Davita Code of Conduct 2013 - 33

Q: A vendor is offering to give me a free home computer just for signing a contract between DaVita and his
company. Am I allowed to accept the computer?
A: No. We should never allow personal gifts or discounts to influence our judgment in signing a contract. DaVita
selects its vendors based on price, quality and service, not on gifts.
BUSINESS COURTESIES
Q: What does DaVita consider a “business courtesy”?
A: A “business courtesy” includes any items, services, benefits, or anything of economic or personal value, which
can include: gifts, business meals, entertainment, travel, educational or promotional items, except for payments
in exchange for properly contracted services to DaVita.
Q: Can I invite physicians to a suite at a sporting event for a presentation and buffet?
A: No. While it is possible to conduct legitimate business at a sporting event, attendance at a sporting event is
inherently entertainment. Providing entertainment to a referral source could create the appearance that the
purpose of the event is to generate business by providing a valuable personal benefit. Accordingly, attendance
at a sporting event, and other entertainment or recreational event is not permitted.
Q: May I provide a physician with a gift basket of food or wine?
A: This will be dependent upon the local laws of the intended recipient’s home country. Check the Business
Courtesies and Gift Policies, and applicable Country Business Courtesies Guide for specific guidance.
Q: I want to give another teammate a present for her birthday. Does the Business Courtesies or Gift Policies apply?
A: No. These rules do not apply to interactions solely between DaVita teammates. The birthday gift would be
acceptable as long as it is intended to be a genuine expression of personal esteem and does not influence
business decisions.
Q: May I give a gift to a patient?
A: Generally, you should refrain from giving and receiving gifts from patients. Gifts should not be given to
induce patients to use or continue to use DaVita as a healthcare provider. Occasionally you may give a gift
to a patient, if it is permitted by the local Gift policies. Cash, gift certificates, gift cards and money orders, in
any amount, are prohibited.
Q: A vendor is trying to give me an expensive gift that obviously violates the Gift Policy. Is it OK to refuse a gift?
A: Yes! It is perfectly acceptable to decline a gift. You should explain that the gift is very generous, but it could
create a conflict of interest. You should also notify Team Quest of the proposed gift.
Q: Can vendors give gifts to an entire group of teammates?
A: Yes, if the gift is provided to a team, facility or department, it is consistent with local policies regarding the
acceptance of gifts from vendors, and shared by the group. Some examples of acceptable gifts are holiday
gift baskets, cookie trays or a box of chocolates. Teammates may also accept promotional items like office
products with a vendor’s logo.
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Davita Code of Conduct 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Davita Code of Conduct 2013