Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EthicsLine?
EthicsLine is a “hotline.” It is a toll-free number (1-800-500-0333) used to report allegations of fraud, theft, waste, non-compliance, and abuse at the UNTHSC. We established the EthicsLine in order to provide you with someone to call if you suspect something isn’t right.
What is the EthicsLine’s purpose?
The purpose of the EthicsLine is to provide UNTHSC employees an alternative method of reporting instances of wrongdoing, fraud, waste and abuse, other than using regular administrative channels. While you are encouraged to report compliance issues directly to your immediate supervisor, UNTHSC recognizes that this may not always be an option and has made available the EthicsLine for this very reason.
How does the EthicsLine Work?
The EthicsLine is a resource available to UNTHSC staff and faculty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A company contracted by UNTHSC located off the UNTHSC campus and staffed with specially trained personnel answer all incoming UNTHSC EthicsLine calls. UNTHSC employees do not answer calls. When you call into the EthicsLine, you will be asked to describe the suspected compliance problem in as much detail as possible. You do not need to tell them who you are. Upon completion of your call, the specially trained personnel will promptly relay the information to UNTHSC’s Office of Institutional Compliance for investigation.
Am I required to identify myself?
No. You do not have to reveal your identity to call the EthicsLine. Calls are not traced and are not recorded. No one will know you called unless you tell them you called or you willingly identify yourself during the call.
Can the call be traced back to me?
No. EthicsLine calls are not recorded and can not be traced by UNTHSC since the EthicsLine calls are received by an independent third party.
Can information be faxed to EthicsLine?
Yes. Information provided to the EthicsLine by fax will then be forwarded to UNTHSC’s Institutional Compliance Office. The EthicsLine fax number is 1-800-500-0993.
What if I only suspect something is wrong, but don’t know for sure?
Most instances of fraud and abuse are discovered through tips and complaints from honest people who are not sure of all the facts. This type of call is encouraged as well as acceptable. The EthicsLine will take the information you provide and forward it immediately to UNTHSC’s Office of Institutional Compliance for investigation.
Are all calls to the EthicsLine accepted?
Although the EthicsLine encourages the reporting of suspected waste, fraud and abuse, any type of call or complaint that is made will be reported to UNTHSC’s Office of Institutional Compliance.
What type of situations should be reported to the EthicsLine?
Calls to the EthicsLine should be made in good faith and report misconduct rather than employee dissatisfaction. Typical calls could pertain to billing fraud; suspected Medicare/Medicaid abuse; suspected embezzlement; time or expense abuses; conflicts of interest; kickbacks; discrimination; waste; harassment; environmental issues; and other violations of federal and state laws. While this list is not inclusive of all call types, any issue that appears to be in violation of the laws, regulations and policies reflected in UNTHSC’s Code of Ethics/Standards of Conduct should be reported.
What legal protection do I have when I call?
There are federal and state laws that protect individuals who provide confidential information regarding possible illegal activities in the workplace. Therefore, under the law UNTHSC, as well as other UNTHSC employees, are not allowed to penalize those employees providing good-faith reports of this nature. UNTHSC has a specific policy (UNTHSC Policies and Procedures Manual, Policy No. 5.18) prohibiting retaliation against an employee who makes a report in good faith. The health science center is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and anonymity of caller to the extent allowed by law.
How do I know an investigation is taking place based on my call?
UNTHSC is committed to investigating all reports promptly and will maintain the confidentiality and anonymity of all parties involved to the fullest extend of the law. Because of this, not all situations are made public. Results of the investigation are reported to the Institutional Compliance Office and corrective action plans are implemented as soon as possible. The specific action taken will depend on the nature and severity of the violation.
How soon will UNTHSC be notified after a call is reported?
EthicsLine must notify UNTHSC within one business day.
Are EthicsLine callers limited to the number of times they can report?
No. You may call as often as you wish to report information.