417-269-6954), the Human Resource Hotline (417-269-6696), the Corporate Integrity Department (417-269-7655) or the Compliance Hotline (“COX-LAWS”/ 417-269-5297, or Toll Free 888-340-5297).

Environmental Health and SafetyCox is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment. Procedures for throwing away medical waste, environmentally sensitive and hazardous materials must be followed at each facility. If you have questions or concerns about proper procedure see the Standard's Manual for information or contact Environmental Services or Infection Control. Using alcohol or illegal drugs is not allowed at any worksite. Members of CoxHealth may have access to prescription drugs, controlled substances and other medical supplies as part of their job; however, we have a legal and ethical responsibility to maintain control over these items and report any possible problems and/or missing drugs to your immediate supervisor, Human Resources or the Corporate Integrity Department.

Members of CoxHealth are not to solicit, take or offer any bribe, kickback, gratuity or other payment made to influence a business decision. Doing so is improper and against the law and CoxHealth policies. Members of CoxHealth may not take or ask for anything of value from a third party, patients or patient’s family members for these same reasons. 

Providing free services can also create a conflict of interest, a violation of Medicare/Medicaid and Managed Care contracts and is inappropriate. Members of CoxHealth may not offer anything of value to a government official or other third party in an effort to influence business or to gain special treatment as an individual or for CoxHealth.

To avoid burdening governmental payers with questions that may be answered by others at CoxHealth, employees should notify the Compliance Department before contacting government payers about issues that are different than routine claims or payments.

Patients have a right to considerate care that protects their dignity and privacy. A patient’s spiritual and cultural values will affect a patient’s response to care. We will respect each patient’s spiritual and cultural values and beliefs consistent with the law and with ethical behavior. We encourage patients to be involved with their care, and we remain committed to talking to our patients about ethical responsibilities and patient’s rights. Patients shall be treated without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or any other classification protected by law.