The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey ("UMDNJ")
is committed to integrity as the fundamental guiding principle for its employees
and others who act on its behalf, and has prepared this Code of Conduct to specify
the rules and policies applicable to the maintenance of this commitment. The Code
applies to all UMDNJ employees and others who act on its behalf, although some
of the items discussed may be relevant only to particular employees
The guidelines contained in this Code are designed to assist
you in making the right choices with respect to matters covered by the Code. In
addition, when any such matter arises, you should not rely solely on your own
judgement, but should discuss the matter fully with UMDNJ's Compliance Officer.
Full and timely disclosure of the facts to the proper authority and resulting
approval will generally meet an employee's responsibilities with respect to this
Code. It is the responsibility of all those having supervisory authority to assure
consistent adherence to the letter and spirit of this Code and any related procedures.
This Code imposes certain requirements that are more stringent
than those mandated by law, reflecting our goal of conducting ourselves with the
highest level of integrity. The willingness of each of us to raise ethical and
legal concerns is essential. Ultimately, the responsibility for ethical behavior
rests with each of us in the exercise of our independent judgement.
The following general principles are intended to guide UMDNJ
employees:
UMDNJ and its employees shall abide by the letter and spirit of all applicable
laws and regulations and shall act in such a manner that their activities shall
reflect favorably upon UMDNJ.
UMDNJ and its employees shall adhere to the highest ethical standards of conduct
in all professional and business activities and shall act in a manner that enhances
UMDNJ's standing as a vigorous and ethical contributor within the health care
professions and community.
UMDNJ and its employees shall deal fairly and honestly with those who are
affected by our actions and shall treat them as we would expect them to treat
us if the situation were reversed.
UMDNJ shall undertake only those activities that shall withstand public scrutiny
and shall not pursue any course of action that involves a violation of the law
or these principles.
UMDNJ shall promote relationships based on mutual trust and respect and shall
provide an environment in which individuals may question a practice without fear
of adverse consequences.
Each of us shall abide by UMDNJ's Conflict of Interest Policy, disclose any
potential conflict of interest and remove the conflict as required.
We expect outside colleagues, such as vendors, consultants
and others, whose actions could be attributed to UMDNJ, to adhere to the same
standards in their dealings with us and with others on our behalf.
An employee who has a question regarding the application or
interpretation of the Code should use the procedure specified in Section IX, Compliance
with the Code. If you detect or suspect that any employee or agent of UMDNJ,
or any person with whom UMDNJ deals, has engaged or is engaging in any behavior
that may be improper or inconsistent with the guidelines contained in this Code
or the law, you should report it immediately as provided in Section IX, Compliance
with the Code. Anything that would constitute improper or questionable behavior
on the part of an employee is also unacceptable if engaged in through a third
party, such as a spouse, other family member, friend or any other person or entity
with whom the employee is closely identified or in which he or she has any significant
ownership or financial interest or position.
If a violation of this Code is established, any involved employee
or agent is subject to discipline, which may include termination of employment.
Referral by UMDNJ for prosecution will be made when appropriate after review by
the Office of Legal Management.
