Document:

Corporate Integrity Agreement

 Exhibit 10.2 
 CORPORATE INTEGRITY AGREEMENT 
 BETWEEN THE 
 OFFICE OF INSPECTOR
GENERAL 
 OF THE 
 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 
 AND 
 ATRICURE, INC. 
  

	I.	PREAMBLE 

 AtriCure, Inc. hereby enters into this Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promote
compliance with the statutes, regulations, and written directives of Medicare, Medicaid, and all other Federal health care programs (as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(f)) (Federal health care program requirements). Contemporaneously with this
CIA, AtriCure is entering into a Settlement Agreement with the United States. 
  

	II.	TERM AND SCOPE OF THE CIA 

 A. The period of the compliance obligations assumed by AtriCure, Inc. under this CIA shall be five years from the effective date of this CIA,
unless otherwise specified. The effective date shall be the date on which the final signatory of this CIA executes this CIA (Effective Date). Each one-year period, beginning with the one-year period following the Effective Date, shall be referred to
as a “Reporting Period.” 
 B. Sections VII, IX, X, and XI shall expire no later than 120 days after OIG’s
receipt of: (1) AtriCure, Inc.’s final annual report; or (2) any additional materials submitted by AtriCure, Inc. pursuant to OIG’s request, whichever is later. 
  
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 C. The scope of this CIA shall be governed by the following definitions: 
 1. “Covered Persons” includes: 
 a. all owners of AtriCure, Inc. who are natural persons (other than shareholders who: (1) have an ownership interest of less than 5%; and (2) acquired the ownership interest through public
trading); 
 b. all officers, directors, and employees of AtriCure, Inc. who are based in the United States or have job
responsibilities in the United States, except as carved out below in this Section II.C.2; and 
 c. all contractors,
subcontractors, agents, and other persons who perform Promotion and Product Services Related Functions (as defined below in Section II.C.3) on behalf of AtriCure, Inc. 
 Notwithstanding the above, this term does not include part-time or per diem employees, contractors, subcontractors, agents, and other persons who are not reasonably expected to work more than 160 hours
per year, except that any such individuals shall become “Covered Persons” at the point when they work more than 160 hours during the calendar year. 
 2. “Government Reimbursed Products” refers to all AtriCure, Inc. products that are reimbursed by Federal health care programs. 
 3. The term “Promotional and Product Services Related Functions” includes: (a) the selling, detailing, marketing, advertising,
promoting, or branding of Government Reimbursed Products; and (b) the preparation or dissemination of materials or information about, or the provision of services relating to, Government Reimbursed Products that are distributed in the United
States. 
 4. “Relevant Promotional and Product Services Covered Persons” includes all Covered Persons whose job
responsibilities relate to Promotional and Product Services Related Functions. 
  
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	III.	CORPORATE INTEGRITY OBLIGATIONS 

 AtriCure, Inc. shall establish and maintain a Compliance Program that includes the following elements: 
 A. Compliance Officer and Committee. 
 1. Compliance Officer. Within 90 days after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc. shall appoint an individual to serve as its Compliance Officer and shall maintain a Compliance Officer for the term of
the CIA. The Compliance Officer shall be responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures, and practices designed to ensure compliance with the requirements set forth in this CIA and with Federal health care program requirements. The
Compliance Officer shall be a member of senior management of AtriCure, Inc., shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of AtriCure, Inc., shall make periodic (at least quarterly) reports regarding compliance matters directly to the Board
of Directors of AtriCure, Inc., and shall be authorized to report on such matters to the Board of Directors at any time. The Compliance Officer shall not be, or be subordinate to, the General Counsel or Chief Financial Officer. The Compliance
Officer shall be responsible for monitoring the day-to-day compliance activities engaged in by AtriCure, Inc. as well as for any reporting obligations created under this CIA. Any non-compliance job responsibilities of the Compliance Officer must not
interfere with the Compliance Officer’s ability to perform the duties outlined in this CIA. 
 AtriCure, Inc. shall report
to OIG, in writing, any changes in the identity of the Compliance Officer, or any actions or changes that would affect the Compliance Officer’s ability to perform the duties necessary to meet the obligations in this CIA, within five days after
the change. 
 2. Compliance Committee. Within 90 days after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc. shall appoint a
Compliance Committee. The Compliance Committee shall, at a minimum, include the Compliance Officer and other members of senior management necessary to meet the requirements of this CIA (e.g., senior executives of relevant departments, such as
legal, human resources, sales and marketing). The Compliance Officer shall chair the Compliance Committee and the Committee shall support the Compliance Officer in fulfilling his/her responsibilities (e.g., shall assist in the analysis of the
organization’s risk areas and shall oversee monitoring of internal and external audits and investigations). 
  
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 AtriCure, Inc. shall report to OIG, in writing, any changes in the composition of the
Compliance Committee, or any actions or changes that would affect the Compliance Committee’s ability to perform the duties necessary to meet the obligations in this CIA, within 15 days after such a change. 
 3. Board of Directors Compliance Obligations. A Committee of the Board of Directors (Committee) shall be responsible for the review
and oversight of matters related to compliance with Federal health care program requirements, FDA requirements, and the obligations of this CIA. The Committee shall, at a minimum, be responsible for the following: 
 a. The Committee shall meet at least quarterly to review and oversee AtriCure, Inc.’s Compliance Program, including but not limited to
evaluating its effectiveness and receiving updates about the activities of the Compliance Officer and other compliance personnel. 
 b. The Committee shall consist of at least three members, at least one of whom shall be an independent director. The Compliance Officer is required to make at least four reports a year to the Committee or more often, if requested by the
Committee or the Compliance Officer. 
 c. The Committee shall arrange for the performance of a review on the effectiveness of
AtriCure, Inc.’s Compliance Program (Compliance Program Review) for each Reporting Period of the CIA and shall review the results of the Compliance Program Review as part of the review and assessment of AtriCure, Inc.’s Compliance Program.
A copy of the Compliance Program Review Report shall be provided to OIG in each Annual Report submitted by AtriCure, Inc. 
 d.
For each Reporting Period of the CIA, the Committee shall adopt a resolution, signed by each individual member of the Committee, summarizing its review and oversight of AtriCure, Inc.’s compliance with Federal health care program requirements,
FDA requirements, and the obligations of this CIA. 
 At minimum, the resolution shall include the following language:

  
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 “The [insert name of Committee] Committee of the Board of Directors has made a
reasonable inquiry into the operations of AtriCure, Inc.’s Compliance Program, including but not limited to evaluating its effectiveness and receiving updates about the activities of its Compliance Officer and other compliance personnel. The
Board also has arranged for the performance of, and reviewed the results of, the Compliance Program Review. Based on its inquiry, the Committee has concluded that, to the best of its knowledge, AtriCure, Inc. has implemented an effective Compliance
Program to meet Federal health care program requirements, FDA requirements, and the obligations of the CIA.” 
 If the
Committee is unable to provide such a conclusion in the resolution, the Committee shall include in the resolution a written explanation of the reasons why it is unable to provide the conclusion and the steps it is taking to assure implementation by
AtriCure, Inc. of an effective Compliance Program. 
 AtriCure, Inc. shall report to OIG, in writing, any changes in the
composition of the Committee, or any actions or changes that would affect the Committee’s ability to perform the duties necessary to meet the obligations in this CIA, within 15 days after such a change. 
 The Board of Directors may by resolution reserve to itself the powers and responsibilities assigned to the Committee under this CIA. In that
event, all references in this CIA to the Committee shall be deemed to be references to the Board of Directors. 
 4.
Management Accountability and Certifications: In addition to the responsibilities set forth in this CIA for all Covered Persons, certain AtriCure, Inc. employees (“Certifying Employees”) are specifically expected to monitor and
oversee activities within their areas of authority and shall annually certify, in writing or electronically, that the applicable AtriCure, Inc. component is compliant with Federal health care program requirements, FDA requirements, and the
obligations of this CIA. These Certifying Employees shall include, at a minimum, the following individuals from AtriCure, Inc.: 
  

	 	•	 	 David Drachman, President and CEO 

  

	 	•	 	 Michael Rogge, Director of Marketing 

  

	 	•	 	 Stewart Strong, VP, Domestic Sales 

  

	 	•	 	 Tim Palmer, Director, Sales (East Region) 

  
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	 	•	 	 Kevin Henderson, Director, Sales (West Region) 

 For each Reporting Period, each Certifying Employee shall sign a certification that states: 
 “I have been trained on and understand the compliance requirements and responsibilities as they relate to [department or functional area], an area under my supervision. My job responsibilities
include ensuring compliance with regard to the          [insert name of the department or functional area.] To the best of my knowledge, except as otherwise described herein, the
         [insert name of department or functional area] of AtriCure, Inc. is in compliance with all applicable Federal health care program requirements, FDA requirements, and the obligations of the CIA.”

 B. Written Standards. 
 1. Code of Conduct. Within 90 days after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc. shall develop, implement, and distribute a written Code of Conduct to all Covered Persons. AtriCure, Inc. shall make the
promotion of, and adherence to, the Code of Conduct an element in evaluating the performance of all employees. The Code of Conduct shall, at a minimum, set forth: 
 a. AtriCure, Inc.’s commitment to full compliance with all Federal health care program and FDA requirements, including its commitment to market, sell, promote, research, develop, provide information
about, and advertise its products in accordance with Federal health care program and FDA requirements and to prepare and submit accurate claims consistent with such requirements; 
 b. AtriCure, Inc.’s requirement that all of its Covered Persons shall be expected to comply with all Federal health care program and
FDA requirements and with AtriCure, Inc.’s own Policies and Procedures; 
 c. the requirement that all of AtriCure,
Inc.’s Covered Persons shall be expected to report to the Compliance Officer, or other appropriate individual designated by AtriCure, Inc., suspected violations of any Federal health care program and FDA requirements and of AtriCure,
Inc.’s own Policies and Procedures; and 
  
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 d. the right of all individuals to use the Disclosure Program described in Section III.E,
and AtriCure, Inc.’s commitment to nonretaliation and to maintain, as appropriate, confidentiality and anonymity with respect to such disclosures. 
 Within 90 days after the Effective Date, each Covered Person shall certify, in writing, that he or she has received, read, understood, and shall abide by AtriCure, Inc.’s Code of Conduct. New Covered
Persons shall receive the Code of Conduct and shall complete the required certification within 30 days after becoming a Covered Person or within 90 days after the Effective Date, whichever is later. 
 AtriCure, Inc. shall periodically review the Code of Conduct to determine if revisions are appropriate and shall make any necessary
revisions based on such review. Any revised Code of Conduct shall be distributed within 30 days after any revisions are finalized. Each Covered Person shall certify, in writing, that he or she has received, read, understood, and shall abide by the
revised Code of Conduct within 30 days after the distribution of the revised Code of Conduct. 
 2. Policies and
Procedures. Within 90 days after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc. shall implement written Policies and Procedures regarding the operation of AtriCure, Inc.’s compliance program, including the compliance program requirements outlined in
this CIA, and AtriCure, Inc.’s compliance with Federal health care program and FDA requirements. At a minimum, the Policies and Procedures shall address: 
 a. the subjects relating to the Code of Conduct identified in Section III.B.1; 
 b. appropriate ways to conduct Promotional and Product Services Related Functions in compliance with all applicable Federal healthcare program requirements, including, but not limited to the Federal anti-kickback statute (codified at 42
U.S.C. § 1320a-7b), and the False Claims Act (codified at 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733); 
 c. appropriate ways to
conduct Promotional and Product Services Related Functions in compliance with all applicable FDA requirements, including FDA regulatory approval requirements; 
  

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 d. the materials and information that may be distributed by AtriCure, Inc. sales
representatives and account executives about AtriCure, Inc.’s Government Reimbursed Products and the manner in which AtriCure, Inc. sales representatives and account executives respond to requests for information about non-FDA approved (or
“off-label”) uses of AtriCure, Inc.’s Government Reimbursed Products; the form and content of information disseminated by AtriCure, Inc. in response to such requests; and the internal review process for the information disseminated.

 The Policies and Procedures shall include a requirement that AtriCure, Inc. develop a database to track requests for
information about AtriCure, Inc.’s Government Reimbursed Products that involve non-FDA approved (or “off-label”) uses. This database shall be referred to as the “Inquiries Database.” The Inquiries Database shall include the
following items of information for each unique inquiry (Inquiry) received for information about AtriCure, Inc.’s products: 1) date of Inquiry; 2) form of Inquiry (e.g., fax, phone, etc.); 3) name of the requesting HCP or HCI; 4) nature
and topic of request (including exact language of the Inquiry if made in writing); 5) nature/form of the response from AtriCure, Inc. (including a record of the materials provided to the HCP or HCI in response to the request); and 6) the name of the
AtriCure, Inc. representative who called on or interacted with the HCP or HCI. Any response from AtriCure, Inc. to an HCP or HCI shall identify whether the information provided addresses an indication that is part of the approved product label. The
status and findings of any follow-up review conducted by AtriCure, Inc. in situations in which it appears that the Inquiry may have related to improper off-label promotion shall be maintained by the Compliance Officer and the information shall be
included in the Inquiry Reports further discussed in Section III.A.2 of Appendix B; 
 e. review of AtriCure, Inc.’s launch
and marketing plans and the use of Prolifiq, a centrally-controlled system to distribute information to AtriCure, Inc. customers. During the term of the CIA, AtriCure, Inc. 
  
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will continue to mandate the use of the “Prolifiq” system for reviewing and tracking information requested by AtriCure, Inc. customers, and to disseminate such information. The policy
governing the use of “Prolifiq” shall continue to ensure that AtriCure, Inc. is promoting its Government Reimbursed Products in a manner that complies with all applicable Federal health care program and FDA requirements and is consistent
with representations made by AtriCure, Inc. to the FDA. The review of AtriCure’s launch and marketing plans and compliance with AtriCure’s Prolifiq system requirements shall occur at least annually and shall also occur each time when the
FDA approves a new or additional indication for a Government Reimbursed Product; 
 f. review of all promotional and written
materials and information intended to be disseminated outside AtriCure, Inc., including promotional and written materials and information related to the coding of Government Reimbursed Products by health care professionals and health care
institutions, to ensure that legal, regulatory, and medical concerns are properly addressed during AtriCure, Inc.’s review and approval process and are elevated when appropriate. The Policies and Procedures shall be designed to ensure that such
materials and information, as approved, comply with all applicable Federal health care program and FDA requirements; 
 g.
Medical device reporting procedures, including those procedures required by 21 U.S.C. § 360i and 21 C.F.R. Part 803; 
 h.
Post-approval medical device reporting procedures, including those required by 21 U.S.C. §§ 360i and 360l and 21 C.F.R. §§ 814.80, 814.82, and 814.84; 
 i. Policies and procedures for the protections of human subjects required by 45 C.F.R. § Part 46; 
 j. Policies and procedures for seeking approval of devices and uses of devices consistent with FDA statutes and regulations, including 
  
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Investigational Device Exemption policies and procedures, required by 21 U.S.C. § 360j(g) and 21 C.F.R. Part 812; and 
 k. disciplinary policies and procedures for violations of AtriCure, Inc.’s Policies and Procedures, including policies relating to
Federal health care program and FDA requirements. 
 Within 90 days after the Effective Date, the relevant portions of the
Policies and Procedures shall be distributed to all Covered Persons. Appropriate and knowledgeable staff shall be available to explain the Policies and Procedures. 
 At least annually (and more frequently, if appropriate), AtriCure, Inc. shall assess and update, as necessary, the Policies and Procedures. Within 30 days after the effective date of any revisions, any
such revised Policies and Procedures shall be distributed to all individuals whose job functions relate to those Policies and Procedures. 
 C. Training and Education. 
 1. General Training. Within 90 days
after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc. shall provide at least two hours of General Training to each Covered Person. This training, at a minimum, shall explain AtriCure, Inc.’s: 
 a. CIA requirements; and 
 b. AtriCure, Inc.’s Compliance Program (including the Code of Conduct). 
 New Covered Persons shall receive the
General Training described above within 30 days after becoming a Covered Person or within 90 days after the Effective Date, whichever is later. After receiving the initial General Training described above, each Covered Person shall receive at least
one hour of General Training in each subsequent Reporting Period. 
 2. Specific Training. Within 90 days after the
Effective Date, each Relevant Promotional and Product Services Covered Person shall receive at least four hours of Specific Promotional and Product Services Training in addition to the General Training required above. This Specific Training shall
include a discussion of: 
  
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	 	a.	all applicable Federal health care program and FDA requirements relating to Promotional and Product Services Related Functions; 

  

	 	b.	all AtriCure, Inc. Policies and Procedures and other requirements applicable to Promotional and Product Services Related Functions; 

  

	 	c.	the personal obligation of each individual involved in Promotional and Product Services Related Functions to comply with all applicable Federal health care program and
FDA requirements and all other applicable legal requirements, as well as AtriCure, Inc.’s Policies and Procedures; 

  

	 	d.	the legal sanctions for violations of the applicable Federal health care program and FDA requirements, the False Claims Act, and the Anti-kickback statute;

  

	 	e.	examples of proper and improper practices related to Promotional and Product Services Related Functions; 

  

	 	f.	the dissemination of information regarding Federal health care program requirements concerning the accurate coding and submission of claims; and

  

	 	g.	the legal sanctions to both AtriCure, Inc. and Relevant Covered Promotional and Product Services Persons of failure to comply with Federal health care program and FDA
requirements and with AtriCure Inc.’s own Policies and Procedures and the failure to report such non-compliance. 

 New Relevant Promotional and Product Services Covered Persons shall receive this training within 90 days after the beginning of their employment or becoming a Relevant Promotional and Product Services Covered Person, or within 90 days after
the Effective Date, whichever is later. An AtriCure, Inc. employee who has completed the Specific Training shall review or supervise (as applicable) a new Relevant Promotional and Product Services Covered Person’s work, to the extent that the
work relates to 
  
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Promotional and Product Services Related Functions, until such time as the new Relevant Promotional and Product Services Covered Person completes his or her Specific Training. 
 After receiving the initial Specific Training described in this Section, each Relevant Promotional and Product Services Covered Person shall
receive at least three hours of Specific Training in each subsequent Reporting Period. 
 3. Certification. Each
individual who is required to attend training shall certify, in writing, or in electronic form, if applicable, that he or she has received the required training. The certification shall specify the type of training received and the date received.
The Compliance Officer (or designee) shall retain the certifications, along with all course materials. These shall be made available to OIG, upon request. 
 4. Qualifications of Trainer. Persons providing the training shall be knowledgeable about the subject area of the training, including applicable Federal health care program and FDA requirements.
The training and education required under this Section III.C may be provided by supervisory employees, knowledgeable staff, and/or outside consultant trainers selected by AtriCure, Inc., or may be satisfied by relevant continuing education programs
provided they cover the topics outlined above in Section III.C.2. 
 5. Update of Training. AtriCure, Inc. shall review
the training annually, and, where appropriate, update the training to reflect changes in Federal health care program requirements, FDA requirements, any issues discovered during any internal audits or any IRO Review, and any other relevant
information. 
 6. Computer-based Training. AtriCure, Inc. may provide the training required under this CIA through
appropriate computer-based training approaches. If AtriCure, Inc. chooses to provide computer-based training, it shall make available appropriately qualified and knowledgeable staff or trainers to answer questions or provide additional information
to the Covered Persons receiving such training. 
  
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 D. Review Procedures. 
 1. General Description. 
 a. Engagement of Independent Review Organization. Within 90 days after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc. shall engage an entity (or entities), such as an accounting, auditing, or consulting firm
(hereinafter “Independent Review Organization” or “IRO”), to perform reviews to assist AtriCure, Inc. in assessing and evaluating its Promotional and Product Services Related Functions. The applicable requirements relating to the
IRO are outlined in Appendix A to this CIA, which is incorporated by reference. 
 Each IRO engaged by AtriCure, Inc. shall have
expertise in applicable Federal health care program and FDA requirements as may be appropriate to the Review for which the IRO is retained. Each IRO shall assess, along with AtriCure, Inc., whether it can perform the engagement in a professionally
independent and objective fashion, as appropriate to the nature of the review, taking into account any other business relationships or other engagements that may exist. 
 The IRO(s) shall conduct reviews that assess AtriCure, Inc.’s systems, processes, policies, procedures, and practices relating to Promotional and Product Services Related Functions (Promotional and
Product Services Reviews). 
 b. Frequency and Brief Description of Reviews. As set forth more fully in Appendix B, the
Promotional and Product Services Review shall consist of two components - a Systems Review and a Transactions Review. The Systems Review shall assess AtriCure, Inc.’s systems, processes, policies, and procedures relating to Promotional and
Product Services Related Functions. If there are no material changes in AtriCure, Inc.’s systems, processes, policies, and procedures relating to Promotional and Product Services Related Functions, the Promotional and Product Services Systems
Review shall be performed for the periods covering the first and fourth 
  
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Reporting Periods. If AtriCure, Inc. materially changes its systems, processes, policies, and procedures relating to Promotional and Product Services Related Functions, the IRO shall perform a
Systems Review for the Reporting Period in which such changes were made in addition to conducting the Systems Review for the first and fourth Reporting Periods. 
 The Promotional and Product Services Transactions Review shall be performed annually and shall cover each of the five Reporting Periods. The IRO(s) shall perform all components of each annual Transaction
Review. As set forth more fully in Appendix B, the Transactions Review shall include several components, including a review relating to AtriCure, Inc.’s marketing and outreach efforts concerning atrial fibrillation, AtriCure, Inc.’s
product-approval efforts, and a review of records relating to information disseminated regarding the correct or proper coding of AtriCure, Inc.’s Government Reimbursed Products. 
 c. Retention of Records. The IRO and AtriCure, Inc. shall retain and make available to OIG, upon request, all work papers, supporting
documentation, correspondence, and draft reports (those exchanged between the IRO and AtriCure, Inc.) related to the reviews. 
 2. IRO Review Reports. The IRO(s) shall prepare a report (or reports) based upon each Review performed. The information and content to be included in the report is described in Appendix B, which is incorporated by reference.

 3. Validation Review. In the event OIG has reason to believe that: (a) any IRO Review fails to conform to the
requirements of this CIA; or (b) the IRO’s findings or Review results are inaccurate, OIG may, at its sole discretion, conduct its own review to determine whether the applicable IRO Review complied with the requirements of the CIA and/or
the findings or Review results are inaccurate (Validation Review). AtriCure, Inc. shall pay for the reasonable cost of any such review performed by OIG or any of its designated agents. Any Validation Review of Reports submitted as part of AtriCure,
Inc.’s final Annual Report shall be initiated no later than one year after AtriCure, Inc.’s final submission (as described in Section II) is received by OIG. 
  

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 Prior to initiating a Validation Review, OIG shall notify AtriCure, Inc. of its intent to do
so and provide a written explanation of why OIG believes such a review is necessary. To resolve any concerns raised by OIG, AtriCure, Inc. may request a meeting with OIG to: (a) discuss the results of any Review submissions or findings;
(b) present any additional information to clarify the results of the applicable Review or to correct the inaccuracy of the Review; and/or (c) propose alternatives to the proposed Validation Review. AtriCure, Inc. agrees to provide any
additional information as may be requested by OIG under this Section III.D.3 in an expedited manner. OIG will attempt in good faith to resolve any Review issues with AtriCure, Inc. prior to conducting a Validation Review. However, the final
determination as to whether or not to proceed with a Validation Review shall be made at the sole discretion of OIG. 
 4.
Independence and Objectivity Certification. The IRO shall include in its report(s) to AtriCure, Inc. a certification or sworn affidavit that it has evaluated its professional independence and objectivity, as appropriate to the nature of the
engagement, with regard to the applicable Review and that it has concluded that it is, in fact, independent and objective. 
 E.
Disclosure Program. 
 Within 90 days after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc. shall establish a Disclosure Program that
includes a mechanism (e.g., a toll-free compliance telephone line) to enable individuals to disclose, to the Compliance Officer or some other person who is not in the disclosing individual’s chain of command, any identified issues or
questions associated with AtriCure, Inc.’s policies, conduct, practices, or procedures with respect to a Federal health care program believed by the individual to be a potential violation of criminal, civil, or administrative law. AtriCure,
Inc. shall appropriately publicize the existence of the disclosure mechanism (e.g., via periodic e-mails to employees or by posting the information in prominent common areas). 
 The Disclosure Program shall emphasize a nonretribution, nonretaliation policy, and shall include a reporting mechanism for anonymous
communications for which appropriate confidentiality shall be maintained. Upon receipt of a disclosure, the Compliance Officer (or designee) shall gather all relevant information from the disclosing individual. The Compliance Officer (or designee)
shall make a preliminary, good faith inquiry into the allegations set forth in every disclosure to ensure that he or she has obtained all of the information necessary to determine whether a further review should be 
  
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conducted. For any disclosure that is sufficiently specific so that it reasonably: (1) permits a determination of the appropriateness of the alleged improper practice; and (2) provides
an opportunity for taking corrective action, AtriCure, Inc. shall conduct an internal review of the allegations set forth in the disclosure and ensure that proper follow-up is conducted. 
 The Compliance Officer (or designee) shall maintain a disclosure log, which shall include a record and summary of each disclosure received
(whether anonymous or not), the status of the respective internal reviews, and any corrective action taken in response to the internal reviews. The disclosure log shall be made available to OIG upon request. 
 F. Ineligible Persons. 
 1. Definitions. For purposes of this CIA: 
 a. an “Ineligible
Person” shall include an individual or entity who: 
 i. is currently excluded, debarred, suspended, or otherwise
ineligible to participate in the Federal health care programs or in Federal procurement or nonprocurement programs; or 
 ii.
has been convicted of a criminal offense that falls within the scope of 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7(a), but has not yet been excluded, debarred, suspended, or otherwise declared ineligible. 
 b. “Exclusion Lists” include: 
 i. the HHS/OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (available through the Internet at http://www.oig.hhs.gov); and 
 ii. the General Services Administration’s List of Parties Excluded from Federal Programs (available through the Internet at http://www.epls.gov). 
  
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 2. Screening Requirements. AtriCure, Inc. shall ensure that all prospective and
current Covered Persons are not Ineligible Persons, by implementing the following screening requirements. 
 a. AtriCure, Inc.
shall screen all prospective and current Covered Persons against the Exclusion Lists prior to engaging their services and, as part of the hiring or contracting process, shall require such Covered Persons to disclose whether they are Ineligible
Persons. 
 b. AtriCure, Inc. shall screen all Covered Persons against the Exclusion Lists within 90 days after the Effective
Date and on an annual basis thereafter. 
 c. AtriCure, Inc. shall implement a policy requiring all Covered Persons to disclose
immediately any debarment, exclusion, suspension, or other event that makes that person an Ineligible Person. 
 Nothing in this
Section affects the responsibility of (or liability for) AtriCure, Inc. to refrain from billing Federal health care programs for items or services furnished, ordered, or prescribed by an Ineligible Person. AtriCure, Inc. understands that items or
services furnished by excluded persons are not payable by Federal health care programs and that AtriCure, Inc. may be liable for overpayments and/or criminal, civil, and administrative sanctions for employing or contracting with an excluded person
regardless of whether AtriCure, Inc. meets the requirements of Section III.F. 
 3. Removal Requirement. If AtriCure,
Inc. has actual notice that a Covered Person has become an Ineligible Person, AtriCure, Inc. shall remove such Covered Person from responsibility for, or involvement with, AtriCure, Inc.’s business operations related to the Federal health care
programs and shall remove such Covered Person from any position for which the Covered Person’s compensation or the items or services furnished, ordered, or prescribed by the Covered Person are paid in whole or part, directly or indirectly, by
Federal health care programs or otherwise with Federal funds at least until such time as the Covered Person is reinstated into participation in the Federal health care programs. 
  
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 4. Pending Charges and Proposed Exclusions. If AtriCure, Inc. has actual notice that
a Covered Person is charged with a criminal offense that falls within the scope of 42 U.S.C. §§ 1320a-7(a), 1320a-7(b)(1)-(3), or is proposed for exclusion during the Covered Person’s employment or contract term, AtriCure, Inc. shall
take all appropriate actions to ensure that the responsibilities of that Covered Person have not and shall not adversely affect the quality of care rendered to any beneficiary, patient, or resident, or any claims submitted to any Federal health care
program. 
 G. Notification of Government Investigation or Legal Proceedings. 
 Within 30 days after discovery by senior management at AtriCure, Inc., AtriCure, Inc. shall notify OIG, in writing, of any ongoing
investigation or legal proceeding known to AtriCure, Inc. conducted or brought by a governmental entity or its agents involving an allegation that AtriCure, Inc. has committed a crime or has engaged in fraudulent activities. This notification shall
include a description of the allegation, the identity of the investigating or prosecuting agency, and the status of such investigation or legal proceeding. AtriCure, Inc. shall also provide written notice to OIG within 30 days after the resolution
of the matter, and shall provide OIG with a description of the findings and/or results of the investigation or proceedings, if any. 
 H. Reporting. 
 1. Reportable Events. 
 a. Definition of Reportable Event. For purposes of this CIA, a “Reportable Event” means anything that involves: 

i. a matter that a reasonable person would consider a probable violation of criminal, civil, or administrative laws applicable to any
Federal health care program and/or applicable to any FDA requirements relating to the promotion of AtriCure, Inc. Government Reimbursed Products for which penalties or exclusion may be authorized; or 
 ii. the filing of a bankruptcy petition by AtriCure, Inc. 
  
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 A Reportable Event may be the result of an isolated event or a series of occurrences.

 b. Reporting of Reportable Events. If AtriCure, Inc. determines (after a reasonable opportunity to conduct an
appropriate review or investigation of the allegations) through any means that there is a Reportable Event, AtriCure, Inc. shall notify OIG, in writing, within 30 days after making the determination that the Reportable Event exists. The report to
OIG shall include the following information: 
 i. a complete description of the Reportable Event, including the relevant facts,
persons involved, and legal and Federal health care program and/or FDA authorities implicated; 
 ii. a description of AtriCure,
Inc.’s actions taken to correct the Reportable Event; and 
 iii. any further steps AtriCure, Inc. plans to take to address
the Reportable Event and prevent it from recurring. 
 iv. If the Reportable Event involves the filing of a bankruptcy petition,
the report to the OIG shall include documentation of the filing and a description of any Federal health care program authorities and/or FDA authorities implicated. 
 v. AtriCure, Inc. shall not be required to report as a Reportable Event any matter previously disclosed under Section III.G. 
 I. Notification of Communications with FDA. 
 Within 30 days after the date
of any written report, correspondence, or communication between AtriCure, Inc. and the FDA that materially discusses AtriCure, Inc.’s or a Covered Person’s actual or potential unlawful or improper promotion of AtriCure, Inc.’s
products (including any improper dissemination of information about unapproved uses), AtriCure, Inc. shall provide a copy of the report, correspondence, or communication to the OIG. AtriCure, Inc. shall also provide written notice to the OIG

  
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within 30 days after the resolution of any such disclosed matter, and shall provide the OIG with a description of the findings and/or results of the matter, if any. 
 Within 30 days after the date of any written report, correspondence, or communication between AtriCure, Inc. and the FDA that materially
discusses the status of AtriCure, Inc.’s application for FDA approvals of Government Reimbursed Products, including the status of studies related to the FDA approval process, AtriCure, Inc. shall provide the OIG with a description of such
written report, correspondence, or communication. 
  

	IV.	CHANGES TO BUSINESS UNITS OR LOCATIONS

 A. Change or Closure of Unit or Location. In the event that, after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc.
changes locations or closes a business unit or location related to the furnishing of items or services that may be reimbursed by Federal health care programs, AtriCure, Inc. shall notify OIG of this fact as soon as possible, but no later than within
30 days after the date of change or closure of the location. 
 B. Purchase or Establishment of New Unit or Location. In
the event that, after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc. purchases or establishes a new business unit or location related to the furnishing of items or services that may be reimbursed by Federal health care programs, AtriCure, Inc. shall notify OIG
at least 30 days prior to such purchase or the operation of the new business unit or location. This notification shall include the address of the new business unit or location, phone number, fax number, Federal health care program provider or
supplier number (if applicable), and the name and address of the contractor that issued each number (if applicable). Each new business unit or location and all Covered Persons at each new business unit or location shall be subject to the applicable
requirements of this CIA. 
 C. Sale of Unit or Location. In the event that, after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc.
proposes to sell any or all of its business units or locations that are subject to this CIA, AtriCure, Inc. shall notify OIG of the proposed sale at least 30 days prior to the closing of the sale of such business unit or location. This notification
shall include a description of the business unit or location to be sold, a brief description of the terms of the sale, and the name and contact information of the prospective purchaser. This CIA shall be binding on the purchaser of such business
unit or location, unless otherwise determined and agreed to in writing by the OIG. 
  
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	V.	IMPLEMENTATION AND ANNUAL REPORTS 

 A. Implementation Report. Within 120 days after the Effective Date, AtriCure, Inc. shall submit a written report to OIG summarizing
the status of its implementation of the requirements of this CIA (Implementation Report). The Implementation Report shall, at a minimum, include: 
 1. the name, address, phone number, and position description of the Compliance Officer required by Section III.A, and a summary of other noncompliance job responsibilities the Compliance Officer may have;

 2. the names and positions of the members of the Compliance Committee required by Section III.A; 
 3. the names of the members of the Committee of the Board referenced in Section III.A.3 
 4. the names and positions of the Certifying Employees required by Section III.A.4; 
 5. a copy of AtriCure, Inc.’s Code of Conduct required by Section III.B.1; 
 6. a copy of all Policies and Procedures required by Section III.B.2; 
 7. the number of individuals required to complete the Code of Conduct certification required by Section III.B.1, the percentage of
individuals who have completed such certification, and an explanation of any exceptions (the documentation supporting this information shall be available to OIG, upon request); 
 8. the following information regarding each type of training required by Section III.C: 
 a. a description of the initial and annual training, including a summary of the topics covered, the length of sessions, and a schedule of
training sessions; and 
  
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 b. the number of individuals required to complete the initial and annual training, the
percentage of individuals who actually completed the initial and annual training, and an explanation of any exceptions. 
 A copy of all
training materials and the documentation supporting this information shall be available to OIG, upon request. 
 9. a
description of the Disclosure Program required by Section III.E; 
 10. the following information regarding the IRO(s):
(a) identity, address, and phone number; (b) a copy of the engagement letter; and (c) a summary and description of any and all current and prior engagements and agreements between AtriCure, Inc. and the IRO; 
 11. a certification from the IRO regarding its professional independence and objectivity with respect to AtriCure, Inc.; 
 12. a description of the process by which AtriCure, Inc. fulfills the requirements of Section III.F regarding Ineligible Persons;

 13. the name, title, and responsibilities of any person who is determined to be an Ineligible Person under Section III.F; the
actions taken in response to the screening and removal obligations set forth in Section III.F; 
 14. a list of all of AtriCure,
Inc.’s U.S. locations (including locations and mailing addresses) at which it performs Promotional and Product Services Related Functions; the corresponding name under which each location is doing business; the corresponding phone numbers and
fax numbers; each location’s Federal health care program provider or supplier number(s) (if applicable), and the name and address of each Federal health care program contractor to which AtriCure, Inc. currently submits claims (if applicable);

 15. a description of AtriCure, Inc.’s corporate structure, including identification of any parent and sister companies,
subsidiaries, and their respective lines of business; and 
  
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 16. the certifications required by Section V.C. 
 B. Annual Reports. AtriCure, Inc. shall submit to OIG annually a report with respect to the status of, and findings regarding,
AtriCure, Inc.’s compliance activities for each of the five Reporting Periods (Annual Report). 
 Each Annual Report shall include, at a
minimum: 
 1. an explanation of any change in the identity, position description, or other non-compliance job responsibilities
of the Compliance Officer and any change in the membership of the Compliance Committee, the compliance Committee of the Board of Directors, or the group of Certifying Employees described in Section III.A.4, and a copy of the Compliance Program
Review Report described in Section III.A.3; 
 2. a summary of any significant changes or amendments to the Policies and
Procedures required by Section III.B and the reasons for such changes (e.g., change in contractor policy); 
 3. the number of
Covered Persons required to complete the Code of Conduct certification required by Section III.B.1, the percentage of individuals who have completed such certification, and an explanation of any exceptions (the documentation supporting this
information shall be available to OIG, upon request); 
 4. the following information regarding each type of training required
by Section III.C: 
 a. a description of the initial and annual training, including a summary of the topics covered, the length
of sessions, and a schedule of training sessions; and 
 b. the number of individuals required to complete the initial and
annual training, the, percentage of individuals who actually completed the initial and annual training, and an explanation of any exceptions. 
 A copy of all training materials and the documentation supporting this information shall be available to OIG, upon request. 
  
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 5. a complete copy of all reports prepared pursuant to Section III.D, along with a copy of
the IRO’s engagement letter (if applicable); 
 6. AtriCure, Inc.’s response to the reports prepared pursuant to
Section III.D, along with corrective action plan(s) related to any issues raised by the reports; 
 7. a summary and description
of any and all current and prior engagements and agreements between AtriCure, Inc. and the IRO, if different from what was submitted as part of the Implementation Report; 
 8. a certification from the IRO regarding its professional independence and objectivity with respect to AtriCure, Inc.; 
 9. a summary of Reportable Events (as defined in Section III.H) identified during the Reporting Period and the status of any corrective and preventative action relating to all such Reportable Events;

 10. a summary of the disclosures in the disclosure log required by Section III.E that relate to Federal health care programs;

 11. any changes to the process by which AtriCure, Inc. fulfills the requirements of Section III.F regarding Ineligible
Persons; 
 12. the name, title, and responsibilities of any person who is determined to be an Ineligible Person under Section
III.F; and the actions taken by AtriCure, Inc. in response to the screening and removal obligations set forth in Section III.F; 
 13. a summary describing any ongoing investigation or legal proceeding required to have been reported pursuant to Section III.G. The summary shall include a description of the allegation, the identity of the investigating or prosecuting
agency, and the status of such investigation or legal proceeding; 
 14. a description of all changes to the most recently
provided list of AtriCure, Inc.’s locations (including addresses) as required by Section V.A.12; the corresponding name under which each location is doing business; and the corresponding phone numbers and fax numbers; 
  
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 15. a summary describing any written communication with the FDA required to have been
reported pursuant to Section III.I. This summary shall include a description of the matter and the status of the matter; 
 16.
the certifications required by Section V.C. 
 The first Annual Report shall be received by OIG no later than 60 days after the
end of the first Reporting Period. Subsequent Annual Reports shall be received by OIG no later than the anniversary date of the due date of the first Annual Report. 
 C. Certifications. The following certifications shall be included in the Implementation Report and each Annual Report: 
 1. Certifying Employees: In each Annual Report, AtriCure, Inc. shall include the certifications of Certifying Employees as required by Section III.A.4; 
 2. Compliance Officer: In the Implementation Report and Annual Reports, AtriCure, Inc. shall include the following individual
certification by the Compliance Officer: 
 a. he or she has reviewed the report and has made reasonable inquiry regarding its
content and believes that the information in the report is accurate and truthful; 
 b. to the best of his or her knowledge,
except as otherwise described in the report, AtriCure, Inc. is in compliance with the Federal health care program and FDA requirements and the obligations of the CIA; 
 c. to the best of his or her knowledge, AtriCure, Inc. has complied with its obligations under the Settlement Agreement: (a) not to resubmit to any Federal health care program payors any previously
denied claims related to the Covered Conduct addressed in the Settlement Agreement, and not to appeal any such denials of claims; (b) not to charge to or otherwise seek payment from federal or state payors for unallowable costs (as defined in
the Settlement Agreement); and (c) to identify and adjust any past charges or claims for unallowable costs; 
 d.
AtriCure, Inc.’s: 1) Policies and Procedures as referenced in 
  
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Section III.B.2 above; 2) templates for standardized contracts and other similar documents; and 3) the training materials used for purposes of Section III.C all have been reviewed by competent
legal counsel and/or legal personnel working at their direction and have been found to be in compliance with all applicable Federal health care program and FDA requirements. In addition, AtriCure, Inc.’s promotional materials containing claims
or information about Government Reimbursed Products and other materials and information intended to be disseminated outside AtriCure, Inc. have been reviewed by competent regulatory, medical, and/or legal personnel in accordance with applicable
Policies and Procedures to ensure that legal, medical, and regulatory concerns are properly addressed and are elevated when appropriate, and that the materials and information when finally approved are in compliance with all applicable Federal
health care program and FDA requirements. If the applicable legal requirements have not changed, after the initial review of the documents listed above, only material changes to the documents must be reviewed by competent regulatory, medical, and/or
legal personnel. The certification shall include a description of the document(s) reviewed and approximately when the review was completed. The documentation supporting this certification shall be available to OIG, upon request; and 
 e. AtriCure, Inc.’s launch and marketing plans for Government Reimbursed Products were reviewed at least once during the Reporting
Period (consistent with Section III.B.2.e) and, for each product the plans were found to be consistent with AtriCure, Inc.’s policy objectives as referenced above in Section III.B.2.e. 
 f. AtriCure, Inc. is making good-faith efforts to obtain all necessary approvals for each of its Government Reimbursed Products.

 D. Designation of Information. AtriCure, Inc. shall clearly identify any portions of its submissions that it believes
are trade secrets, or information that is commercial or financial and privileged or confidential, and therefore potentially exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552. AtriCure, Inc. shall refrain from
identifying any information as exempt from disclosure if that information does not meet the criteria for exemption from disclosure under FOIA. 
  

	VI.	NOTIFICATIONS AND SUBMISSION OF REPORTS

 Unless otherwise stated in writing after the Effective Date, all notifications and reports required under
this CIA shall be submitted to the following entities: 
  
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	OIG:	 	Administrative and Civil Remedies Branch
		 	Office of Counsel to the Inspector General
		 	Office of Inspector General
		 	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
		 	Cohen Building, Room 5527
		 	330 Independence Avenue, S.W.
		 	Washington, DC 20201
		 	Telephone: 202.619.2078
		 	Facsimile: 202.205.0604
		
	AtriCure:	 	Jim Lucky
		 	VP, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs
		 	Compliance Officer
		 	AtriCure, Inc.
		 	6033 Schumacher Park Drive
		 	West Chester, Ohio 45069
		 	Phone: 513.755.4100

 Unless otherwise specified, all notifications and reports required by this CIA may be made by
certified mail, overnight mail, hand delivery, or other means, provided that there is proof that such notification was received. For purposes of this requirement, internal facsimile confirmation sheets do not constitute proof of receipt. Upon
request by OIG, AtriCure, Inc. may be required to provide OIG with an electronic copy of each notification or report required by this CIA in searchable portable document format (.pdf), either instead of or in addition to, a paper copy. 

 

	VII.	OIG INSPECTION, AUDIT, AND REVIEW RIGHTS

 In addition to any other rights OIG may have by statute, regulation, or contract, OIG or its duly authorized
representative(s) may examine or request copies of AtriCure, Inc.’s books, records, and other documents and supporting materials and/or conduct on-site reviews of any of AtriCure, Inc.’s locations for the purpose of verifying and
evaluating: (a) AtriCure, Inc.’s compliance with the terms of this CIA; and (b) AtriCure, Inc.’s compliance with the requirements of the Federal health care programs and FDA applicable to its Government Reimbursed Products. The
documentation described above shall be made available by AtriCure, Inc. to OIG or its duly authorized representative(s) at all reasonable times for inspection, audit, or reproduction. Furthermore, for purposes 
  
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of this provision, OIG or its duly authorized representative(s) may interview any of AtriCure, Inc.’s employees, contractors, or agents who consent to be interviewed at the individual’s
place of business during normal business hours or at such other place and time as may be mutually agreed upon between the individual and OIG. AtriCure, Inc. shall assist OIG or its duly authorized representative(s) in contacting and arranging
interviews with such individuals upon OIG’s request. AtriCure, Inc.’s employees may elect to be interviewed with or without a representative of AtriCure, Inc. present. 
  

	VIII.	DOCUMENT AND RECORD RETENTION 

 AtriCure, Inc. shall maintain for inspection all documents and records relating to reimbursement from the Federal health care programs, or to
compliance with this CIA, for six years (or longer if otherwise required by law) from the Effective Date. 
  

	IX.	DISCLOSURES 

 Consistent with HHS’s FOIA procedures, set forth in 45 C.F.R. Part 5, OIG shall make a reasonable effort to notify AtriCure, Inc. prior to any release by OIG of information submitted by AtriCure, Inc. pursuant to its obligations under
this CIA and identified upon submission by AtriCure, Inc. as trade secrets, or information that is commercial or financial and privileged or confidential, under the FOIA rules. With respect to such releases, AtriCure, Inc. shall have the rights set
forth at 45 C.F.R. § 5.65(d). 
  

	X.	BREACH AND DEFAULT PROVISIONS 

 AtriCure, Inc. is expected to fully and timely comply with all of its CIA obligations. 
 A. Stipulated Penalties for Failure to Comply with Certain Obligations. As a contractual remedy, AtriCure, Inc. and OIG hereby agree
that failure to comply with certain obligations as set forth in this CIA may lead to the imposition of the following monetary penalties (hereinafter referred to as “Stipulated Penalties”) in accordance with the following provisions.

 1. A Stipulated Penalty of $2,500 (which shall begin to accrue on the day after the date the obligation became due) for each
day AtriCure, Inc. fails to establish and 
  
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implement any of the following obligations as described in Section III: 
 a. a Compliance Officer; 
 b. a Compliance Committee; 
 c. a written Code of Conduct; 
 d. written Policies and Procedures; 
 e. the training of Covered Persons and
Relevant Covered Persons; 
 f. a Disclosure Program; 
 g. Ineligible Persons screening and removal requirements; 
 h. notification of Government investigations or legal proceedings; and 
 i.
reporting of Reportable Events. 
 2. A Stipulated Penalty of $2,500 (which shall begin to accrue on the day after the date the
obligation became due) for each day AtriCure, Inc. fails to engage an IRO, as required in Section III.D and Appendices A and B. 
 3. A Stipulated Penalty of $2,500 (which shall begin to accrue on the day after the date the obligation became due) for each day AtriCure, Inc. fails to submit the Implementation Report or any Annual Reports to OIG in accordance with the
requirements of Section V by the deadlines for submission. 
 4. A Stipulated Penalty of $2,500 (which shall begin to accrue on
the day after the date the obligation became due) for each day AtriCure, Inc. fails to submit the annual IRO Review Report(s) in accordance with the requirements of Section III.D and Appendices A and B. 
 5. A Stipulated Penalty of $2,000 (which shall begin to accrue on the date the failure to comply began) for each day AtriCure, Inc.
employees or contracts with an 
  
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Ineligible Person and that person: (i) has responsibility for, or involvement with, AtriCure, Inc.’s business operations related to Federal health care programs; or (ii) is in a
position for which the person’s salary or the items or services rendered or ordered by the person are paid in whole or part, directly or indirectly, by Federal health care programs or otherwise with Federal funds (the Stipulated Penalty
described in this paragraph shall not be demanded for any time period during with AtriCure, Inc. can demonstrate that it did not discover the person’s exclusion or other ineligibility after making a reasonable inquiry (as described in section
III.F) as to the status of the person. 
 6. A Stipulated Penalty of $1,500 for each day AtriCure, Inc. fails to grant access as
required in Section VII. (This Stipulated Penalty shall begin to accrue on the date AtriCure, Inc. fails to grant access.) 
 7.
A Stipulated Penalty of $5,000 for each false certification submitted by or on behalf of AtriCure, Inc. as part of its Implementation Report, Annual Report, additional documentation to a report (as requested by the OIG), or otherwise required by
this CIA. 
 8. A Stipulated Penalty of $1,000 for each day AtriCure, Inc. fails to comply fully and adequately with any
obligation of this CIA. OIG shall provide notice to AtriCure, Inc. stating the specific grounds for its determination that AtriCure, Inc. has failed to comply fully and adequately with the CIA obligation(s) at issue and steps AtriCure, Inc. shall
take to comply with the CIA. (This Stipulated Penalty shall begin to accrue 10 days after AtriCure, Inc. receives this notice from OIG of the failure to comply.) A Stipulated Penalty as described in this Subsection shall not be demanded for any
violation for which OIG has sought a Stipulated Penalty under Subsections 1-7 of this Section. 
 B. Timely Written Requests
for Extensions. AtriCure, Inc. may, in advance of the due date, submit a timely written request for an extension of time to perform any act or file any notification or report required by this CIA. Notwithstanding any other provision in this
Section, if OIG grants the timely written request with respect to an act, notification, or report, Stipulated Penalties for failure to perform the act or file the notification or report shall not begin to accrue until one day after AtriCure, Inc.
fails to meet the revised deadline set by OIG. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Section, if OIG denies such a timely written request, Stipulated Penalties for failure to perform the act or file the notification or report shall not begin
to accrue until three 
  
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business days after AtriCure, Inc. receives OIG’s written denial of such request or the original due date, whichever is later. A “timely written request” is defined as a request in
writing received by OIG at least five business days prior to the date by which any act is due to be performed or any notification or report is due to be filed. 
 C. Payment of Stipulated Penalties. 
 1. Demand Letter. Upon a
finding that AtriCure, Inc. has failed to comply with any of the obligations described in Section X.A and after determining that Stipulated Penalties are appropriate, OIG shall notify AtriCure, Inc. of: (a) AtriCure, Inc.’s failure to
comply; and (b) OIG’s exercise of its contractual right to demand payment of the Stipulated Penalties (this notification is referred to as the “Demand Letter”). 
 2. Response to Demand Letter. Within 10 days after the receipt of the Demand Letter, AtriCure, Inc. shall either: (a) cure the
breach to OIG’s satisfaction and pay the applicable Stipulated Penalties or (b) request a hearing before an HHS administrative law judge (ALJ) to dispute OIG’s determination of noncompliance, pursuant to the agreed upon provisions set
forth below in Section X.E. In the event AtriCure, Inc. elects to request an ALJ hearing, the Stipulated Penalties shall continue to accrue until AtriCure, Inc. cures, to OIG’s satisfaction, the alleged breach in dispute. Failure to respond to
the Demand Letter in one of these two manners within the allowed time period shall be considered a material breach of this CIA and shall be grounds for exclusion under Section X.D. 
 3. Form of Payment. Payment of the Stipulated Penalties shall be made by electronic funds transfer to an account specified by OIG in
the Demand Letter. 
 4. Independence from Material Breach Determination. Except as set forth in Section X.D.1.c, these
provisions for payment of Stipulated Penalties shall not affect or otherwise set a standard for OIG’s decision that AtriCure, Inc. has materially breached this CIA, which decision shall be made at OIG’s discretion and shall be governed by
the provisions in Section X.D, below. 
  
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 D. Exclusion for Material Breach of this CIA. 
 1. Definition of Material Breach. A material breach of this CIA means: 
 a. a repeated or flagrant violation of the obligations under this CIA, including, but not limited to, the obligations addressed in Section
X.A; 
 b. a failure by AtriCure, Inc. to report a Reportable Event or take corrective action, as required in Section III.H

 c. a failure to enage and use an IRO in accordance with Section III.D and Appendices A and B; or 
 d. a failure to respond to a Demand Letter concerning the payment of Stipulated Penalties in accordance with Section X.C. 
 2. Notice of Material Breach and Intent to Exclude. The parties agree that a material breach of this CIA by AtriCure, Inc.
constitutes an independent basis for AtriCure, Inc.’s exclusion from participation in the Federal health care programs. Upon a determination by OIG that AtriCure, Inc. has materially breached this CIA and that exclusion is the appropriate
remedy, OIG shall notify AtriCure, Inc. of: (a) AtriCure, Inc.’s material breach; and (b) OIG’s intent to exercise its contractual right to impose exclusion (this notification is hereinafter referred to as the “Notice of
Material Breach and Intent to Exclude”). 
 3. Opportunity to Cure. AtriCure, Inc. shall have 30 days from the date
of receipt of the Notice of Material Breach and Intent to Exclude to demonstrate to OIG’s satisfaction that: 
 a.
AtriCure, Inc. is in compliance with the obligations of the CIA cited by OIG as being the basis for the material breach; 
 b.
the alleged material breach has been cured; or 
 c. the alleged material breach cannot be cured within the 30-day period, but
that: (i) AtriCure, Inc. has begun to take action to cure 
  
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the material breach; (ii) AtriCure, Inc. is pursuing such action with due diligence; and (iii) AtriCure, Inc. has provided to OIG a reasonable timetable for curing the material breach.

 4. Exclusion Letter. If, at the conclusion of the 30-day period, AtriCure, Inc. fails to satisfy the requirements of
Section X.D.3, OIG may exclude AtriCure, Inc. from participation in the Federal health care programs. OIG shall notify AtriCure, Inc. in writing of its determination to exclude AtriCure, Inc. (this letter shall be referred to hereinafter as the
“Exclusion Letter”). Subject to the Dispute Resolution provisions in Section X.E, below, the exclusion shall go into effect 30 days after the date of AtriCure, Inc.’s receipt of the Exclusion Letter. The exclusion shall have national
effect and shall also apply to all other Federal procurement and nonprocurement programs. Reinstatement to program participation is not automatic. After the end of the period of exclusion, AtriCure, Inc. may apply for reinstatement by submitting a
written request for reinstatement in accordance with the provisions at 42 C.F.R. §§ 1001.3001-.3004. 
 E. Dispute
Resolution 
 1. Review Rights. Upon OIG’s delivery to AtriCure, Inc. of its Demand Letter or of its Exclusion
Letter, and as an agreed-upon contractual remedy for the resolution of disputes arising under this CIA, AtriCure, Inc. shall be afforded certain review rights comparable to the ones that are provided in 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7(f) and 42 C.F.R. Part
1005 as if they applied to the Stipulated Penalties or exclusion sought pursuant to this CIA. Specifically, OIG’s determination to demand payment of Stipulated Penalties or to seek exclusion shall be subject to review by an HHS ALJ and, in the
event of an appeal, the HHS Departmental Appeals Board (DAB), in a manner consistent with the provisions in 42 C.F.R. § 1005.2-1005.21. Notwithstanding the language in 42 C.F.R. § 1005.2(c), the request for a hearing involving Stipulated
Penalties shall be made within 10 days after receipt of the Demand Letter and the request for a hearing involving exclusion shall be made within 25 days after receipt of the Exclusion Letter. 
 2. Stipulated Penalties Review. Notwithstanding any provision of Title 42 of the United States Code or Title 42 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, the only issues in a proceeding for Stipulated Penalties under this CIA shall be: (a) whether AtriCure, Inc. was in full and timely compliance with the obligations of this CIA for which OIG demands payment; and (b) the
period of noncompliance. AtriCure, Inc. shall have the burden of proving its full and timely compliance and the steps taken to cure the 
  
 CORPORATE INTEGRITY AGREEMENT 
 ATRICURE, INC.

  

 33 

 
noncompliance, if any. OIG shall not have the right to appeal to the DAB an adverse ALJ decision related to Stipulated Penalties. If the ALJ agrees with OIG with regard to a finding of a breach
of this CIA and orders AtriCure, Inc. to pay Stipulated Penalties, such Stipulated Penalties shall become due and payable 20 days after the ALJ issues such a decision unless AtriCure, Inc. requests review of the ALJ decision by the DAB. If the ALJ
decision is properly appealed to the DAB and the DAB upholds the determination of OIG, the Stipulated Penalties shall become due and payable 20 days after the DAB issues its decision. 
 3. Exclusion Review. Notwithstanding any provision of Title 42 of the United States Code or Title 42 of the Code of Federal
Regulations, the only issues in a proceeding for exclusion based on a material breach of this CIA shall be: 
 a. whether
AtriCure, Inc. was in material breach of this CIA; 
 b. whether such breach was continuing on the date of the Exclusion Letter;
and 
 c. whether the alleged material breach could not have been cured within the 30-day period, but that: (i) AtriCure,
Inc. had begun to take action to cure the material breach within that period; (ii) AtriCure, Inc. has pursued and is pursuing such action with due diligence; and (iii) AtriCure, Inc. provided to OIG within that period a reasonable
timetable for curing the material breach and AtriCure, Inc. has followed the timetable. 
 For purposes of the exclusion herein,
exclusion shall take effect only after an ALJ decision favorable to OIG, or, if the ALJ rules for AtriCure, Inc., only after a DAB decision in favor of OIG. AtriCure, Inc.’s election of its contractual right to appeal to the DAB shall not
abrogate OIG’s authority to exclude AtriCure, Inc. upon the issuance of an ALJ’s decision in favor of OIG. If the ALJ sustains the determination of OIG and determines that exclusion is authorized, such exclusion shall take effect 20 days
after the ALJ issues such a decision, notwithstanding that AtriCure, Inc. may request review of the ALJ decision by the DAB. If the DAB finds in favor of OIG after an ALJ decision adverse to OIG, the exclusion shall take effect 20 days after the DAB
decision. AtriCure, Inc. shall waive its right to any notice of such an exclusion if a decision upholding the exclusion is rendered by the ALJ or DAB. If the DAB finds in favor of 
  
 CORPORATE INTEGRITY AGREEMENT 
 ATRICURE, INC. 
  

 34 

 
AtriCure, Inc., AtriCure, Inc. shall be reinstated effective on the date of the original exclusion. 
 4. Finality of Decision. The review by an ALJ or DAB provided for above shall not be considered to be an appeal right arising under any statutes or regulations. Consequently, the parties to this
CIA agree that the DAB’s decision (or the ALJ’s decision if not appealed) shall be considered final for all purposes under this CIA. 
  

	XI.	EFFECTIVE AND BINDING AGREEMENT 

 AtriCure, Inc. and OIG agree as follows: 
 A. This CIA shall be binding on the successors, assigns, and transferees of AtriCure, Inc.; 
 B. This CIA shall become final and binding on the date the final signature is obtained on the CIA; 
 C. This CIA constitutes the complete agreement between the parties and may not be amended except by written consent of the parties to this CIA; 
 D. OIG may agree to a suspension of AtriCure, Inc.’s obligations under the CIA in the event of AtriCure, Inc.’s cessation of
participation in Federal health care programs. If AtriCure, Inc. ceases participating in Federal health care programs and is relieved of its CIA obligations by OIG, AtriCure, Inc. shall notify OIG at least 30 days in advance of AtriCure, Inc.’s
intent to resume participating as a provider or supplier with any Federal health care program. Upon receipt of such notification, OIG shall evaluate whether the CIA should be reactivated or modified. 
 E. The undersigned AtriCure, Inc. signatories represent and warrant that they are authorized to execute this CIA. The undersigned OIG
signatory represents that he is signing this CIA in his official capacity and that he is authorized to execute this CIA. 
 F.
This CIA may be executed in counterparts, each of which constitutes an original and all of which constitute one and the same CIA. Facsimiles of signatures shall constitute acceptable, binding signatures for purposes of this CIA. 
  
 CORPORATE INTEGRITY AGREEMENT 
 ATRICURE, INC. 
  

 35 

 ON BEHALF OF ATRICURE,
INC. 
  

							
	 /s/ David Drachman
	 		  	 2/1/2010
	  	
	DAVID DRACHMAN	 		  	DATE	  	
	Chief Executive Officer	 		  		  	
	AtriCure, Inc.	 		  		  	
				
	 /s/ Stuart M. Gerson
	 		  	 1/20/2010
	  	
	STUART M. GERSON	 		  	DATE	  	
	Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.	 		  		  	

  
 CORPORATE INTEGRITY
AGREEMENT 
 ATRICURE, INC. 
  

 36 

 ON BEHALF OF THE
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 
 OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 
  

							
	 /s/ Gregory E. Demske
	 		  	 1/27/2010
	  	
	GREGORY E. DEMSKE	 		  	DATE	  	
	Assistant Inspector General for Legal Affairs	 		  		  	
	Office of Inspector General	 		  		  	
	U. S. Department of Health and Human Services	  	

  
 CORPORATE INTEGRITY
AGREEMENT 
 ATRICURE, INC. 
  

 37 

 APPENDIX A 
 INDEPENDENT REVIEW ORGANIZATION 
 This Appendix contains the
requirements relating to the Independent Review Organization (IRO) required by Section III.D of the CIA. 
  

	A.	IRO Engagement 

 AtriCure,
Inc. shall engage an IRO that possesses the qualifications set forth in Paragraph B, below, to perform the responsibilities in Paragraph C, below. The IRO shall conduct the review in a professionally independent and objective fashion, as set forth
in Paragraph D. Within 30 days after OIG receives written notice of the identity of the selected IRO, OIG will notify AtriCure, Inc. if the IRO is unacceptable. Absent notification from OIG that the IRO is unacceptable, AtriCure, Inc. may continue
to engage the IRO. 
 If Atricure, Inc. engages a new IRO during the term of the CIA, this IRO shall also meet the requirements
of this Appendix. If a new IRO is engaged, Atricure, Inc. shall submit the information identified in Section V.A.10 of the CIA to OIG within 30 days of engagement of the IRO. Within 30 days after OIG receives written notice of the identity of the
selected IRO, OIG will notify Atricure, Inc. if the IRO is unacceptable. Absent notification from OIG that the IRO is unacceptable, Atricure, Inc. may continue to engage the IRO. 
  

	B.	IRO Qualifications. 

 The IRO shall:

 1. assign individuals to conduct the Promotional and Product Services Review who have expertise in all applicable Federal
health care program and FDA requirements relating to Promotional and Product Services Related Functions. The assigned individuals shall also be knowledgeable about the general requirements of the Federal health care program(s) under which Atricure,
Inc. products are reimbursed; 
 2. assign individuals to design and select the samples for the Transaction Reviews who are
knowledgeable about the appropriate statistical sampling techniques; and 
 3. have sufficient staff and resources to conduct
the reviews required by the CIA on a timely basis. 
  
 Appendix A

 Atricure, Inc. CIA 
  

 1 

	C.	IRO Responsibilities. 

 The IRO shall:

 1. perform each Promotional and Product Services Review in accordance with the specific requirements of the CIA; 

2. follow all applicable Federal health care program and FDA requirements in making assessments in each Promotional and Product Services
Review; 
 3. if in doubt of the application of a particular Federal health care program or FDA requirement, policy, or
regulation, request clarification from the appropriate authority (e.g., CMS or FDA); 
 4. respond to all OIG inquires in
a prompt, objective, and factual manner; and 
 5. prepare timely, clear, well-written reports that include all the information
required by Appendix B to the CIA. 
  

	D.	IRO Independence and Objectivity. 

 The
IRO must perform the Promotional and Product Services Review in a professionally independent and objective fashion, as appropriate to the nature of the engagement, taking into account any other business relationships or engagements that may exist
between the IRO and Atricure, Inc. 
  

	E.	IRO Removal/Termination. 

 1. Atricure, Inc. Termination of IRO. If Atricure, Inc. terminates its IRO during the course of the engagement, Atricure, Inc. must submit a notice explaining its reasons to OIG no later than 30 days after termination. Atricure, Inc.
must engage a new IRO in accordance with Paragraph A of this Appendix. 
 2. OIG Removal of IRO. In the event OIG has
reason to believe that the IRO does not possess the qualifications described in Paragraph B, is not independent and/or objective as set forth in Paragraph D, or has failed to carry out its responsibilities as described in Paragraph C, OIG may, at
its sole discretion, require Atricure, Inc. to engage a new IRO in accordance with Paragraph A of this Appendix. 
 Prior to
requiring Atricure, Inc. to engage a new IRO, OIG shall notify Atricure, Inc. of its intent to do so and provide a written explanation of why OIG believes such a step is necessary. To resolve any concerns raised by OIG, Atricure, Inc. may request a

  
 Appendix A 
 Atricure, Inc. CIA 
  

 2 

 
meeting with OIG to discuss any aspect of the IRO’s qualifications, independence or performance of its responsibilities and to present additional information regarding these matters.
Atricure, Inc. shall provide any additional information as may be requested by OIG under this Paragraph in an expedited manner. OIG will attempt in good faith to resolve any differences regarding the IRO with Atricure, Inc. prior to requiring
Atricure, Inc. to terminate the IRO. However, the final determination as to whether or not to require Atricure, Inc. to engage a new IRO shall be made at the sole discretion of OIG. 
  
 Appendix A 
 Atricure,
Inc. CIA 
  

 3 

 Appendix B to CIA for AtriCure, Inc. 
 Promotional and Product Services Review 
  

	I.	Promotional and Product Services Review, General Description 

 As specified more fully below, AtriCure, Inc. (AtriCure) shall retain an Independent Review Organization (IRO) to perform reviews to assist AtriCure in assessing and evaluating its systems, processes,
policies, procedures, and practices related to AtriCure’s Promotional and Product Services Related Functions (Promotional and Product Services Review). The Promotional and Product Services Review shall consist of two components - a systems
review (the “Promotional and Product Services Systems Review” or “Systems Review”), and a transactions review (the “Promotional and Product Services Transactions Review” or “Transactions Review”) as described
more fully below. AtriCure may engage, at its discretion, a single IRO to perform both components of the Promotional and Product Services Review provided that the entity has the necessary expertise and capabilities to perform both. 
 If there are no material changes in AtriCure’s systems, processes, policies, and procedures relating to Promotional and Product Services Related
Functions, the IRO shall perform the Promotional and Product Services Systems Review for the first and fourth Reporting Periods. If AtriCure materially changes its systems, processes, policies, and procedures relating to Promotional and Product
Services Related Functions, the IRO shall perform a Promotional and Product Services Systems Review for the Reporting Period(s) in which such changes were made in addition to conducting the Review for the first and fourth Reporting Periods. The
additional Systems Review(s) shall consist of: 1) an identification of the material changes; 2) an assessment of whether other systems, processes, policies, and procedures previously reported did not materially change; and 3) a review of the
systems, processes, policies, and procedures that materially changed. The IRO shall conduct the Promotional and Product Services Transactions Review for each Reporting Period of the CIA. 
  

	II.	Promotional and Product Services Systems Review 

  

	A.	Description of Reviewed Policies and Procedures 

 The Promotional and Product Services Systems Review shall be a review of AtriCure’s systems, processes, policies, and procedures (including the controls on those systems, processes, policies, and procedures) relating to certain
Promotional and Product Services Related Functions. Where practical, AtriCure personnel may compile documentation, schedule and organize interviews, and undertake other efforts to assist the IRO in performing the Systems Review. The IRO is not

  
 Appendix B 
 AtriCure, Inc. 
  

 1 

 
required to undertake a de novo review of the information gathered or activities undertaken by AtriCure pursuant to the preceding sentence. 
 Specifically, the IRO shall review AtriCure’s systems, processes, policies, and procedures associated with the following (hereafter “Reviewed
Policies and Procedures”): 
 1) AtriCure’s systems, policies, processes, and procedures applicable to the manner in
which AtriCure representatives (including sales representatives and marketing personnel) handle requests or inquiries relating to information about the uses of AtriCure products (including non-FDA-approved (i.e., off-label) uses) and the
dissemination of materials relating to off-label uses of products. This review includes: 
  

	 	a)	the manner in which AtriCure sales representatives and marketing personnel handle requests for information about off-label uses of AtriCure products;

  

	 	b)	the form and content of information and materials related to AtriCure’s products disseminated to physicians, pharmacists, or other health care professionals
(collectively “HCPs”) or health care institutions (“HCIs”) by AtriCure; 

  

	 	c)	AtriCure’s systems, processes, and procedures (including the Inquiries Database) to track requests for information about off-label uses of products and responses
to those requests; 

  

	 	d)	the manner in which AtriCure collects and supports information reported in any systems used to track and respond to requests for product information, including its
Inquiries Database; 

  

	 	e)	the processes and procedures by which the Compliance Officer (and other appropriate individuals within AtriCure) identify situations in which it appears that improper
off-label promotion may have occurred; and 

  

	 	f)	AtriCure’s processes and procedures for investigating, documenting, resolving, and taking appropriate disciplinary action for potential situations involving
off-label promotion; 

 2) AtriCure’s systems, policies, processes, and procedures relating to AtriCure’s
internal review and approval of information and 
  
 Appendix B

 AtriCure, Inc. 
  

 2 

 
materials related to AtriCure’s products disseminated to HCPs or HCIs by AtriCure; 
 3) AtriCure’s systems, polices, processes and procedures relating to incentive compensation for Covered Persons who are sales representatives, with regard to whether the systems, policies, processes,
and procedures are designed to ensure that financial incentives do not inappropriately motivate such individuals to engage in the improper promotion, sales, and marketing of AtriCure’s products. This shall include a review of the bases upon
which compensation is determined and the extent to which compensation is based on product performance; 
 4) AtriCure’s
systems, policies, processes and procedures relating to its efforts to obtain FDA-required approvals for its Government Reimbursed Products; and 
 5) AtriCure’s systems, processes, policies, and procedures relating to the development and review of launch and marketing plans for AtriCure’s products. This shall include a review of the bases
upon which HCPs and HCIs belonging to specified medical specialties are included in, or excluded from, AtriCure’s launch and marketing plans based on expected utilization of AtriCure products for FDA-approved uses or non-FDA-approved uses.

  

	B.	Promotional and Product Services Systems Review Report 

 The IRO shall prepare a report based upon each Systems Review. For each of the Reviewed Policies and Procedures identified in Section II.A above, the report shall include the following items: 
 1) a description of the documentation (including policies) reviewed and any personnel interviewed; 
 2) a detailed description of AtriCure’s systems, policies, processes, and procedures relating to the items identified in Sections
II.A.1-5 above, including a general description of AtriCure’s control and accountability systems (e.g., documentation and approval requirements, and tracking mechanisms) and written policies regarding the Reviewed Policies and
Procedures; 
 3) a description of the manner in which the control and accountability systems and the written policies relating
to the items 
  
 Appendix B 
 AtriCure, Inc. 
  

 3 

 
identified in Sections II.A.1-5 above are made known or disseminated within AtriCure; 
 4) a detailed description of any system(s) used to track and respond to requests for information about AtriCure’s products (including the Inquiries Database); 
 5) a detailed description of AtriCure’s incentive compensation system for Covered Persons who are sales representatives, including a
description of the bases upon which compensation is determined and the extent to which compensation is based on product performance. To the extent that AtriCure may establish compensation differently for individual products, the IRO shall report
separately on each such type of compensation arrangement; 
 6) findings and supporting rationale regarding any weaknesses in
AtriCure’s systems, processes, policies, and procedures relating to the Reviewed Policies and Procedures, if any; and 
 7)
recommendations to improve any of the systems, policies, processes, or procedures relating to the Reviewed Policies and Procedures, if any. 
  

	III.	Promotional and Product Services Transaction Review 

 As described more fully below in Sections III.A-D, the Promotional and Product Services Transactions Review shall include: (1) a review of a sample of Inquiries reflected in the Inquiries Database; (2) a review of AtriCure’s
launch and marketing plans and AtriCure’s plan review process; (3) a review of records relating to AtriCure’s good-faith efforts to obtain FDA approval for its Government Reimbursed Products; and (4) a review of the coding
information AtriCure provides to HCPs and HCIs. The IRO shall report on all aspects of its reviews in the Promotional and Product Services Transactions Review Reports. 
  

	A.	Review of Inquiries and Inquiries Database 

  

	 	1)	Description of Inquiries Database 

 As set forth in Section III.B.2.d of the CIA, AtriCure shall establish a database to track information relating to requests for information received by AtriCure about its products (hereafter “Inquiries”). Specifically, AtriCure
shall document and record all Inquiries received from HCPs or HCIs regarding AtriCure’s products in a 
  
 Appendix B 
 AtriCure, Inc. 
  

 4 

 
database (the “Inquiries Database”). AtriCure shall record in the Inquiries Database the following information for each Inquiry received: 1) date of Inquiry; 2) form of Inquiry (e.g.,
fax, phone, medical information request form); 3) name of requesting HCP or HCI; 4) nature and topic of request (including exact language of the Inquiry if made in writing); 5) nature/form of the response from AtriCure (including a record of any
materials provided in response to the request); and 6) the name of the AtriCure sales representative or marketing department employee who called upon or interacted with the HCP or HCI. Any response from AtriCure to an HCP or HCI shall identify
whether the information provided addresses an indication that is part of an approved product label. The status and findings of any follow-up review conducted by AtriCure in situations in which improper off-label promotion is suspected shall be
maintained by Global Compliance. 
  

	 	2)	Internal Review of Inquiries Database 

 On a semi-annual basis, the Compliance Officer or other appropriate personnel shall review the Inquiries Database and related information, as appropriate, and shall generate a report summarizing the items of information outlined in Section
III.A.1 above for each Inquiry received during the preceding two quarters (“Inquiry Report”). The Compliance Officer or other appropriate personnel shall review the Inquiry Reports to assess whether the information contained in the report
suggests that improper off-label promotion may have occurred in connection with any Inquiry(ies). If the Compliance Officer or other appropriate personnel, in consultation with other appropriate AtriCure personnel, suspects that improper off-label
promotion may have occurred in connection with any Inquiry, the Compliance Officer or other appropriate personnel shall undertake a follow-up review of the Inquiry (Off-Label Review), make specific findings based on his/her Off-Label Review, and
take all appropriate responsive action (including disciplinary action of the Covered Person and reporting of the conduct, including disclosing Reportable Events pursuant to Section III.H of the CIA, if applicable). 
  

	 	3)	IRO Review of Inquiries Reflected in Inquiries Database 

 The IRO shall select and review a random sample of 20 Inquiries from among the Inquiries reflected in the Inquiries Database for each Reporting Period. Ten of the Inquiries reviewed by the IRO shall be

  
 Appendix B 
 AtriCure, Inc. 
  

 5 

 
Inquiries for which AtriCure conducted an Off-Label Review, and the other 10 shall be Inquiries for which AtriCure did not conduct an Off-Label Review. For each Inquiry reviewed, the IRO shall
determine: 
  

	 	a)	Whether each item of information listed above in Section III.A.1 is reflected in the Inquiries Database for each reviewed Inquiry; and 

  

	 	b)	For each Inquiry for which the Compliance Officer or other appropriate personnel conducted an Off-Label Review, the basis for suspecting that improper off-label
promotion may have occurred; the steps undertaken as part of the Off-Label Review; the findings of the Compliance Officer or other appropriate personnel as a result of the Off-Label Review; and any follow-up actions taken by AtriCure based on the
Off-Label Review findings. 

  

	B.	IRO Review of AtriCure’s Launch and Marketing Plans and Plan Review Process 

 The IRO shall conduct a review and assessment of AtriCure’s review of its launch and marketing plans for Government Reimbursed Products and compliance with the mandated use of the Prolifiq system as
set forth in Section III.B.2.e of the CIA. AtriCure shall provide the IRO with: i) a list of products promoted by AtriCure during the Reporting Period; ii) information about the FDA-approved uses for each AtriCure product; and iii) the launch and
marketing plans for each product. AtriCure shall also provide the IRO with information about the reviews of launch and marketing plans that AtriCure conducted during the Reporting Period and any modifications to the plans made as a result of
AtriCure’s reviews. 
 The IRO shall select a sample of 10 of the HCPs and HCIs who were recipients of information derived from
AtriCure’s launch and marketing plans. For each plan, the IRO shall compare the sampled HCPs and HCIs against the criteria (e.g., medical specialty or practice area) used by AtriCure in conducting its review and/or modification of the
plan in order to determine whether AtriCure followed its criteria and Policies and Procedures in reviewing and modifying the launch and marketing plan and distributing related information through Prolifiq. 
 The IRO shall note any instances in which it appears that the sampled HCPs and HCIs are inconsistent with AtriCure’s criteria relating to the launch or
marketing plan and/or AtriCure’s Policies and Procedures. The IRO shall also note any 
  
 Appendix B 
 AtriCure, Inc. 
  

 6 

 
instances in which it appears that AtriCure failed to follow its criteria or Policies and Procedures. 
  

	C.	IRO Review of AtriCure Materials Concerning Coding of Government Reimbursed Products 

 The IRO shall conduct a review and assessment of AtriCure’s documents and materials related to the coding of its Government Reimbursed Products. AtriCure shall provide the IRO with: i) a list of
Government Reimbursed Products promoted by AtriCure during the Reporting Period; ii) information about the CMS-approved coding for each AtriCure product; and iii) any materials produced or disseminated to HCIs and HCPs by AtriCure regarding coding
for each product. 
  

	D.	IRO Review of AtriCure’s Efforts To Obtain FDA Approval for Government Reimbursed Products 

 The IRO shall conduct a review and assessment of AtriCure’s efforts to obtain all necessary approvals to market from the FDA for each of its Government
Reimbursed Products for any use. AtriCure shall provide the IRO with sufficient information for the IRO to assess whether AtriCure has adequate approvals to support its marketing for each of its Government Reimbursed Products. If AtriCure does not
have adequate approvals, AtriCure shall further provide the IRO with sufficient information for the IRO to assess whether AtriCure 1) has set realistic internal goals and timelines to obtain FDA approvals; 2) is making a good-faith effort to
initiate studies or other clinical trials necessary to obtain FDA approvals; and 3) is marketing its products in a manner consistent with each product’s then-current certification by the FDA. 
  

	E.	Promotional and Product Services Transactions Review Report 

 For each Reporting Period, the IRO shall prepare a report based on its Promotional and Product Services Transactions Review. The report shall include the following: 
  

	 	1)	General Elements to Be Included in Report 

  

	 	a)	Review Objectives: A clear statement of the objectives intended to be achieved by each part of the review; 

  

	 	b)	Review Protocol: A detailed narrative description of the procedures performed and a description of the sampling unit and universe utilized in performing the procedures
for each sample reviewed; and 

  
 Appendix B

 AtriCure, Inc. 
  

 7 

	 	c)	Sources of Data: A full description of documentation and other information, if applicable, relied upon by the IRO in performing the Promotional and Product Services
Transactions Review. 

  

	 	2)	Results to be Included in Report 

 The following results shall be included in each Promotional and Product Services Review Report: 
 (Relating to the
Review of Inquiries) 
  

	 	a)	in connection with the review of Inquiries, a description of each type of sample unit reviewed, including the number of each type of sample units reviewed (e.g., the
number of Inquiries) and an identification of the types of documents and information reviewed for the Inquiries; 

  

	 	b)	for each Inquiry sample unit, the IRO shall summarize the information about the Inquiry contained in the Inquiries Database; 

  

	 	c)	for each Inquiry sample unit, findings and supporting rationale as to whether: (i) each item of information listed in Section III.A.1 is reflected in the Inquiries
Database; and (ii) for each Inquiry for which an Off-Label Review was conducted, the basis for suspecting that improper off-label promotion may have occurred; the steps undertaken as part of the Off-Label Review; the findings of the Compliance
Officer as a result of the Off-Label Review; and any follow-up actions taken by AtriCure as a result of the Compliance Officer’s findings; 

  

	 	d)	the findings and supporting rationale regarding any weaknesses in AtriCure’s systems, processes, policies, procedures, and practices relating to the Inquiries, and
the Inquiries Database, if any; 

  

	 	e)	recommendations for improvement in AtriCure’s systems, processes, policies, procedures, and practices relating to the Inquiries and the Inquiries Database, if any;

  
 Appendix B 
 AtriCure, Inc. 
  

 8 

 (Relating to the Launch and Marketing Plan Reviews) 
  

	 	f)	a list of the products promoted by AtriCure during the Reporting Period and a summary of the FDA-approved uses for such products; 

  

	 	g)	for each AtriCure product: i) a description of the criteria used by AtriCure in developing or reviewing the launch and marketing plans and for including or excluding
specified types of HCPs or HCIs from the plans; ii) a description of the review conducted by AtriCure of the plans and an indication of whether AtriCure reviewed the plans as required by Section III.B.3.e of the CIA; iii) a description of all
instances for each plan in which it appears that the HCPs and HCIs included on the plan are inconsistent with AtriCure’s criteria relating to the plan and/or AtriCure’s Policies and Procedures; and iv) a description of all instances in
which it appears that AtriCure failed to follow its criteria or Policies and Procedures relating to plans or the review of the plans; 

  

	 	h)	the findings and supporting rationale regarding any weaknesses in AtriCure’s systems, processes, policies, procedures, and practices relating to AtriCure’s
launch and marketing plans, the use of Prolifiq with respect to those plans, or review of the plans, if any; 

  

	 	i)	recommendations, if any, for changes in AtriCure’s systems, processes, policies, procedures, and practices that would correct or address any weaknesses or
deficiencies uncovered during the Transactions Review with respect to launch and marketing plans or the review of the plans; 

  
 Appendix B 
 AtriCure, Inc. 
  

 9First Amendment, executed December 23, 2009

 Exhibit 10.33 
 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE 
 M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC. 401(K)
SAVINGS PLAN 
 (AMENDED AND RESTATED EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2008) 
 PREAMBLE 
 1. Establishment of Plan; Amendment Authority. Effective as of January 1, 1992, M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) established the M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Plan”) for the benefit of
its eligible employees. In section 12.1 of the Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2008, the Company reserved the right and power to amend the Plan. In exercise of that right and power the Plan is amended to be effective
as set forth below. 
 2. Purpose of Amendment. This Amendment is intended to incorporate provisions required or
permitted by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and the Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 and other discretionary, statutory and administrative changes. 
 3. Effective Date of Amendment. Each section of the Amendment shall be effective as stated below. 
 4. Supersession of Inconsistent Provisions. This Amendment shall supersede the provisions of the Plan to the extent any provision of the Plan is inconsistent with the provisions of this Amendment.

 AMENDMENT 
  

	SECTION 1:	DIVERSIFICATION OF PUBLICLY-TRADED EMPLOYER SECURITIES. 

 1 Amendment to Sections 5.4. Section 5.4 shall be amended to add the following subsection (h): 
  

	 	(h)	Diversification Right. A Participant who has Employee or Employer contributions invested in Employer Stock may divest his Employer Stock investment on the
same basis as other investments offered under the Plan. No conditions or restrictions are imposed by the Plan to divest Employer Stock. 

 2 Amendment to Section 7.1. Section 7.1 shall be amended to add the following subsection (c): 
  

	 	(c)	Diversification Right. A Participant who has Employee or Employer contributions invested in Employer Stock may divest his Employer Stock investment on the
same basis as other investments offered under the Plan. No conditions or restrictions are imposed by the Plan to divest Employer Stock. 

 3 Effective Date. The amendments made in this Section 1 shall be effective on and after January 1, 2008. 
 SECTION 2: REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION 2009 WAIVER. 
 1 Amendment to
Section 6.4(c). Section 6.4(c) shall be amended to add the following subsection (3): 
  

	 	(3)	Required Minimum Distribution 2009 Wavier. This subsection (c) shall not apply for the 2009 Distribution Calendar Year. Nothing in the previous
sentence shall prohibit a Participant or Beneficiary eligible for distribution under this Article 6 to request a distribution. Participants or Beneficiaries that received a required minimum distribution attributable to the 2009 Distribution Calendar
Year may rollover such amount to this Plan or to another Eligible Retirement Plan (as defined under section 6.8(c)) in accordance with the requirements of Notice 2009-82. 

  

			
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 2 Amendment to Section 6.4(d). Section 6.4(d) shall be amended to add the
following subsection (5): 
  

	 	(5)	Required Minimum Distribution 2009 Wavier. This subsection (d) shall not apply for the 2009 Distribution Calendar Year. Nothing in the previous
sentence shall prohibit a Participant or Beneficiary eligible for distribution under this Article 6 to request a distribution. Participants or Beneficiaries that received a required minimum distribution attributable to the 2009 Distribution Calendar
Year may rollover such amount to this Plan or to another Eligible Retirement Plan (as defined under section 6.8(c)) in accordance with the requirements of Notice 2009-82. 

 3 Amendment to Section 6.5. Section 6.5 shall be amended to add the following subsection (b): 
  

	 	(b)	Required Minimum Distribution 2009 Wavier. This subsection shall not apply for the 2009 Distribution Calendar Year. Nothing in the previous sentence shall
prohibit a Participant or Beneficiary eligible for distribution under this Article 6 to request a distribution. Participants or Beneficiaries that received a required minimum distribution attributable to the 2009 calendar year may rollover such
amount to this Plan or to another Eligible Retirement Plan (as defined under section 6.8(c)) in accordance with the requirements of Notice 2009-82. 

 4 Effective Date. The amendments made in this Section 2 shall be effective on and after January 1, 2009. 
  

	SECTION 3:	ELIGIBLE RETIREMENT PLAN EXPANSION AND DIRECT ROLLOVERS FOR NONSPOUSE BENEFICIARIES. 

 1 Amendment to Section 6.8(c). Section 6.8(c) shall be amended in its entirety and replaced with the following: 

 

	 	(c)	Eligible Retirement Plan means, for a Distributee other than a non-Spouse Beneficiary: (1) an individual retirement account described in Code
Section 408(a); (2) an individual retirement annuity described in Code Section 409(b); (3) an annuity plan described in Code Section 403(a); (4) a qualified trust described in Code Section 401(a) that accepts
Eligible Rollover Distributions; (5) an annuity contract described in Code Section 403(b) and an eligible plan under Code Section 457(b) which is maintained by a state, political subdivision of a state, or any agency or
instrumentality of a state or political subdivision of a state and which agrees to separately account for amounts transferred into such plan from the Plan; or (6) a Roth IRA described in Code Section 408A. For a Distributee who is a
non-Spouse Beneficiary, an Eligible Retirement Plan means only an “inherited” individual retirement account or annuity that satisfies the requirements of Code Section 402(c)(11). 

  

			
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 2 Effective Date. The amendments made in this Section 3 shall be
effective for distributions made on or after January 1, 2007. 
  

	SECTION 4:	HEART ACT AMENDMENT. 

 1 Amendment to Section 3.3. Section 3.3 shall be amended to add the following sentence at the end: 
 If a Participant
dies while performing qualified military service (within the meaning of Code Section 414(u)), the Participant’s survivors are entitled to any additional benefits (other than contributions and benefit accruals relating to the period of
qualified military service) provided under the Plan as if the Participant resumed participation and then terminated employment on account of death. 
 2 Effective Date. This Section 4 shall be effective for deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2007. 
  

	SECTION 5:	MATCHING CONTRIBUTION REDUCTION. 

 1 Amendment to Sections 4.2(a) and (b). Sections 4.2(a) and (b) shall be amended in their entirety and replaced by the following:  
  

	4.2	MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS. 

  

	 	(a)	Matching Contributions. 

  

	 	(1)	On or After January 1, 2010. Effective on and after January 1, 2010, the Employer shall make the Matching Contributions on behalf of each
Participant in an amount equal to 25% of the first 4% of Compensation that the Participant elects to defer as Deferral Contributions (excluding Catch-Up Contributions, but including Roth Contributions if Roth Contributions are permitted).
Contributions made pursuant to this subsection (a)(1) shall be allocated as soon as administratively practicable following each pay period, or with such other frequency as determined by the Employer, during the Plan Year. Following the end of the
Plan Year, the Employer shall allocate such additional amounts as Matching Contributions to the extent necessary to result in a Matching Contribution based on 4% of Compensation that the Participant elected to defer as Deferral Contributions for the
Plan Year. The final allocation of contributions made pursuant to this subsection (a)(1) for a Plan Year shall remain subject to the Participant’s satisfaction of the requirements set forth in Section 4.4(a) for such Plan Year. A
Participant’s failure to satisfy the requirements set forth in Section 4.4(a) for such Plan Year shall result in the forfeiture of any Matching Contributions tentatively allocated to the Participant for the Plan Year. Matching
Contributions tentatively allocated to the Participant for a Plan Year shall not be distributable until a determination has been made that the Participant has satisfied the requirements set forth in Section 4.4(a) for such Plan Year.

  

			
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	 	(2)	On or after January 1, 2009 and prior to January 1, 2010. Effective on January 1, 2009 and prior to January 1, 2010, the Employer
shall make the Matching Contributions on behalf of each Participant in an amount equal to 50% of the first 4% of Compensation that the Participant elects to defer as Deferral Contributions (excluding Catch-Up Contributions, but including Roth
Contributions if Roth Contributions are permitted). Contributions made pursuant to this subsection (a)(2) shall be allocated as soon as administratively practicable following each pay period, or with such other frequency as determined by the
Employer, during the Plan Year. Following the end of the Plan Year, the Employer shall allocate such additional amounts as Matching Contributions to the extent necessary to result in a Matching Contribution based on 4% of Compensation that the
Participant elected to defer as Deferral Contributions for the Plan Year. The final allocation of contributions made pursuant to this subsection (a)(2) for a Plan Year shall remain subject to the Participant’s satisfaction of the requirements
set forth in Section 4.4(a) for such Plan Year. A Participant’s failure to satisfy the requirements set forth in Section 4.4(a) for such Plan Year shall result in the forfeiture of any Matching Contributions tentatively allocated to
the Participant for the Plan Year. Matching Contributions tentatively allocated to the Participant for a Plan Year shall not be distributable until a determination has been made that the Participant has satisfied the requirements set forth in
Section 4.4(a) for such Plan Year. 

  

	 	(3)	Prior to January 1, 2009. Effective prior to January 1, 2009, the Employer shall determine, in its sole discretion, the amount of the Matching
Contribution, if any, which amount may be zero. Contributions made pursuant to this subsection (a)(3) for a Plan Year shall be allocated as soon as administratively practicable after the end of the Plan Year to each Participant who satisfies the
requirements set forth in Section 4.4(a), in a uniform percentage of each Participant’s Elective Deferrals (excluding Catch-Up Contributions) for such Plan Year. 

  

	 	(b)	Discretionary Matching Contributions. The Employer shall determine, in its sole discretion, the amount of any Matching Contribution in
addition to those made pursuant to subsection (a), if any, which amount may be zero, and the timing of such Matching Contribution. Any discretionary Matching Contribution shall be allocated subject to a Participant’s satisfaction of the
requirements set forth in Section 4.4(a). 

 2 Effective Date. This Section 5 shall
be effective for Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2010. 
  

	SECTION 6:	VOTING EMPLOYER STOCK 

 1 Amendment to Section 7.2. Section 7.2 shall be amended in its entirety and replaced by the following: 
  

	 	7.2	 VOTING RIGHTS. The Employer Stock, whether or not vested, may
be voted by the Participant, Beneficiary or alternate payee having an interest with respect to such Employer Stock (each a “Participant” for purposes of these Employer Stock provisions) in accordance with the provisions of the Plan as
certified to the Trustee by the Employer to the same extent as if duly registered in the Participant’s name. The

  

			
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Trustee or its nominee in which the shares are registered shall vote the shares solely as agent of the Participant and in accordance with the instructions of the Participant. If no instructions
are received, or if instructions are not received in a timely fashion, the Trustee shall vote the shares of the Employer Stock for which it has received no voting instructions or untimely voting instructions in the same proportions as the
Participants affirmatively directed their shares of Employer Stock to be voted unless the Administrator determines that a pro rata vote would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under ERISA. If the Administrator makes such a determination, the
Trustee shall vote the Employer Stock as the Administrator determines is consistent with its fiduciary duties under ERISA. Each Participant who has Employer Stock allocated to his Account shall direct the Trustee concerning the tender (as provided
below) and the exercise of any other rights appurtenant to the Employer Stock. The Trustee shall follow the directions of the Participant with respect to the tender. The Trustee shall be responsible for ensuring that information relating to the
purchase, holding, and sale of securities, and the exercise of voting, tender and similar rights with respect to such securities by Participants, is maintained in accordance with procedures which are designed to safeguard the confidentiality of such
information, except to the extent necessary to comply with Federal laws or state laws not preempted by ERISA. Furthermore, shareholder rights, other than voting rights, which can be exercised by Participants may be passed through to Participants and
exercised in a similar manner to voting rights or will be exercised in such other manner as is legally required. In the event a voting right with respect to an Employer Stock is not passed through to Participants, the Employer Stock shall be voted
by the Administrator, or, if agreed upon in writing, the Trustee. 
 2 Amendment to Section 7.5.
Section 7.5 shall be amended in its entirety and replaced by the following: 
 7.5 TENDER
OFFERS. 
  

	 	(a)	Allocated Stock. In the event of any tender offer, each Participant shall have the right to instruct the Trustee to tender any or all shares of Employer
Stock, whether or not vested, that are allocated to his Accounts under the Plan on or before the filing date. The Trustee shall follow the instructions of the Participant. The Administrator shall direct the Trustee to tender Employer Stock for which
no instruction is received after the Administrator determines the propriety of doing so is consistent with its fiduciary duties under ERISA. 

  

	 	(b)	Unallocated Shares. The Trustee shall tender shares of Employer Stock that are not allocated to Accounts after the Administrator determines that the
propriety of doing so is consistent with its fiduciary duties under ERISA. 

  

	 	(c)	Suspension of Share Purchases. In the event of a tender offer, the Trustee shall suspend all purchases of Employer Stock that would otherwise be made
pursuant to the Plan, if any, unless the Employer otherwise directs. Until the termination of such tender offer and pending such Employer direction, the Trustee shall invest available cash pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Plan.

  

	 	(d)	Temporary Suspension of Certain Cash Distributions. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, no option to receive cash in lieu of Employer
Stock shall be honored during the pendency of a tender offer unless the Employer otherwise directs. 

  

			
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 3 Amendment to Section 7.6. Section 7.6(e), (g) and (j) shall be
amended in their entirety and replaced by the following: 
  

	 	(e)	Other Rights Appurtenant to the Employer Stock. If there are any rights appurtenant to the Employer Stock, other than voting, tender, or stock rights,
each Participant shall exercise or take other appropriate action concerning such rights with respect to the Employer Stock, whether or not vested, that is allocated to their Accounts in the same manner as the other holders of the Employer Stock, by
giving written instructions to the Trustee. The Trustee shall follow all such instructions, but shall take no action with respect to allocated Employer Stock for which no instructions are received, unless the Administrator determines that the
failure to take action with respect to allocated Employer Stock would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under ERISA. If the Administrator makes such a determination, the Administrator shall take such actions with respect to Employer Stock as
it determines to be consistent with its fiduciary duties under ERISA. The Administrator shall exercise or take other appropriate action concerning any such rights appurtenant to unallocated Employer Stock. 

 *** 
  

	 	(g)	Information to Participants. The Administrator or the independent fiduciary, as appropriate, shall distribute and/or make available to each affected
Participant the material or information that the Administrator or the independent fiduciary may consider necessary to assist the Participant in making an informed decision and in completing or delivering the instruction form (and any amendments
thereto) to the Administrator or the independent fiduciary on a timely basis. 

 *** 
  

	 	(j)	No Recommendations. Neither the Employer, the Administrator, the Trustee, nor the independent fiduciary shall express any opinion or give any advice or
recommendation to any Participant concerning voting the Employer Stock, any tender offer, stock rights, or the exercise of any other rights appurtenant to the Employer Stock, nor shall they have any authority or responsibility to do so. Neither the
Administrator, the Trustee nor the independent fiduciary has any duty to monitor or police the party making a tender offer or the Employer in promoting or resisting a tender offer; provided, however, that if the Administrator, the Trustee or the
independent fiduciary becomes aware of activity that on its face reasonably appears to the Trustee or independent fiduciary to be materially false, misleading, or coercive, the Trustee or the independent fiduciary, as the case may be, shall promptly
demand that the offending party take appropriate corrective action. If the offending party fails or refuses to take appropriate corrective action, the Trustee or the independent fiduciary, as the case may be, shall take such actions as it determines
to be consistent with its fiduciary duties under ERISA. 

  

			
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 4 Amendment to Section 7.7. Section 7.7 shall be amended in its entirety
and replaced by the following: 
 7.7 CONFIDENTIALITY. 
  

	 	(a)	The Administrator and Trustee shall ensure that procedures are established so that information relating to the purchase, holding, and sale of securities, and the
exercise of voting, tender and similar rights with respect to such securities by participants and beneficiaries, is maintained in accordance with procedures which are designed to safeguard the confidentiality of such information, except to the
extent necessary to comply with federal or state laws not preempted by ERISA. The Trustee shall also be responsible for ensuring that those procedures are sufficient to safeguard the confidentiality of that information, that such procedures are
being followed, and that the independent fiduciary has been appointed. 

  

	 	(b)	Neither the Administrator, the Trustee nor the independent fiduciary shall reveal or release any instructions received from Participants concerning the Employer Stock
to the Employer, or the officers, directors, other employees, agents, or representatives of the Employer, except (A) to the persons and in accordance with the procedures established by the Trustee pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, or
(B) to the extent necessary to comply with federal or state law not preempted by ERISA. If disclosure is required by federal or state law, the information shall be disclosed to the extent possible in the aggregate rather than on an individual
basis. 

  

	 	(c)	In the event the Employer Stock becomes not readily tradable on an established public market, full and fractional shares of Employer Stock allocated to a
Participant’s Account will be voted by the Trustee according to the Participant’s instructions with respect to any corporate matter that involves the voting of such shares in accordance with Code Section 409(e). The Trustee will not
vote shares of Employer Stock allocated to Participants’ Accounts for which instructions are not received from Participants. Employer Stock contributed to or acquired by the Plan that is not yet allocated will be voted by the Trustee according
to the Administrator’s instructions with respect to any corporate matter that involves the voting of such shares. Shareholder rights, other than voting rights, which can be exercised by Participants may be passed through to Participants and
exercised in a similar manner to voting rights or will be exercised in such other manner as is legally required. 

 5 Effective Date. This Section 6 shall be effective on and after April 1, 2009. 
  

	SECTION 7:	FINAL 415 REGULATIONS AMENDMENT 

 1 Amendment to Section 1.53. Section 1.53 shall be amended to add the following to the end: 
 Effective, the first day of the Plan Year beginning on or after July 1, 2007, Testing Compensation shall include the following payments made within 2 1/2 months after severance from employment: (1) amounts that,
absent a severance from employment would have been paid to the Employee had the Employee continued in employment, such as regular pay, overtime, 

  

			
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bonuses, commissions, shift differentials, and similar compensation and (2) payments for bona fide sick, vacation, or other leave but only if the Employee would have been able to use the
leave if employment had continued. Testing Compensation shall not include severance pay and any other amounts, not described in the preceding sentence, paid after severance from employment. 
 2 Effective Date. This Section 7 shall be effective for Plan Years beginning on or after July 1, 2007. 

 

	SECTION 8:	NO OTHER CHANGES 

 1
Except as modified herein, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect, and the officers of the Company and/or members of the Administrative Committee shall take all reasonable steps to implement these amendments. 
  

			
	M.D.C. HOLDINGS, INC.
	Employer
		
	By:	 	 /s/ Karen Gard

	Name:	 	Karen Gard
	Title:	 	Vice President – Human Resources
	Date:	 	December 23, 2009

  

			
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