Think-tank Ethisphere Institute has named HCA as one of the 2012 World's Most Ethical Companies. Ethisphere is in its sixth year now and is dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. You can find our ranking in the Q1 issue of Ethisphere Magazine. It's the third year HCA has been recognized for our healthcare services.
As we continue to lead the nation in healthcare there is no doubt that we inspire other organizations to achieve similar goals. Several years ago we established an improved charity care and uninsured discount policy which is now emulated across the nation by other hospitals. HCA was also the first to initiate pricing estimates for patients.
Some of the practices that keep us in the forefront as a healthcare services provider include awarding grants through the HCA Foundation, which have totaled approximately $30 million since 2007, and our ongoing support of agencies that promote health and well-being and that support childhood and youth development.
Today, we are moving to become a leader in environmental practices among healthcare companies by purchasing eco-friendly products, using sustainable building materials, improving recycling efforts and efficiently using energy and water.
In 2011, solar and geothermal energy sources were installed at HCA facilities and we've helped lead a standardized, environmentally conscious effort in industry practices that govern healthcare purchases.
HCA is a member of Practice GreenHealth and a charter member of the Healthier Hospitals Initiative, two organizations that champion eco-friendly practices in healthcare.
And we continue innovations in the healthcare industry with our leading practices.
The 2012 list that includes HCA is the largest since the award’s inception in 2007. Through in-depth research and a multi-step analysis, Ethisphere reviewed nominations from companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries. The methodology for interpretation includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.
“Each year the competition for World’s Most Ethical Companies intensifies as the number of nominations submitted for consideration grows,” said Alex Brigham, Executive Director of Ethisphere. “This year’s winners know that a strong ethics program is a key component to a successful business model, and they continue to scrutinize their ethical standards to keep up with an ever-changing regulatory environment.”
Alan Yuspeh, HCA’s Senior Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer said that the recognition “reflects not only [HCA's] energetic ethics and compliance program, but also our dedication to patients, our support for communities we serve, our generosity of spirit in providing charity care, our focus on sustainability, and our culture of integrity.”
