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February 2009
Robert is a medical assistant at the UConn Health Center. Recently, he has grown
increasingly concerned about the conduct of one of his
co-workers. He has witnessed behaviors that he believes to be
unprofessional and possibly unethical. Robert has always had a
good working relationship with his colleagues and doesn’t want
to “get anyone in trouble.” He is also concerned that, if he
does report his concerns, he will “pay the price.” He is
struggling as to whether he should come forward and, if so, who
he should talk to.
What are Robert’s options? Where can he go to discuss his
concerns?
Things to Consider
Reporting an issue of any kind, particularly related to a
colleague, is never easy. However, while it may be
uncomfortable, coming forward in good faith with a compliance or
other concern is the right thing to do. Reporting compliance
issues will help to reduce the Health
Center's risks of noncompliance with any number of
regulations and will help to strengthen our commitment to the
highest standards of integrity.
But, where can you take your concerns? There are several
options. The Compliance Program recommends beginning with your
immediate supervisor or department head. Talking with your
supervisor will give you an opportunity to not only share your
concerns but help to foster honest and open communication within
your department. However, if the issue relates to your immediate
supervisor, you may consider discussing the matter with that
person’s supervisor. Other reporting options include another
appropriate UConn Health Center
manager or, in the Schools of Medicine or Dental Medicine, the
Dean or Associate/Assistant Dean. Of course, you may contact the
Compliance Office directly at 860-679-4180
or
compliance.officer@uchc.eduor to
speak individually with any one of the Compliance or Associate
Compliance Officers. If you utilize one of these avenues your
confidentiality will be maintained to every extent possible.
Depending on the nature of the concern, the Compliance Office
may work collaboratively with departments such as Human
Resources and the Office of Diversity and Equity toward the
resolution of a problem.
If you would like to remain completely anonymous, you may
call REPORTLINE at 1-888-685-2637, a confidential service
operated by a private company not associated with the UConn Health Center. If you
use this option, the information will be forwarded from
REPORTLINE to the compliance office while maintaining your
confidentiality and anonymity.
Lastly, should you prefer to not report your concern internally,
you may contact the State of Connecticut Auditors of Public
Accounts or the appropriate agency of the Federal Government.
Remember that the UConn Health Center strictly prohibits any type of retaliation
for reporting a compliance concern such as termination,
demotion, suspension, employment actions or any form of
harassment.
For more information please review Health Center policy:
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Contact Information |
| We encourage you to contact the Compliance Office if you would like to discuss this scenario further, have
questions, or would like to recommend another “quandary” you may have faced in the past. Simply email us at compliance.officer@uchc.edu. |
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