code of ethics and business conduct...ii applicability of the code of ethics and business conduct 9...
TRANSCRIPT
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 6
I The Fresenius Medical Care Compliance Program 8
II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9
III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10
IV Compliance Documentation 13
V Maintaining Compliance 16
1Training 16
2Support 16
3Monitoring,AuditingandInvestigations 17
4TheComplianceActionLine 17
VI Expectation of Compliance / Consequences for Non-Compliance 18
OUR ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT PRINCIPLES 19
VII Our Business 20
1 PatientCare 20
2 QualityandInnovation 22
VIII Corporate Integrity 24
1 Anti-Corruption 24
2 Anti-MoneyLaundering 28
3 EmbargoLawsandTradeSanctions 28
4 CompetingFairly 29
5 Customers,Advertising,andPromotion 30
6 AccurateBooksandRecords 32
7 BillingPractices 33
8 ProperResponsetoInformationRequests 33
9 CommunicationWiththeMedia 34
10DataPrivacy 34
11 PoliticalActivities 34
IX Personal Integrity 36
1 ConflictsofInterest 36
2 UseofCorporateOpportunitiesforSelfGain 37
3 InsiderTrading 37
X Employment 39
1 WorkerProtection 39
2 Non–RetaliationPolicy 39
3 Environment,HealthandSafety 39
4 Non-Discrimination 40
5 DrugandAlcoholFreeWorkplace 4 1
6 Licenses,CertificationsandOtherPermits 4 1
XI Fresenius Medical Care Assets 42
1 ProtectionandProperUseofFreseniusMedicalCarePropertyandAssets 42
2 Confidentiality,ProprietaryInformationandITSecurity 43
3 SocialMedia 44
4 IntellectualProperty 45
Contact Information 47
Introduction 6
RICE POWELL
DR. OLAF SCHERMEIER
MICHAEL BROSNAN
KENT WANZEK
ROBERTO FUSTÉ
DOMINIK WEHNER
RON KUERBITZ
A MESSAGE FROM FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE MANAGEMENTEveryday,weatFreseniusMedicalCarestrivetoimprovethelivesofourpatientsworld-widethroughsuperiorproductsandservices.Ourpatients,customers,payors,investorsandregulatorsexpectourbusinesstobeconductedwithintegrityandincompliancewithapplicablelaws,andourcontinuedsuccessandreputationdependsonourcommitmenttoactaccordingly.
Ourbusinessishighlyregulated,andsubjecttoanumberofcomplexlaws,rulesandregulations.Wearecommittedtogrowingourbusinessincompliancewithapplicablelaws,andweexpectyoutofollowthisCodeofEthicsandBusinessConductaswellasalladditionalFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.FailuretodosocouldexposeFreseniusMedicalCare,aswellasindividualsinvolved,tofines,lossoflicenseorotherserioussanctions.Wemusttakecomplianceseriously,andwemustdosoasateambysetting,andagreeingtoabideby,asetofcommonprinciples.
Ourcompanydoesnottolerateunlawfuldiscrimination,harassment,intimidationorretaliation.Weseektoprovideasafe,healthyandproductiveworkplaceforouremployeesandourbusinesspartnerswhoassistusinourbusinessoperations.
TheseprinciplesareembodiedintheFreseniusMedicalCareCodeofEthicsandBusinessConduct(“Code”)andadditionalFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.YouareexpectedtounderstandandcomplywiththeobligationsandstandardssetforthintheCode,andallFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.Avarietyoftrainingresources,bothatthecorporateandbusinessunitlevels,areavailabletoassistinthiseffort.
CompliancewiththelawandFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpoliciesmustguideallaspectsofourbusiness.Ourlong-termsuccesswilldependonhowweaccomplishthisobjective.Ifweworktogetherasateamandsupportoneanotherinthiseffortwecansetthestandardinourindustryformedicalquality,regulatorycompliance,andbusinessperformance.
OUR MISSION STATEMENTFreseniusMedicalCareachievesoptimalstandardsinpatientcarethroughourcommitmenttodevelopinginnovativeproductsandtherapies.TheuniquepositionofFreseniusMedicalCarebuildsonmorethan17yearsofprofessionalexperienceandcontinualinnovation.Accordingly,thefocusofourresearchanddevelopmenteffortistomaintainthetechnologicalandclinicaledgeneededtocreateinnovativeproductsandenhancedtherapies.Ouremployeesareunitedinourcommitmenttoprovidinghighqualityproductsandservicesandbringingtheoptimalsustainablemedicalandprofessionalpracticestopatientcare.Wearecommittedtohonesty,integrity,respectanddignityinourworkingandbusinessrelationswithouremployeesandbusinesspartners.
VISIONOurprimaryfocusistocreateafutureworthlivingfordialysispatientsworld-wideeveryday.Patientswithkidneydiseasecannowlookaheadwithmuchmoreconfidencethankstoourinnovativetechnologiesandtreatmentconcepts.Wegivethemafuture,onethatoffersthemthebest-possiblequalityoflife.WeusetheincreasingdemandformoderndialysismethodstoouradvantageandworkconsistentlytoenhanceFreseniusMedicalCare’sgrowth.Togetherwithouremployees,wefocusonpursuingstrategiesthatwillenableustoupholdourtechnologicalleadership.Asaverticallyintegratedcompany,weofferproductsandservicesfortheentiredialysisvaluechain.Thehighestmedicalstandardsareourbenchmark.Thisisourcommitmenttoourpatients,ourpartnersinthehealthcaresystemandourinvestors,whotrustinthereliableperformanceandthefutureofFreseniusMedicalCare.
Our Core Values
Quality, Honesty and Integrity
Innovation and Improvement
Respect and Dignity
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FreseniusMedicalCare(or“Company”)hasestablishedacomplianceprogramtoassistyouinunderstandingandmeetingyourlegal,ethicalandregulatoryobligations.Complianceiseveryone’sresponsibility,andyourcontinuedemploymentorengagementwithFreseniusMedicalCaredependsonyourfollowingtheprinciplesinthisCodeandrelatedFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.HereareanumberofresourceswithinFreseniusMedicalCareandthecomplianceprogramavailabletoyou:
i guidelinesandpoliciesrelatingtoproperbusinessconduct;
ii compliancetraining;
iii opportunitiestoraisecomplianceissuesonaconfidentialbasis;and
iv auditstomonitorconformancetolegalandCompanystandards.
I. The Fresenius Medical Care Compliance Program
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FreseniusMedicalCare’sCodeofEthicsandBusinessConduct(“Code”)appliesglobally toeveryofficer, director, employee, contract worker and agent ofFreseniusMedicalCareanditsdirectandindirectmajority-ownedorcontrolledaffiliates,operatinganywhereintheworld.ThisCodeisnotanemploymentcontract.
ThisCodecannotcoverallsituationsorallapplicablelocallawsandregulations.IfalocallawconflictswithourCode,wewillfollowthelocallaw.Inallotherinstances,thisCodeappliestoyourbusinessactivity.If,forexample,localcustomwouldallowsomethingprohibitedbythisCode,youmustfollowtheCodeandnotengageinthisactivity.Whenindoubt,askforhelp.
II. Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
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III. Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities
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YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO:
i actwithintegrityandprotectourreputation;
ii read,understandandactinaccordancewiththisCode,FreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies,andalllegalandregulatoryobligationsthatapplytoyourduties;takestepstopreventviolations,andresolveanydoubtsyouhaveaboutabusinesspracticebyusingtheresourcesdescribedintheCode;
iii reportanyactualorsuspectedviolationofthelaworFreseniusMedicalCareCode,guidelines,andpolicies.Inmostcases,itisagoodideatostartwithyoursupervisor,butyoumayalsocontactyourLocalorRegionalComplianceOfficer,ortheCorporateComplianceDepartment;reportingmaybedoneanonymouslythroughyourComplianceActionLineifnecessaryordesired,althoughyouareencouragedtoidentifyyourselftofacilitatecommunication;and
iv cooperatewithinvestigationsandauditing/monitoringproceduresthatmeasureFreseniusMedicalCare’sconformancewiththisCode,guidelinesandpolicies,andcomplywithanycorrectivemeasuresimplementedthereafter.
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AS A MANAGER OR SUPERVISOR, YOU ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE TO:
i createacultureofcomplianceinourworkplace,andserveasanexamplebyactingwithhighethicalstandards;
ii implementandconfirmthatpersonsreportingtoyouunderstandandapplythestandardsoutlinedinthisCode;
iii setperformancegoalsandexpectationsconsistentwiththisCode,FreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies,aswellasregulatoryobligations;
iv provideappropriatedisciplinaryorcorrectiveactionwhenthisCodeorFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesorpoliciesarenotfollowed;
v fosteranenvironmentforraisingquestions,andaddresscomplianceissuesthatcometoyourattention,includingbyfollowingthereportingobligationsdescribedabove;and
vi ensurethatactsofretaliationarenottoleratedagainstanypersonwhomakesagoodfaithreportofasuspectedviolationoflaw,thisCodeorFreseniusMedicalCare’sguidelines,orpolicies.
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ComplianceDocumentationprovidesyouwithinformationyouneedtoperformyourdutiesinawaythatislegalandethical.OurComplianceDocumentationconsistsofthefollowing:
i Code of Ethics and Business Conduct ThisCodeaddressesgeneralcomplianceconceptsandstandardsandgivesabroadoutlineofacceptablebehavior.
ii Guidelines and Policies FreseniusMedicalCarehasdevelopedguidelinesandpoliciestoprovidespecificdirectioninhowtoconformyourworkwiththegeneralprinciplesdescribedinthisCode.Theguidelinesandpoliciesaretailoredtothespecificoperationsofeachcountryandinaccordancewithyourcountry’slocallaws.
IV. Compliance Documentation
FreseniusMedicalCareexpectsanopendiscussionofcomplianceissues.Often,askingaquestionisthebestwaytodeterminewhetherornotanactionisproperandtoensurecompliancewithapplicablelawsorFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.
Ifyouarenotsurewhetheraproposedactionisappropriate,stopuntilyouhaveaskedandconfirmedthatyoumayproceed.
Inordertostopmisconductpermanentlyandcompany-wide,youmustreportanyactivitythatyouthinkisillegalorinconsistentwithFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesorpolicies,usingtheprocessoutlinedinthisCode.
Whenyouareindoubtaboutwhattodo,orwhetheranactionisappropriate,followthefollowingprocess:
i REVIEW THE COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION–theCodeandFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.
ii ASK–yourimmediatesupervisororothermanager.
iii CONTACT–LocalorRegionalComplianceOfficer,ortheCorporateComplianceDepartment.
iv CALL–yourComplianceActionLineifyouareuncomfortableusinganyoftheaboveresources,orpreferbeinganonymous.
Inmakingbusinessdecisions,consider:
i DoestheconductpromotehighstandardsofbusinessintegrityoramIindoubtthattheconductmightbelegal?
ii IstheconductconsistentwiththisCodeandapplicableFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies?
iii WilltheconducthelporhurtFreseniusMedicalCare’sglobalreputation?
Ask Questions, Raise Concerns and Report Impropriety
How to Use Compliance Resources
FOUR CORE ELEMENTS OF OUR COMPLIANCE PROGRAM HELP US TO STAY COMPLIANT:
1 TRAININGFreseniusMedicalCareprovidesavarietyoftrainingtohelpyoudoyourjobproperly.OurgeneraltrainingisrequiredforallemployeesandcoversthemainelementsoftheFreseniusMedicalCareComplianceProgram.ThetrainingdiscussesthisCodeandgivesyouinformationaboutthelawsandregulationsapplicabletoourbusinessandyourcountry.
ManyfunctionswithinFreseniusMedicalCare(suchassalesandmarketing,billingandreimbursement,etc.)requireadditionalspecializedtraining.Youwillbenotifiedifyourpositionrequiresthisadditionaltraining.
2 SUPPORTTheComplianceDepartmentprovidessupporttoalldepartmentsofFreseniusMedicalCare.Youshouldmakeuseofthisresource.Ifyoufaceasituationthatcouldgiverisetocomplianceconcerns,weencourageyoutocontacttheComplianceDepartment.
V. Maintaining Compliance16
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3 MONITORING, AUDITING AND INVESTIGATIONS
FreseniusMedicalCaremonitorsandauditsitsbusinessactivitiestoconfirmthatweadheretothelawandCompanyguidelinesandpolicies.Whenpotentialcomplianceviolationsarebroughttoourattention,wewilltakeappropriateactiontoinvestigateallsuchreports,andtoensurethatourbusinessisconductedincompliancewithallapplicablelaws.
Wecontinuouslyimproveourcomplianceefforts.Ifacomplianceincidentoccursdespiteallourefforts,wereassessourpoliciesortrainingasaresultoftheseactivitiesandmakeanynecessarychanges.
4 THE COMPLIANCE ACTION LINE
Youhaveseveralavenuesavailabletoreportactualorsuspectedmisconduct,whichsatisfyyourobligationunderthisCodetoreportpotentialcomplianceviolationstoFreseniusMedicalCare:
i contactyoursupervisor,yourLocalorRegionalComplianceOfficer,ortheCorporateComplianceDepartment;
ii Ifthesecompliancefunctionsdonotresolveyourissue,orifyouareuncomfortablediscussingyourcomplianceissuewithyoursupervisororrepresentativesoftheComplianceDepartment,youmaycontactyourComplianceActionLineopenlyoranonymously.ContactinformationcanbeobtainedfromtheCompanyIntranetandwillbedistributedbyotherappropriatemeans.
YouareexpectedtofollowthisCodeandFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.Your compliance with this Code and the guidelines and policies applicable to your work will be considered in your performance review or any potential promotion.
Ifyouviolatethelaw,thisCode,orFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesorpolicies,youwillbesubjecttodisciplinaryorcorrectiveactionorlegalconsequences.Disciplinaryorcorrectiveactionmayincludeverbalorwrittencounseling,terminationorotherappropriateaction.
VI. Expectation of Compliance / Consequences for Non-Compliance
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Oursuccessdependsuponappropriaterelationshipswithourpatients,physicians,employees,regulators,governmentandprivatepayorsaswellascustomersandsuppliers.FreseniusMedicalCareiscommittedtoprovidingtheoptimalsustainableclinicalcaretoourpatients(seeno1.below)andtomanufacturingproductsmeetingregulatorystandards(seeno2.below).
1 PATIENT CAREA. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
ClinicalcaremustbeconsistentwithFreseniuspolicyandthephysician’sorders.Whendealingwithpatients,weexpectyouto
i actethically,fairly,courteously,competentlyandtimely;
ii onlymakestatementsaboutourservicesthatyouknowtobetrueorhaveadequateinformationtosupport;
iii truthfullyrepresentthenatureandqualityofourservices,prices,contractualtermsandotherinformation;
iv treatallpatientswithdignityandrespect;
v involvepatientsandfamiliesintreatmentplanningwheneverappropriate;
vi respondtoquestionsofpatientsandfamiliesaccurately;
VII. Our Business20
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vii notifyamemberofthefacilitymanagementstaffifyouareunabletoansweranypatient’sorfamily’squestionsrelatedtopatientcare;
viii respondtoandattempttoresolveallconcernsandcomplaintspromptlyandthoroughly;and
ix workwiththephysicianstoensurethatpatientsareinformedofavailabletreatmentoptions.
B. PATIENT MEDICAL INFORMATION
Asahealthcarecompany,patientinformationispresentthroughoutourorganization.Recording,managingandtransmittingpatientspecificmedicalinformationshouldbecarriedoutinaccordancewithlocaldataprotection/privacyrules,payingparticularattentiontolocalrulesregardingobtainingpatientconsentforsharingpatientmedicalinformation.Protectingtheconfidentialityofpatient-specificmedicalinformationisanimportantobligationofallhealthcareproviders.
Neverdisclosepatient-specificinformationtoanyunauthorizedpersons,insideoroutsideofFreseniusMedicalCare,whodonothavealegalrighttothisinformation.Careshouldbetakenregardingthisprinciplewhenpatient-specificmedicalinformationiselectronicallytransmitted.
C. NEVER IMPROPERLY INFLUENCE PATIENTS
YouMUSTNOTofferimproper“incentives”orotherbenefitstoinducepatientstochooseaFreseniusMedicalCareclinicorproductovertheclinicorproductofacompetitor.Suchimproper“incentives”couldinclude:
i reimbursementoftransportationcosts;
ii routinewaiverofdeductiblesandcoinsurance,withoutanindividualdeterminationofindigency;
iii discountsonotherproducts;
iv similarvaluablebenefits;or
v giftsorotherimproperinducementsthatcouldinfluencethepatient’sdecisiontochooseoneofourclinicsorproducts.
D. RESPECT PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
WeMUSTrespecttheintegrityofthephysician-patientrelationship.Avoidinappropriatelyinterferingwithphysicians’practiceofmedicine,includingbyprovidingimproperbenefitsorinducements.
2 QUALITY AND INNOVATIONThequalityandsafetyofourproductsandservicesarethebasisofourbusiness.Statutoryaswellasinternalsafetyandqualityregulationsmustbestrictlyfollowed.Youareresponsibleforensuringcompliancewiththeseprincipleswithinyourareaofresponsibility.
Patientsafetyisapriority.ProvidingqualityproductsandservicestoourpatientsistheresponsibilityofeveryonewithinFreseniusMedicalCare.Animportantpartofimprovingproductandservicequalityisgatheringandreviewingadverseeventsandproductcomplaints.FreseniusMedicalCareusesthisinformationtoevaluateourproductsandservices.Youneedtounderstand,befamiliarwith,andfollowFreseniusMedicalCarepolicyregardingadverseeventreportingandproductcomplaints.
VII. Our Business22
1 ANTI-CORRUPTIONA. COMPLIANCE WITH ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS AND PRINCIPLES
Asaglobalcompany,wemustcomplywiththeanti-corruptionlawsofmanyjurisdictions,includingtheU.S.ForeignCorruptPracticesAct(“FCPA”),theUKBriberyAct,andtheGermanCriminalCode,andtheanti-corruptionlawsofeachcountryinwhichweoperate.
WeatFreseniusMedicalCaredonottolerateanyformofcorruption,whetherinvolvingahealthcareprofessional,governmentofficialorprivateparty,orwhetherthetransactioninvolvesFreseniusMedicalCarepurchasingorsellingitemsorservices.Weexpectyoutomakebusinessdecisions,andconductyourwork,basedonprice,quality,andservice.
DONOToffer,promise,authorizeorgiveanythingofvalue(includinganyitem,service,oranythingelse,whetherinaformofapersonalbenefit/favororotherwise)toanyperson,directlyorindirectlythroughthirdparties,inordertosecureanimproperadvantageorobtainorretainbusiness.Likewise,DONOTrequest,agreetoreceiveoracceptanythingofvaluepersonallyorforanyotherpersonorentity,inordertosecureanimproperadvantageorinfluenceyourbusinessdecisions.
Keepinmindthateventheperceptionofcorruptioncanharmourreputationandtriggergovernmentscrutiny,andthuswestrivetoavoideventhemereappearanceofwrong-doing.
VIII. Corporate Integrity24
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B. SAMPLE FORMS OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Thefollowingaresomeexamplesofconductthatmaybeconsideredtobecorruptandarethereforestrictlyprohibited.
DO NOT:
i giveoracceptanythingofvaluewherethenatureorvalueoftheadvantageisnotreasonableandappropriatetotheoccasionorthepositionandcircumstancesoftherecipient.Itisinparticularinappropriatetogiveoracceptanadvantageoranythingofvalue:
a.thatdoesnothaveaclearbusinessreason,orifthebusinessreasonisoutweighedbynon-businessactivity;
b.sofrequentlythatthegivingoracceptingmaypotentiallyberegardedasexcessive;or
c.inanon-transparentmanner,inparticularwhenaprivateaddress,bankaccount,oremailaccountisused;
ii usearelatedparty(arelativeoranindividualwithwhomtherecipientlivesincohabitation)togiveoracceptanythingofvalue;
iii giveoracceptanythingofvaluewiththeintentandexpectationofreceivingorgivingsomethinginreturn;
iv giveoracceptanythingofvaluethatmaylimitorinfluencetherecipient’soryourobjectivityordiscretion,orinfluencethedecision-makingprocessoftherecipient’semployer(includingagovernmentagency,hospitalorministry)orFreseniusMedicalCare;or
v giveanythingofvaluethatisnotaccuratelyrecordedinFreseniusMedicalCare’sbooksandrecords.
C. FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DOES BUSINESS TRANSPARENTLY
Corruptionoftenoccursinsecrecy.Personsengagedincorruptactivitiesmaytrytodisguisetheiractionsandtoactinsecrettohidethemisconduct.Aneffectivemeasuretopreventcorruptionandtoavoidtheappearanceofcorruptionistoconductbusinessopenlyandtransparently.
One of the core elements of transparent business conduct is proper documentation.Avoidenteringintoanyagreementwithoutproperwrittendocumentation.WrittendocumentationisinparticularimportantinconnectionwithgovernmentofficialsandhealthcareprofessionalswhoholdapositionthatenablesthemtomakeorinfluencebusinessdecisionsthataffectFreseniusMedicalCare.IftheseindividualsprovideservicesforFreseniusMedicalCare,thelegitimatebusinessneedfortheservices,thereasonwhythehealthcareprofessionalorgovernmentofficialwasselected,andtheservicesperformed,mustalwaysbecomprehensivelyrecordedinwriting.
Corruptpracticesmaybedisguisedbyover-compensatingbusinesspartners.Forexample,adistributormayreceiveunreasonablyhighcommissions,orspeakersatconferencesorconsultantsmayreceiveexcessivecompensationfortheirservices.WeexpectyoutorefrainfromenteringintoanyagreementonbehalfofFreseniusMedicalCareifyouareindoubtastowhetherthecompensationforthebusinesspartneriscommerciallyreasonable.Anycompensationwegranttoanyofourbusinesspartnersmustrepresentfairmarketvalue.
VIII. Corporate Integrity26
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D. SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES AND EDUCATION
ItisinFreseniusMedicalCare’sbestinteresttosupport:
i theresearchanddevelopmentofpharmaceuticalproducts,medicaldevices,andtreatmentimprovementsthatareoflegitimateinteresttoFreseniusMedicalCare;
ii theparticipationofphysicians,nurses,customersandtheirstaffinFreseniusMedicalCareorthird-partyeventswhichpromotescientificknowledge,medicaladvancementordeliveryofeffectivehealthcare;and
iii trainingandfurthereducationeventshostedororganizedbyFreseniusMedicalCareormedicalinstitutionsorotherorganizers,suchasassociationsorpatientorganizationsortheiremployeeswhichpromotescientificknowledge,medicaladvancementordeliveryofeffectivehealthcare.
Whileactivitiesofthisnatureserveanimportantpurpose,inappropriateactivityrelatingtoresearchanddevelopment,scientificconferencesandeducationmayhavesevereconsequencesforanyoneinvolved,aswellasforFreseniusMedicalCareasacompany.Ifyouhaveanydoubts,reachouttoyourComplianceresources.
E. DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
WeatFreseniusMedicalCarearecommittedtobeinggoodcorporatecitizensandsupportusingourresourcestoadvancehealthcareandotherworthycharitablecauses.Wemakecharitabledonationstoworthycauses,particularlythoseintendedtobenefitrenalpatients.WemayalsomakecontributionstocharitiesorcivicorganizationsthatprovideservicesinthecommunitieswhereFreseniusMedicalCareconductsbusiness.Wedonotmakedonationsorcontributionsinordertoobtainorretainbusiness,ortosecureanimproperadvantage.
Donationsandcontributionsalwaysrequirepre-approval.Alldonationsandcontributionsmustbemadetransparently.Eachcountryhasaprocessforreviewingallproposeddonations.Inaddition,raisequestionsaboutanypotentialconflictofinterestorcomplianceissuesthatmayarisefromcharitabledonations.
2 ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERINGMoneylaunderingisbroadlydefinedasengaginginatransactionwithcriminally-derivedproperty,structuringatransactioninordertoavoiddetectionofcriminalconduct,orengaginginatransactioninfurtheranceofcriminalconduct.
FreseniusMedicalCareiscommittedtocomplyingwithallapplicableanti-moneylaunderinglaws,rulesandregulations.Wetakenecessarystepsinordertoconductbusinesswithreputablebusinesspartnersinvolvedinlegitimatebusinessactivitieswithfundsderivedfromlegitimatesources.
3 EMBARGO LAWS AND TRADE SANCTIONS
Tradeembargolawsandregulationsgenerallyprohibitcompanieslocatedinaparticularcountryfromdoingbusinessinanotherspecificcountry.Ontheotherhand,sometimesacountrymakesitillegalforcompaniesoperatingwithintheirjurisdictiontorecognizeembargoesputinplacebyanothercountry.FreseniusMedicalCare’sinternationaloperationscantriggerissuesunderapplicabletradesanctionsandtradeembargolaws.FreseniusMedicalCaremonitorstheseembargosandsanctionsandimplementscontrolstomakesurewefollowthem.PleaseconsulttheLegalDepartmentwithanyquestionsconcerningtheapplicabilityofembargosorsanctions.
VIII. Corporate Integrity28
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4 COMPETING FAIRLYFreseniusMedicalCareprovidesinnovativeproductsandservicesatafairprice.Wedonotparticipateinortolerateanti-competitivebehavior.YoumustnotseekacompetitiveadvantageforFreseniusMedicalCarethroughfraud,concealment,misrepresentationofmaterialfacts,orillegalmeans.FreseniusMedicalCaredoesnotcondonetheftoftradesecretsandnonpublicinformation.YouMUSTavoidunauthorizeduseofanyinformationthatispatented,copyrighted,privilegedorconfidential.
Antitrustandotherlawsgoverningcompetitionseektoprotectcompetitionbyprohibitingbehaviorthatresultsindecreasedcompetitionorunjustifiedpricediscriminationorproducesotherartificialforcesinthemarket.Antitrustandotherlawsgoverningcompetitionexistinvirtuallyallcountriesandapplytoconductatalllevelsofanorganization.Ingeneralterms,antitrustandotherlawsgoverningcompetitionrequirecompaniestocompeteonanindividualbasisratherthanjoinwithothercompaniesinagreementstorestrictcompetition.
Anyconcertedactions,informaltalksoragreementsthatareintendedtorestrictcompetitionormayhavetheeffectofdoingso,areprohibited.
Inaddition,companieswithaverystrongmarketpositionmaybesubjecttoadditionalscrutiny,inparticulariftheyarenotfacingsubstantialcompetitioninagivenmarket.Astrongmarketpositionisnotbyitselfimproper,butsuchmarketpositionmustnotbeabusedtoexcludecompetitorsortoexploitcustomers.FreseniusMedicalCaredoesnottakeimproperadvantageofastrongmarketpositioninanyrespectivemarket.
Theconsequencesofviolatingtheselawsaresevere.Youshouldbeparticularlycarefulatassociationmeetingsandtradeshowstoavoidtheappearanceofanti-competitivebehavior.Ifyoufindyourselfinaquestionablediscussion,voiceyourconcern,endthediscussion,andpromptlyinformtheLegalDepartment.
PleaseconsulttheLegalDepartmentwithanyquestionsconcerningtheapplicabilityofantitrustandcompetitionlaws.
5 CUSTOMERS, ADVERTISING, AND PROMOTION
ThemannerinwhichFreseniusMedicalCareconductsitsbusinessactivitiesandpromotesitsproductsandservicesishighlyregulated.FreseniusMedicalCarehasdevelopedspecificpoliciestoensurebusinesspractices,marketing,andpromotionalactivitycomplieswithapplicablelaws,rulesandregulations.AllpromotionalmaterialregardingFreseniusMedicalCareproductsorservicesmustbereviewedandapprovedthroughtheappropriateprocessforeachcountry.Whenyouarediscussingourproductsandservices,
YOU MUST:
i alwaysbetruthful,accurateandnotmisleadingindescribingproductsandservices;
ii provideafairandbalanceddescriptionofthebenefitsandrisks;
iii onlymakestatementsthataresupportedbyappropriateclinicalinformation;and
iv ensurethatallpromotionalstatementsareconsistentwiththeproductusesapprovedorclearedbyyourcountry’sgovernmentandtheircontentandmannerofdisseminationareincompliancewiththeapplicablelaws,rules,andregulations.
VIII. Corporate Integrity30
6 ACCURATE BOOKS AND RECORDS
AllFreseniusMedicalCarebusinessrecordsmustaccuratelyreflectthetruenatureandextentofthetransactionorexpenditure.ThepurposeofallFreseniusMedicalCaretransactionsmustbeaccuratelyandpromptlyrecordedintheproperaccounts.ThereportingofFreseniusMedicalCare’sassets,liabilities,revenuesandexpensesmustalsobepromptandaccurate.Wemustmaintaininternalaccountingcontrolstoensurethatfinancialrecordsandaccountsareaccurate.
YoumustmaintainallpaperandelectronicrecordsinaccordancewithapplicablelawsondataretentionandFreseniusMedicalCarepoliciesonrecordsmanagement,includingapplicableretentionperiods.
YOU MUST NOT:
i create,submitorapproveanyfalseorinaccuraterecordinconnectionwithFreseniusMedicalCare’sbusiness,or
ii attempttocircumventaFreseniusMedicalCarefinancialoraccountingpolicyorcontrol.
Theseprohibitionsapply,evenifyoubelievethatyourbehaviorwillultimatelybenefitFreseniusMedicalCare.
VIII. Corporate Integrity32
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7 BILLING PRACTICESAllbillingsforproductsandservicesmustbetruthful,accurateandcomplete.Theymustconformtoapplicablelegalandcontractualrequirements.Claimsmaybesubmittedonlyforservicesthathavebeenproperlyorderedandactuallyprovided.Appropriaterecordsmustbeavailabletodocumentthatallservicesmeetthesestandards,includingdocumentationofmedicalnecessityinaccordancewithCompanyguidelinesandpolicies.
8 PROPER RESPONSE TO INFORMATION REQUESTS
Weproperlyrespondtoallgovernmentaudits,reviewsandinvestigations.Ifyouareconfrontedwithagovernmentrequestthatdoesnotfallwithinyourresponsibilities,immediatelycontactyoursupervisorforguidance.PleasecontacttheLegalDepartmentimmediatelyuponreceiptofanynonroutinerequestfromanygovernmentagencyoritsrepresentative,suchassubpoenas,warrants,andinterviewrequests.
Ifyoubelievedocumentsordataarebeingconcealed,altered,falsifiedordestroyed,youshouldimmediatelyreportthistoyourLocalorRegionalComplianceOfficer,theCorporateComplianceDepartment,theLegalDepartment,orthroughyourComplianceActionLine.
IfanylawenforcementagencyapproachesyououtsideofFreseniusMedicalCaregroundsinconnectionwithFreseniusMedicalCareoryouremploymentwithorengagementbyFreseniusMedicalCare,immediatelyinformtheGeneralCounselresponsibleforyourregion,unlesstheagencyhasprohibitedyoubylawfromcommunicatingitsapproach.
9 COMMUNICATION WITH THE MEDIA
Anopenandhonestcommunicationisaprerequisitetomaintainthetrustofourpatients,customers,shareholders,andstakeholders.FreseniusMedicalCarecanonlyguaranteecompliancewithapplicableethicsandregulatorylawsacrossallofthecountriesinwhichFreseniusMedicalCaredoesbusinessifanystatementorinformationtothemediaconcerningFreseniusMedicalCare’sbusinessispre-approvedbyeithertheInvestorRelationsorPublicRelationsDepartments.IfyoureceivearequestforanyFreseniusMedicalCare-relatedinformationfromthemedia,refertherequesttotheInvestorRelationsorPublicRelationsDepartmentorthemanagerofyourfacility
10 DATA PRIVACYFreseniusMedicalCareonlycollects,processesorusespersonaldataofpatients,employees,customers,suppliersandotheraffectedindividuals,totheextentpermittedbyapplicablelaw,ifnecessaryforbusiness,clinicaloremploymentpurposes.FreseniusMedicalCaretreatssuchpersonaldataasstrictlyconfidentialandprotectsitinaccordancewithapplicablelaw.FreseniusMedicalCareemployeesarealsoexpectedtopromptly
reportlost,stolenordamagedcompany-owneddevicesordevicescontainingcompanyinformation.
11 POLITICAL ACTIVITIESTheprocessesfornewlawsandregulationswhichaffectourareasofbusinessarecomplexanddiverse.FreseniusMedicalCarewillcomplywiththelawregardingitsinvolvementinanyoftheseprocesses.ActivitiescoordinatedbyFreseniusMedicalCareareappropriate,andFreseniusencouragesparticipationinFresenius-sponsoredactivities.Inaddition,itisimportantthatyourindividualpoliticalactivitiesremainseparatefromFreseniusMedicalCareactivity.Atthesametime,FreseniusMedicalCaredoesnotwishtointerferewithyourprivatepoliticalactivitiesaslongasyou
i makesurethatyourpersonalpoliticalactivitiesarenot,anddonotappeartobe,relatedtoyouremploymentorengagementwithFreseniusMedicalCare;and
ii Donotusecompanytime,propertyorequipmentforyourpersonalpoliticalactivitythatisunrelatedtothoseactivitiescoordinatedbyFreseniusMedicalCare.
VIII. Corporate Integrity34
1 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST YouarerequiredtoactinthebestinterestsofFreseniusMedicalCareintheperformanceofyourwork.Youmustavoidconflictsofinterests.AconflictofinterestexistswhenyourprivateinterestsinterfereorcouldreasonablyinterferewiththebusinessinterestsofFreseniusMedicalCare.Youareexpectedtoinformyoursupervisorofanypersonalinterestthatmightjeopardizeyourobjectivityorprofessionalismintheperformanceofyourwork,inparticular:
i IfyouwishtobeinvolvedinasecondaryemploymentorbusinessthatisrelatedtoFreseniusMedicalCare’sbusiness,orrelatedtoanyFreseniusMedicalCarevendororcustomer,youmustdiscloseyourplansand,unlessprohibitedbylaw,applyforpre-approvalatyourHumanResourcesDepartment.
ii Asanemployeeinahiring,supervisoryormanagementposition,youmustnothireorreferbusinesstoarelative,spouseorapersonyouliveincohabitationwith,norparticipateintheprocessofhiringorreferringbusinesstoanyofthesepersons.RefertoyourHumanResourcesDepartmentforguidance.
iii Afinancialinterestgreaterthan1%oftheoutstandingcapitalofacustomer,vendor,supplierorcompetitormustbepre-approvedbyyoursupervisor.
IX. Personal Integrity36
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2 USE OF CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF GAIN
AnybusinessopportunityyouencounterinconductingbusinessaffairsonbehalfofFreseniusMedicalCarebelongstothecompanyandnotyou.
YOU MUST NOT:
i useFreseniusMedicalCare’sproperty,informationoryourpositionatFreseniusMedicalCaretoobtainapersonalbenefitoradvantageortobenefitoradvantageathirdparty;
ii setupacompetingbusiness,otherwiseactasacompetitorofFreseniusMedicalCare,orsetupyourownbusinesstotakeadvantageofyourpositionatFreseniusMedicalCare;or
iii pursueanyopportunityorbusinessventureorotherwiseengageinanyactivitythatwouldresultinyourcompetingwithFreseniusMedicalCareorthatwouldenableyouorathirdpartytotakeadvantageofabusinessopportunitythatbelongstoFreseniusMedicalCare.
3 INSIDER TRADINGFreseniusMedicalCarestockistradedontwoexchanges.ThesecuritieslawsapplicabletoFreseniusMedicalCaremakeitillegalforanyonewithinsideinformationaboutacompanytotradeinthatcompany’ssecurities.“Insideinformation”isinformationthatisnotgenerallyavailabletothepublicandthat,ifknown,wouldreasonablybeexpectedtoinfluenceaninvestmentdecisionorpotentiallyimpactthepriceofthecompany’ssecurities(upordown).Examplesofinsideinformationinclude:
i plannedmajor/strategicacquisitionsormergers;spin-offs;purchaseorsaleofmaterialassets;
ii starting,concludingorterminatingcontractswithcustomersandsuppliers;
iii insolvencyrisks;
iv forecastswhichdeviatesignificantlyfrompastfinancialresultsormarketexpectations;
v defaultofmajorborrowers;
vi plannedchangesinthemanagementorsupervisoryboard;
vii developmentofnewproducts;
viii materialproductorenvironmentalliability;materiallitigation;restructuringmeasureswhichhaveamaterialeffectonfuturebusinessoperations;and
ix changesinseniormanagementorboardmembership.
InyourdailyworkatoronbehalfofFreseniusMedicalCare,youmaybecomeawareofmaterialnonpublicinformationconcerningthecompanyorevenoneofitspublicly-tradedbusinesspartners.Youmaylearnofinsideinformationthroughyourpositionorsimplybyviewingadocumentonacolleague’sdeskoroverhearingaconversationintheoffice.Usingsuchinformationforyourfinancialbenefitorpassingsuchinformationontoanotherpersonfortheirfinancialbenefit(andtherebyyours,potentially),isprohibitedandillegal.
IfyouareawareofinsideinformationaboutFreseniusMedicalCareoroneofourbusinesspartners,youmaynotpassthatinformationalongtoanyoneoutsidethecompany(oreveninsidethecompany)unlessitisdirectlyrelatedtoandnecessaryfortheconductofthecompany’slegitimatebusinessactivitiesandconsistentwithFreseniusMedicalCarepolicies.
Furthermore,ifyouareawareofanyinsiderinformationyoumaynotbuyorsellthesecuritiesofanysuchcompany,includingindirectlythroughafriendoffamilymember,orrecommendthatanyoneelsebuyorsellsuchsecurities.Onlyoncetheinsideinformationhasbeenmadepublicanddisseminatedbroadly,suchasthroughapublicfiling,maytransactionsbeconsidered.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutthis,contacttheLegalDepartment.
IX. Personal Integrity38
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X. Employment
FreseniusMedicalCareseekstomaintainasafe,secure,productive,respectfulandnon-discriminatoryworkplacewhichvaluesthecontributionsofeveryonewhoisinvolvedinourbusinessoperations.FreseniusMedicalCareseekstoprovideaworkenvironmentfreefromallformsofunlawfuldiscrimination,includingverbalorphysicalharassmentorintimidationfromsupervisors,co-workers,vendors,consultants,visitorsorcustomersofFreseniusMedicalCare.Wedonottolerateunlawfulharassmentorintimidationinanyform.Wealsodonottolerateviolentorabusiveconduct,includingverbalorphysicalabusebyanyemployee,patient,customer,clientorvisitorintheconductofFreseniusMedicalCare’sbusiness.
1 WORKER PROTECTIONFreseniusMedicalCaregivesworkerprotectiontheutmostpriority.FreseniusMedicalCarecondemnstheuseofforcedlaborandexploitativechildlabor.Wewillnottolerateanyviolationoftheseprinciplesbysuppliers.
2 NON–RETALIATION POLICYYouMUSTNOTharassorretaliateagainstanemployeeorotherpersonwhoreportsorattemptstoreportaviolationorsuspectedviolationofthelaw,thisCodeorFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesorpolicies.Ifyoubelieveyouhavebeenharassedorretaliatedagainstforreportingorattemptingtoreportanactualorpotentialviolation,reportthismattertoyourLocalorRegionalComplianceOfficer,theCorporateComplianceDepartment,thelocalHumanResourcesDepartmentoryourComplianceActionLine.
3 ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY
Weseektoprovideasafe,healthyandproductiveworkplaceforouremployeesandourbusinesspartnerswhoassistusinourbusinessoperations.Weexpectyoutotakeallnecessaryprecautionstoavoidinjuryorharmtoyou,yourco-workersoranyotherperson.Itisimportantforyoutonotifyyoursupervisorofanyunsafeworkconditionsandpracticesorinjury.
4 NON-DISCRIMINATIONFreseniusMedicalCaredoesnotpermitdiscriminationinhiringorintheworkplacebasedon:
i gender(includinggenderreassignment),
ii race,ethnicoriginorcolor,
iii nationalityornationalorigin,
iv religionorreligiousbelief,
v age,
vi maritalstatus,
vii citizenship,
viii disability,
ix sexualorientation,
x veteranstatus;or
xi anyotherunlawfullydiscriminatoryconsideration.
Look to applicable policies for details.
X. Employment40
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5 DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE WORKPLACE
Theperformanceofjobdutieswhileundertheinfluenceofillegaldrugsoralcoholormisusedprescriptiondrugsjeopardizesyourhealthandsafetyaswellasthehealthandsafetyofpatients,customersandco-workers.Workingundertheinfluenceofthesesubstancesisstrictlyprohibited.Ifyoususpectthataco-workerisintoxicatedorundertheinfluenceofalcoholorillegaldrugs,orismisusingprescriptiondrugs,youmustreportthesituationtoyoursupervisor.
6 LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER PERMITS
Often,dutiesatFreseniusMedicalCarerequireyoutohavealicense(e.g.anursinglicense),certification(e.g.adialysistechniciancertification),orotherprofessionalcredential.Youareresponsibleformaintainingallrequiredcredentialstoperformyourwork.Youmustreporttoyoursupervisorifanyneededcredentialisexpiredorrevoked.
Insomecountries,governmentagenciesmayexcludecertainindividualsfromparticipatinginhealthcareactivities.Ifyouarenotifiedthatyouareexcludedfromparticipationinanygovernmentprogram,youmustnotifyyoursupervisor.
XI. Fresenius Medical Care Assets42
1 PROTECTION AND PROPER USE OF FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE PROPERTY AND ASSETS
FreseniusMedicalCarepropertyandassetsmayonlybeusedforlegitimateCompany-relatedbusinesspurposes.FreseniusMedicalCarepropertyincludes:
i medicalsupplies;
ii workequipment(e.g.computers,internet,email,mobilephones),includingapprovedpersonaluseauthorizedinaccordancetoapplicableFreseniusMedicalCarepolicies;
iii officesupplies,materialsandservices;and
iv allformsofFreseniusMedicalCarerecordsandfunds.
YouaretohavenoexpectationofprivacywhatsoeverwhenusinganyFreseniusMedicalCarepropertyintheU.S.,norinternationallyifinaccordancewithapplicablelocallaw.YouareresponsibleforensuringthatFreseniusMedicalCare’spropertyisnotmisused,wasted,damaged,lostorstolen.Unlessauthorizedtodoso,youmustnottakeoruseFreseniusMedicalCarepropertyorinformationforyourpersonalbenefitorgain.YoumustnotprovidethirdpartieswithanyFreseniusMedicalCareproperty,unlessyouareauthorizedtodosoinalegitimatebusinesstransaction.
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2 CONFIDENTIALITY, PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND IT SECURITY
AlldocumentsandallinformationonFreseniusMedicalCare’sinternaloperationsmustbetreatedconfidentially.Confidentialinformationincludesallnon-publicstrategic,financial,andtechnicalorbusinessinformationofFreseniusMedicalCare,aswellasallbusinessandtradesecretsofFreseniusMedicalCare’sbusinesspartners.
YOU MUST NOT:
i talktothirdpartiesaboutprojects,technicaldetails,orotherconfidentialinformation,orgrantthemaccesstosuchinformationinanyotherway;
ii circulatetradeorcompanysecretsofourbusinesspartners;
iii makeanytranscriptsorcopiesofdataforotherthanoperationalpurposes;or
iv accessinformationthatisunrelatedtoyourownactivities.
YOU MUST:
i handleconfidentialinformationwithspecialcare,inparticularinpublicplaces,suchastrains,buses,planes,etc.;
ii takestepstoprotectyourcomputer,orotherelectronicdevicefromunauthorizeduse,accessormodificationofsoftware;maintaintheconfidentialityofpostalcorrespondenceandtelecommunications;and
iii payparticularattentiontotheITaspectsofconfidentiality,suchasdataprotectionanddatasecurity.
Theseobligationsapplyduringworkingandnon-workinghours,whetherornottheinformationisspecificallydesignatedas“confidential”or
“restricted.”YourconfidentialityobligationsremainvalidevenifyouremploymentwithFreseniusMedicalCareendsunlessthecontraryisstatedinanapplicablelaw.
3 SOCIAL MEDIASocialmediaformsanimportantpartoftoday’sbusiness,anditsimportanceisgrowing.“Socialmedia”referstothemeansofinteractionsamongpeopleinwhichtheycreate,share,exchangeandcommentoncontentamongthemselvesinvirtualcommunitiesandnetworks.Socialmediaincludesocialnetworks(e.g.Twitter,Facebook,LinkedIn),blogs,wikisandvideostreamingwebsites(e.g.YouTube).
DO NOT:
i usesocialmediaforanyclinicalorpatientactivityifnotprovidedbyorspecificallyauthorizedbyFreseniusMedicalCarefortheperformanceofbusiness;
ii usesocialmediaforbusinessactivity(e.g.forrecruitingorpublicrelationsactivities)withoutpre-approvalbyyoursupervisorormanager;
iii discloseanypatient-relatedinformation;or
iv usesocialmediatoengageinunlawfuldiscrimination,harassmentorintimiation.
XI. Fresenius Medical Care Assets44
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YOU MUST:
i behonestandaccuratewhenusingSocialmedia;
ii expressyourownpersonalopinionsandcommentsonlineusingyourownname,notFreseniusMedicalCare’snameoranycompanyidentifier,suchasaFreseniusMedicalCareemailormailingaddress,unlessauthorizedtodootherwise;and
iii keepinmindthatpostings,bothpersonalandprofessional,mayultimatelybeconnectedtoFreseniusMedicalCare,evenifyouraffiliationwithFreseniusMedicalCareisnotdisclosed.
4 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYIntellectualpropertyisessentialforoureconomicsuccessandthesuccessofourbusinesspartnersandcustomers.Youmustprotectourintellectualproperty,includinganypatents,trademarks,copyrights,tradesecrets,technicalandscientificknowledgeorknowhow,andexpertisedevelopedinthecourseofourbusiness.
Weexpectyoutoalsorespecttheintellectualpropertyofothers.Ifyouduplicateormisappropriateintellectualpropertyofsomeoneelsewithoutauthorization,youandFreseniusMedicalCaremaybesubjecttosignificantfinesandcriminalpenalties.
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Contact Information
Fresenius Medical Care ComplianceActionLine
+1-800-362-6990