The majority of the funds were provided by medical-equipment vendors in the form of rebates negotiated through a consortium of more than 100 academic teaching institutions. Through the consortium, hospitals and schools of medicine across the country are able to negotiate joint purchase agreements with discounts for common commodities and services. The investigation, initiated by the university last July, includes UC Davis auditors and personnel officials, the UC Davis police department and the Sacramento district attorney's office.
Radiology department records for the past five years are under review.
At this point, there appears to be no evidence of criminal wrongdoing, but we have turned over our files to the district attorney's office for their further investigation. Hamilton said that, contrary to a news account published Wednesday, university policy does not prohibit the payment of honoraria to visiting professors from other UC campuses. We are reviewing our oversight procedures to best ensure that such activities as have been alleged could not occur in the future. We will take any corrective actions that may be necessary and appropriate.