The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence seeks to make certain that its activities comply with its mission as well as with all applicable rules and regulations of the federal, state, and local government. All affected individuals (persons who are affected by our risk areas including employees, the CEO, other senior administrators, managers, contractors, agents, subcontractors, independent contractors, the governing body corporate officers, and people supported), are strongly advised to learn and use the laws and policies under which we operate.
Brenda Gallagher is The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence's Corporate Compliance Officer
Compliance means:
- Abiding by all applicable laws, regulations and policies
- Being aware of legal and ethical obligations
- Keeping an open eye to areas of vulnerability and reporting suspicious or improper activities to the appropriate people
- Creating systems that are responsive to changes in the regulatory environment
A Corporate Compliance Program is a set of formal organizational systems intended to prevent, detect and respond to misconduct committed by employees and other agents. The Compliance Plan consists of seven elements that are summarized and may be viewed by clicking on the “Corporate Compliance Plan Summary.”
The federal and state government have created a number of laws and regulations that detail compliance expectations of our organization and our affected individuals. The goal of these laws and regulations is to detect and prevent fraud and abuse so as to protect the people we support as well as the government’s health care programs. We must ensure routine self-evaluation and monitoring of identified compliance risk areas. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in civil and criminal penalties of both the organization and the individual(s) acting in noncompliance. Those found guilty may be subject to monetary penalties and even prison time under state and federal law. An individual who fails to comply may also be subject to disciplinary action by the agency.
- Fraud is a misrepresentation, omission or concealment that is calculated to deceive. Fraud is intentional.
- Waste is overutilization of services.
- Abuse is performing acts that are inconsistent with acceptable business practices.
The Corporate Compliance Officer (CCO) is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of our compliance program. The CCO also provides compliance related guidance, assists with legal/compliance issues and monitors the effectiveness of our compliance program.
Compliance Reporting
When reporting an issue on the Compliance/Ethics Helpline, you have the option of identifying yourself or reporting anonymously. You will not be contacted at work for follow up, so it is very important that you leave other contact information such as your home or cell phone number. If you are reporting anonymously, specific information must be provided such as who, what, when and where. The name of the worksite and parties involved are essential to conducting an investigation. Examples of activities that should be reported include:
- Submission of inaccurate or fraudulent billing
- Misuse of agency funds or property
- Violation of agency compliance policies or Code of Conduct
- Engaging in activities that could be perceived as a conflict of interest
Remember this is only a list of examples and is by no means all inclusive. If you suspect any type of fraudulent or abusive activity, it is your responsibility to report.
Fill a Confidential Communication Form and send to CCO
or
Contact Corporate Compliance/Ethics Helpline at 315-379-0340
For additional information regarding the Title VI Program (Civil Rights, Americans with Disabilities Act, Nondiscrimination) please click on the Nondiscrimination Tab.