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MUSC adopts new Code of Conduct by Mike Wheeler University Compliance Office MUSC and its affiliates enjoy a reputation of integrity and excellence in teaching and service. This reputation is one of our greatest assets. MUSC requires all executive officers, faculty, staff, volunteers, agents, and other individuals to conform to the highest ethical standards and to meet or exceed all legal obligations in the performance of their jobs.    In this regard, MUSC developed an organizational compliance program. This compliance program focuses attention in promoting ethical business and personal conduct and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The MUSC Code of Conduct is the cornerstone of this Compliance Program. Recently, President’s Council adopted the use of a new Code of Conduct for MUSC and affiliates.    It is important to remember that we share the responsibility, collectively and individually, for assuring ethical behavior in all our endeavors. All executive officers, faculty, staff, volunteers, agents, and other individuals are expected to adhere to the following MUSC Code of Conduct. Introduction   This Code of Conduct establishes guidelines for professional conduct by those acting on behalf of the Medical University of South Carolina including executive officers, faculty, staff, and other individuals employed by MUSC using MUSC resources or facilities, and volunteers and representatives acting as agents of MUSC.   This Code of Conduct is not an attempt to define specifically what one should and should not do, but to communicate MUSC’s expectations of proper conduct and what professional conduct MUSC values. Conduct Those acting on behalf of MUSC have a general duty to conduct themselves in a manner that will maintain and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the integrity of MUSC and take no actions incompatible with their obligations to MUSC. With regard to professional conduct, those acting on behalf of MUSC should practice: Integrity by maintaining an ongoing dedication to honesty and responsibility; Trustworthiness by acting in a reliable and dependable manner; Evenhandedness by treating others with impartiality; Respect by treating others with civility and decency; Stewardship by exercising custodial responsibility for MUSC academic, intellectual, financial, and material assets and resources; Compliance by following federal and state laws and regulations and MUSC policies and procedures related to their duties and responsibilities; Confidentiality by protecting the integrity and security of MUSC information such as patient records, employees files, student records, and contract negotiation documents; Reporting any activity reasonably believed to violate federal or state laws or regulations or MUSC policies or procedures.  Reporting Possible Violations Report any activity reasonably believed in violation of any law or regulation, any MUSC policy, or any federal or state health care requirement by means of the Confidential Compliance Helpline, 1-800-296-0269 (Toll-free, available 24 hours, 7 days a week).   MUSC will neither discriminate nor retaliate against any MUSC member who reports in good faith any instances of conduct that do not comply or appear not to comply with federal or state laws and regulations or MUSC policies and procedures.   A MUSC member has the right to remain anonymous, as allowed by law, and to use confidential mechanisms provided by MUSC to disclose non-compliant activity without fear of retaliation of such reports.  Adapted from the University of Illinois’ Code of Conduct Friday, June 10, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.