Top Banner
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
48

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

Apr 20, 2020

Download

Documents

dariahiddleston
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

Page 2: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 3: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 4: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13
Page 5: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13
Page 6: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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.

Page 7: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

7

Page 8: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

8

Page 9: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

9

Page 10: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

III. Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities

10

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.

Page 11: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

11

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.

Page 12: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13
Page 13: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

13

ComplianceDocumentationprovidesyouwithinformationyouneedtoperformyourdutiesinawaythatislegalandethical.OurComplianceDocumentationconsistsofthefollowing:

i Code of Ethics and Business Conduct ThisCodeaddressesgeneralcomplianceconceptsandstandardsandgivesabroadoutlineofacceptablebehavior.

ii Guidelines and Policies FreseniusMedicalCarehasdevelopedguidelinesandpoliciestoprovidespecificdirectioninhowtoconformyourworkwiththegeneralprinciplesdescribedinthisCode.Theguidelinesandpoliciesaretailoredtothespecificoperationsofeachcountryandinaccordancewithyourcountry’slocallaws.

IV. Compliance Documentation

Page 14: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 15: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13
Page 16: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 17: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

17

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.

Page 18: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

18

Page 19: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

19Our Ethics and Business Conduct Principles

Page 20: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 21: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

21

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.

Page 22: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 23: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13
Page 24: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 25: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

25

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.

Page 26: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 27: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

27

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.

Page 28: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 29: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

29

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.

Page 30: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 31: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13
Page 32: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 33: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

33

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.

Page 34: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 35: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13
Page 36: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 37: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

37

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;

Page 38: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 39: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

39

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.

Page 40: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 41: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

41

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.

Page 42: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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.

Page 43: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

43

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.

Page 44: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

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

Page 45: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

45

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.

Page 46: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13
Page 47: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

47

Contact Information

Fresenius Medical Care ComplianceActionLine

+1-800-362-6990

[email protected]

Page 48: Code of Ethics and Business Conduct...II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9 III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10 IV Compliance Documentation 13

FreseniusMedicalCareAG&Co.KGaA

61346BadHomburgv.d.H.·Germany

Phone:+496172609-0·www.fmc-ag.com

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

US

(0

9.2

014

Co

pyri

gh

t20

14F

rese

niu

sM

edic

alC

are

AG

&C

o.K

GaA