Vendor Code of Conduct
Loving Care In-Home Health Services, LLC
Introduction
Loving Care In-Home Health Services, LLC (“Loving Care”) is committed to conducting business in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct. We expect the same commitment from our vendors, contractors, consultants, and business partners.
This Vendor Code of Conduct establishes a shared framework for ethical behavior, transparency, and integrity. It applies to all vendors doing business with Loving Care, including subcontractors, temporary workers, and agents. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their employees understand and comply with these standards.
Compliance with Laws and Policies
Vendors must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Medicare and Medicaid program requirements, CMS Conditions of Participation, and all applicable Loving Care policies and contractual obligations.
Failure to comply may result in corrective action, including contract termination, reporting to regulatory authorities, exclusion from federal healthcare programs, and potential civil or criminal liability.
Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA)
Loving Care maintains a zero-tolerance policy for fraud, waste, and abuse. Vendors must not submit false or misleading claims, misrepresent services or time, or engage in improper billing, inducements, or kickbacks.
Vendors must promptly investigate suspected fraud, waste, or abuse and immediately report credible concerns. Retaliation against any individual who reports concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Conflicts of Interest
Vendors must avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Improper gifts, gratuities, or business courtesies
- Undisclosed financial relationships
- Use of Loving Care resources for non-authorized purposes
- Business arrangements involving family members of Loving Care personnel involved in purchasing or referral decisions
Any potential conflict of interest must be disclosed promptly for review.
Excluded Individuals and Entities
Loving Care will not conduct business with individuals or entities that are excluded, debarred, or otherwise ineligible to participate in federal or state healthcare programs, or that have been convicted of healthcare-related criminal offenses.
Vendors must screen their workforce and immediately notify Loving Care of any exclusion, conviction, or disqualifying event.
Privacy and Information Security
Vendors may have access to Protected Health Information (PHI), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), or confidential business information. Vendors must comply with HIPAA, HITECH, and applicable state privacy and security laws.
PHI may only be accessed, used, or disclosed as permitted by contract. Any actual or suspected unauthorized use, disclosure, or security incident must be reported immediately in accordance with contractual requirements.
Gifts and Business Courtesies
To avoid actual or perceived impropriety, vendors should not provide gifts, meals, entertainment, or other business courtesies intended to influence clinical, referral, or purchasing decisions.
Cash or cash-equivalent gifts are strictly prohibited. Any permitted items must be modest in value, infrequent, and directly related to legitimate business purposes.
Visitation and Marketing Activities
Vendors visiting Loving Care locations must comply with all visitation, safety, and privacy requirements. Vendors should not disrupt clinical operations and may not distribute marketing materials or solicit business without prior written approval.
Subcontracting and Vendor Oversight
Vendors may not subcontract any portion of services without prior written approval. Vendors are responsible for ensuring any approved subcontractors comply with all applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations, and this Vendor Code of Conduct.
Loving Care reserves the right to audit vendor compliance as permitted by law and contract.
Business Records and Retention
Vendors must maintain accurate, complete, and timely records related to services provided to Loving Care and retain such records in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and contractual requirements.
Medicare Advantage and Managed Care Obligations
When services relate to Medicare Advantage or other managed care programs, vendors must comply with applicable CMS regulations, including Medicare Managed Care compliance program requirements.
Compliance Training and Acknowledgement
Vendors are expected to provide compliance training to employees involved in providing services to Loving Care and to acknowledge their obligation to comply with this Vendor Code of Conduct as a condition of doing business.
Reporting Concerns or Violations
Vendors must promptly report suspected violations of this Vendor Code of Conduct, applicable laws, or contractual obligations.
Loving Care prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports concerns in good faith.
Contact Information
Compliance & Ethics
Email: compliance@https://lovingcarehealth.com
Privacy & Information Security
Email: security@https://lovingcarehealth.com
Legal & Contract Questions
Email: legal@https://lovingcarehealth.com