Document:

ex10_1.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Settlement Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into among the United States of America, acting through the United States Department of Justice and on behalf of the Office of Inspector General (OIG-HHS) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (collectively the “United States”), Hill-Rom Company, Inc. (“Hill-Rom”), and Laurie Salmons and Lisa Brocco (“Relators”)(hereafter collectively referred to as "the Parties"), through their authorized representatives.

 

RECITALS

 

A.      Hill-Rom, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Indiana, is a supplier of durable medical equipment (“DME”) with corporate headquarters located at 700 State Route 46E, Batesville, Indiana 47006-8835.

 

B.      On April 20, 2005, Relators filed a qui tam action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee captioned United States ex rel. Laurie Salmons and Lisa Brocco v. Hill-Rom Company, Inc., No.: 3:05-CV-210, pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3730(b) (the “Civil Action”). The Relators alleged that Hill-Rom submitted false claims to the United States for Group 2 and 3 pressure reducing support surfaces from 1999 to 2005. The United States is filing contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement
a notice of its election to intervene in the Civil Action filed by Relators for the purpose of settlement.

 

C.      The United States contends that Hill-Rom submitted or caused to be submitted claims for payment to the Medicare Program (“Medicare”), Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1395-1395hhh.

 

  

  

  

 

D.    The United States contends that it has certain civil claims against Hill-Rom arising from the following alleged conduct during the period from May 1, 1999, through January 31, 2008:

 

1.      Group 2 Claims 

 

a.      Hill-Rom submitted claims for Group 2 surfaces (identified on claims for payment by HCPCS codes E0277, E0371, E0372, or E0373) for Medicare beneficiaries without ascertaining whether the beneficiary met continuing medical necessity guidelines for the support surface and without consistently and adequately monitoring the status of beneficiaries using such surfaces. Hill-Rom submitted these claims for payment using the KX billing modifier or its predecessor, the ZX modifier. Despite its knowledge of and familiarity with the Medicare laws,
rules and program instructions regarding coverage and claims for Group 2 surfaces and its obligation to reasonably follow the status of beneficiaries on whom it was submitting claims to the Medicare program, Hill-Rom knew and recklessly disregarded the fact that it had submitted claims for beneficiaries that no longer met Medicare criteria and conditions for payment.

 

b.      In September 2003, Hill-Rom conducted an internal audit of claims submitted for 99 Group 2 Medicare beneficiaries, finding that it could not verify or support medical necessity for 65 of the 99 beneficiaries in the audit. Despite the results of its internal audit, Hill-Rom subsequently submitted claims for Group 2 surfaces provided to 44 of the 65 beneficiaries it had identified as lacking support for continuing medical necessity.

 

  

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c.      The Group 2 claims described in this paragraph 1 were not qualified for payment in contradiction to Section 1862 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)(1)(A)) and were submitted in violation of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-2733. The conduct described in this paragraph D(1) is hereinafter referred to as “Covered Conduct A."

 

2.      Group 3 Claims

 

Hill-Rom submitted claims to, and received payments from, the Medicare Program for Group 3 surfaces (identified on claims for payment by HCPCS code E0194) for Medicare beneficiaries for whom Hill-Rom had no Certificate of Medical Necessity or monthly physician certification as required by Medicare program instructions. The conduct described in this paragraph D(2) is hereinafter referred to as “Covered Conduct B.” 

 

Covered Conduct A and Covered Conduct B are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Covered Conduct.” 

 

E.      The United States also contends that it has certain administrative claims, as specified in Paragraphs 4, 6 and 7 below, against Hill-Rom for engaging in the Covered Conduct.

 

F.      This Settlement Agreement is neither an admission of liability by Hill-Rom nor a concession by the United States that its claims are not well founded.

 

G.      Relators claim entitlement under 31 U.S.C. § 3730(d) to a share of the proceeds of this Settlement Agreement and to the Relators’ reasonable expenses, attorneys' fees and costs.

 

To avoid the delay, uncertainty, inconvenience, and expense of protracted litigation of the above claims, and in consideration of the mutual promises and obligations of this Settlement Agreement, the Parties agree and covenant as follows:

 

  

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

1.    Hill-Rom shall pay to the United States the sum of $41,800,000.00 (the “Settlement Amount”) by electronic funds transfer (pursuant to written instructions to be provided by the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee) no later than 10 days after the Effective Date of this Agreement.

 

2.    Conditioned upon the United States receiving the Settlement Amount from Hill-Rom and as soon as feasible after receipt, the United States shall pay $8,360,000.00 to Relators by electronic funds transfer pursuant to written instructions provided by counsel for the Relators.

 

3.    Hill-Rom shall pay to the Relators within three (3) business days of the Effective Date of this Agreement the sum of $175,000.00 for their attorney’s fees and costs.

 

4.    Subject to the exceptions in Paragraph 7 (concerning excluded claims) below, and conditioned upon Hill-Rom's full payment of the Settlement Amount, the United States releases Hill-Rom, its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates, and the officers, directors, and employees thereof, from any civil or administrative monetary claim the United States has or may have for the Covered Conduct under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733; the Civil Monetary Penalties Law, 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a; the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3801-3812; or the common law theories of payment by mistake, unjust enrichment, recoupment, constructive trust, conversion and/or
fraud.

 

5.    Subject to the exceptions in Paragraph 7 below, and conditioned upon Hill-Rom's full payment of the Settlement Amount, Relators, for themselves and for their heirs, successors, attorneys, agents, and assigns, release Hill-Rom, its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates, and the officers, directors, and employees thereof from any civil claim the Relators have or may have, whether on behalf of the United States or otherwise, for the Covered Conduct, including, but not limited to any claim under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733.

 

  

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6.    In consideration of the obligations of Hill-Rom in this Agreement and the Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA), entered into between OIG-HHS and Hill-Rom contemporaneously with this Agreement, and conditioned upon Hill-Rom's full payment of the Settlement Amount, the OIG-HHS agrees to release and refrain from instituting, directing, or maintaining any administrative action seeking exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid, and other Federal health care programs (as defined in 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(f)) against Hill-Rom under 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a (Civil Monetary Penalties Law) or 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7(b)(7) (permissive exclusion for fraud, kickbacks, and other prohibited activities) for
the Covered Conduct, except as reserved in Paragraph 7 (concerning excluded claims), below, and as reserved in this Paragraph. The OIG-HHS expressly reserves all rights to comply with any statutory obligations to exclude Hill-Rom from Medicare, Medicaid, and other Federal health care programs under 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7(a) (mandatory exclusion) based upon the Covered Conduct. Nothing in this Paragraph precludes the OIG-HHS from taking action against entities or persons, or for conduct and practices, for which claims have been reserved in Paragraph 7, below.

 

7.    Notwithstanding the releases given in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 of this Agreement, or any other term of this Agreement, the following claims of the United States are specifically reserved and are not released:

 

a.      Any liability arising under Title 26, U.S. Code (Internal Revenue Code);

 

b.      Any criminal liability;

 

  

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c.      Except as explicitly stated in this Agreement, any administrative liability, including mandatory exclusion from Federal health care programs;

 

d.      Any liability to the United States (or its agencies) for any conduct other than the Covered Conduct;

 

e.      Any liability based upon obligations created by this Agreement; and

 

f.      Any administrative liability of individuals.

 

8.    Relators and their heirs, successors, attorneys, agents, and assigns shall not object to this Agreement but agree and confirm that this Agreement is fair, adequate, and reasonable under all the circumstances, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. § 3730(c)(2)(B). Conditioned upon Relators' receipt of the payment described in Paragraph 2, Relators and their heirs, successors, attorneys, agents, and assigns fully and finally release, waive, and forever discharge the United States, its agencies, officers, agents, employees, and servants from any claims arising from the filing of the Civil Action or under 31 U.S.C. § 3730, and from any claims to a share of the proceeds of this Agreement and/or the
Civil Action.

 

9.    Relators, for themselves, and for their heirs, successors, attorneys, agents, and assigns, fully and finally release Hill-Rom, its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates, and the officers, directors, and employees thereof, and its attorneys from any liability to Relators arising from the filing of the Civil Action, or under 31 U.S.C. § 3730(d) for expenses or attorney's fees and costs, and for any and all claims (including but not limited to claims for attorney fees, costs, and expenses of every kind and however denominated) that Relators have asserted, could have asserted, or may assert in the future against Hill-Rom, its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates, and
the officers, directors, and employees thereof, and its attorneys, related to the Covered Conduct and Hill-Rom’s investigation and defense thereof.

 

  

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10.   Hill-Rom waives and shall not assert any defenses Hill-Rom may have to any criminal prosecution or administrative action relating to the Covered Conduct that may be based in whole or in part on a contention that, under the Double Jeopardy Clause in the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, or under the Excessive Fines Clause in the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, this Agreement bars a remedy sought in such criminal prosecution or administrative action. Nothing in this paragraph or any other provision of this Agreement constitutes an agreement by the United States concerning the characterization of the Settlement Amount for purposes of the Internal Revenue laws, Title 26 of the United States
Code.

 

11.   Hill-Rom fully and finally releases the United States, and its agencies, officers, employees, servants, and agents from any claims (including attorney's fees, costs, and expenses of every kind and however denominated) that Hill-Rom has asserted, could have asserted, or may assert in the future against the United States, and its agencies, officers, employees, servants, and agents, for or related to the Covered Conduct and the United States' investigation and prosecution thereof. Hill-Rom also fully and finally releases the Relators and their attorneys from any and all claims (including but not limited to claims for attorney fees, costs, and expenses of every kind and however denominated) that
Hill-Rom has asserted, could have asserted, or may assert in the future against the Relators and/or their attorneys, related to the Covered Conduct and the Relators’ investigation and prosecution thereof.

 

  

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12.   The Settlement Amount shall not be decreased as a result of the denial of claims for payment now being withheld from payment by any Medicare carrier or intermediary or any state payer related to the Covered Conduct; and Hill-Rom agrees not to resubmit to any Medicare carrier or intermediary or any state payer, any previously denied claims related to the Covered Conduct, and agrees not to appeal any such denials of claims.

 

13.   Hill-Rom agrees to the following: 

 

a.       Unallowable Costs Defined: All costs (as defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, 48 C.F.R. § 31.205-47; and in Titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1395-1395kkk-1 and 1396-1396w-5; and the regulations and official program directives promulgated thereunder) incurred by or on behalf of Hill-Rom, its present or former officers, directors, employees, shareholders, and agents in connection with:

 

	
  

	
(1)

	
the matters covered by this Agreement;

 

	
  

	
(2)

	
the United States' audit(s) and civil and any criminal investigation(s) of the matters covered by this Agreement;

 

	
  

	
(3)

	
Hill Rom's investigation, defense, and corrective actions undertaken in response to the United States' audit(s) and civil and any criminal investigation(s) in connection with the matters covered by this Agreement (including attorney's fees);

 

	
  

	
(4)

	
the negotiation and performance of this Agreement;

 

	
  

	
(5)

	
the payment Hill-Rom makes to the United States pursuant to this Agreement and any payments that Hill-Rom may make to Relators, including costs and attorneys fees; and

 

	
  

	
(6)

	
the negotiation of, and obligations undertaken pursuant to the CIA to:

 

  

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(i)

	
retain an independent review organization to perform annual reviews as described in Section III of the CIA; and

 

	
  

	
(ii)

	
prepare and submit reports to the OIG-HHS, are

 

unallowable costs for government contracting purposes and under the Medicare Program, Medicaid Program, TRICARE Program, and Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) (hereinafter referred to as Unallowable Costs). However, nothing in this paragraph 13.a.(6) that may apply to the obligations undertaken pursuant to the CIA affects the status of costs that are not allowable based on any other authority applicable to Hill-Rom.

 

b.       Future Treatment of Unallowable Costs: Unallowable Costs shall be separately determined and accounted for by Hill-Rom, and Hill-Rom shall not charge such Unallowable Costs directly or indirectly to any contracts with the United States or any State Medicaid program, or seek payment for such Unallowable Costs through any cost report, cost statement, information statement, or payment request submitted by Hill-Rom or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to the Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or FEHBP Programs. 

 

c.     Treatment of Unallowable Costs Previously Submitted for Payment: Hill-Rom further agrees that within 90 days of the Effective Date of this Agreement it shall identify to applicable Medicare and TRICARE fiscal intermediaries, carriers, and/or contractors, and Medicaid and FEHBP fiscal agents, any Unallowable Costs (as defined in this Paragraph) included in payments previously sought from the United States, or any State Medicaid program, including, but not limited to, payments sought in any cost reports, cost statements, information reports, or payment requests already submitted by Hill-Rom or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and shall request, and agree, that such cost
reports, cost statements, information reports, or payment requests, even if already settled, be adjusted to account for the effect of the inclusion of the unallowable costs. Hill-Rom agrees that the United States, at a minimum, shall be entitled to recoup from Hill-Rom any overpayment plus applicable interest and penalties as a result of the inclusion of such Unallowable Costs on previously-submitted cost reports, information reports, cost statements, or requests for payment.

 

  

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Any payments due after the adjustments have been made shall be paid to the United States pursuant to the direction of the Department of Justice and/or the affected agencies. The United States reserves its rights to disagree with any calculations submitted by Hill-Rom or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates on the effect of inclusion of Unallowable Costs (as defined in this Paragraph) on Hill-Rom or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates' cost reports, cost statements, or information reports. 

 

d.       Nothing in this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of the rights of the United States to audit, examine, or re-examine Hill-Rom's books and records to determine that no Unallowable Costs have been claimed in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph.

 

14.     This Agreement is intended to be for the benefit of the Parties only. The Parties do not release any claims against any other person or entity, except to the extent provided for in Paragraph 15 (waiver for beneficiaries paragraph), below.

 

15.     Hill-Rom agrees that it waives and shall not seek payment for any of the health care billings covered by this Agreement from any health care beneficiaries or their parents, sponsors, legally responsible individuals, or third party payors based upon the claims defined as Covered Conduct.

 

  

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16.     Upon receipt of the payment described in Paragraph 1, above, the Parties shall promptly sign and file in the Civil Action a Joint Stipulation of Dismissal with prejudice of the Civil Action pursuant to Rule 41(a)(1).

 

17.     Except as expressly provided in paragraph 3 herein, each party shall bear its own legal and other costs incurred in connection with this matter, including the preparation and performance of this Agreement.

 

18.     Each party and signatory to this Agreement represents that it freely and voluntarily enters in to this Agreement without any degree of duress or compulsion.

 

19.     This Agreement is governed by the laws of the United States. The exclusive jurisdiction and venue for any dispute relating to this Agreement is the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. For purposes of construing this Agreement, this Agreement shall be deemed to have been drafted by all Parties to this Agreement and shall not, therefore, be construed against any Party for that reason in any subsequent dispute.

 

20.     This Agreement may not be amended except by written consent of the Parties.

 

21.     The undersigned counsel represent and warrant that they are fully authorized to execute this Agreement on behalf of the persons and entities indicated below.

 

22.     This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which constitutes an original and all of which constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

23.     This Agreement is binding on Hill-Rom's successors, transferees, heirs, and assigns.

 

24.     This Agreement is binding on Relators' successors, transferees, heirs, and assigns.

 

  

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25.      All parties consent to the United States' disclosure of this Agreement, and information about this Agreement, to the public.

 

26.      This Agreement is effective on the date of signature of the last signatory to the Agreement (“Effective Date of this Agreement”). Facsimiles of signatures shall constitute acceptable, binding signatures for purposes of this Agreement.

 

 

[Signature pages follow]

 

 

 

 

  

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THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

 

 

 

	

DATED: September 20, 2011

	
By: 

	/s/ William C. Killian	 
	 	 	
WILLIAM C. KILLIAN 

	 
	 	 	
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY 

Eastern District of Tennessee

	 

 

 

	

DATED: September 23, 2011

	
By: 

	/s/ Gregory E. Demske	 
	 	 	
GREGORY E. DEMSKE

	 
	 	 	
Assistant Inspector General for Legal Affairs 

	 
	 	 	
Office of Counsel to the Inspector General 

Office of Inspector General

United States Department of Health and Human Services

	 

 

 

HILL-ROM COMPANY, INC.

 

 

	

DATED: September 21, 2011

	
By: 

	/s/ Susan Lichtenstein	 
	 	 	
SUSAN LICHTENSTEIN

	 
	 	 	
Senior Vice-President, Corporate Affairs 

	 
	 	 	
Chief Legal Officer

	 

 

 

	

DATED: September 21, 2011

	
By: 

	/s/ John T. Brennan, Jr. 	 
	 	 	
JOHN T. BRENNAN, JR. 

	 
	 	 	
Crowell Moring, LLP 

Counsel for Hill-Rom Co., Inc.

	 

 

 

RELATORS

 

 

	

DATED: September 22, 2011

	
By: 

	/s/ David A. Burkhalter, II	 
	 	 	
DAVID A. BURKHALTER, II 

	 
	 	 	
Burkhalter, Rayson & Associates, P.C. 

	 
	 	 	
Counsel for Relators

	 

 

Signature page 1 of 2

  

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RELATORS (cont.)

 

 

 

 

	

DATED: September 20, 2011

	
By: 

	/s/ Laurie Salmons	 
	 	 	
LAURIE SALMONS

	 

 

 

 

 

	

DATED: September 20, 2011

	
By: 

	/s/ Lisa Brocco	 
	 	 	
LISA BROCCO

	 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature page 2 of 2

 

14ex10_2.htm

Exhibit 10.2

 

CORPORATE INTEGRITY AGREEMENT 

BETWEEN THE

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

AND HILL-ROM HOLDINGS, INC.

 

I.      PREAMBLE

 

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (Hill-Rom) 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, Hill-Rom is entering into a Settlement Agreement with the United States. This CIA shall apply only to the U.S. operations of Hill-Rom that are subject to U.S. Federal health care program requirements.

 

Prior to the Effective Date of this CIA (as defined below), Hill-Rom established a voluntary compliance program (the Compliance Program). Hill-Rom’s Compliance Program includes a Chief Compliance Officer who will report directly to the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer. The Compliance Program also includes a Code of Conduct. Hill-Rom shall continue its Compliance Program throughout the term of this CIA and shall do so in accordance with the terms set forth below. Hill-Rom may modify its Compliance Program as appropriate, but, at a minimum, Hill-Rom shall ensure that during the term of this CIA, it shall comply with the obligations set forth herein.

 

II.    TERM AND SCOPE OF THE CIA

 

A. The period of the compliance obligations assumed by Hill-Rom under this CIA shall be five years from the effective date of this CIA. The “Effective Date” shall October 1, 2011 or the date on which the final signatory of this CIA executes this CIA, whichever is later. Each one-year period, beginning with the one-year period following the Effective Date, shall be referred to as a “Reporting Period.”

 

  

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B.     Sections VII, X, and XI shall expire no later than 120 days after OIG’s receipt of: (1) Hill-Rom’s final annual report; or (2) any additional materials submitted by Hill-Rom pursuant to OIG’s request, whichever is later.

 

C.    The scope of this CIA shall be governed by the following definitions:

 

1.     “Covered Persons” includes: 

 

	  	
a. all owners of Hill-Rom 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 directors of Hill-Rom;   

 

c. all officers and employees of Hill-Rom or any of its subsidiaries who perform functions related to the sale, marketing, billing, or coding of items or services reimbursable by Federal health care programs;   

 

d. all contractors, subcontractors, agents, and other persons who, on behalf of Hill-Rom or any of its subsidiaries, perform functions related to the sale, marketing, billing or coding of items or services reimbursable by Federal health care programs, excluding vendors whose primary connection with Hill-Rom is selling or otherwise providing medical supplies or equipment to Hill-Rom and who do not bill the Federal health care programs for such medical supplies or equipment.

 

Notwithstanding the above, this term does not include part-time or per diem employees, contractors, subcontractors, agents on behalf of Hill-Rom or any of its subsidiaries, 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.     “Relevant Covered Persons” includes Covered Persons who are involved with the functions of preparing claims that Hill-Rom submits to Federal health care programs for Group 2 and Group 3 pressure reducing support surfaces, or collecting medical record documentation to support claims that Hill-Rom submits to Federal health care programs for Group 2 and Group 3 pressure reducing support surfaces.

 

  

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III.    CORPORATE INTEGRITY OBLIGATIONS

 

Hill-Rom shall establish and maintain a Compliance Program throughout the term of the CIA that includes the following elements:

 

A.    Compliance Officers and Committee

 

1. Compliance Officer. Prior to the Effective Date, Hill-Rom appointed a Chief Compliance Officer and Hill-Rom shall maintain a Chief Compliance Officer for the term of the CIA. The Chief 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 all applicable Federal health care program requirements. The Chief Compliance Officer shall be a member of senior management of Hill-Rom, shall report directly to the
Chief Executive Officer of Hill-Rom, shall make periodic (at least quarterly) reports regarding compliance matters directly to the Board of Directors or a committee of Hill-Rom’s Board of Directors, and shall be authorized to report on such matters to the Board of Directors or a such a committee at any time. The Chief 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 Hill-Rom as well as for any reporting obligations created under this CIA. Any noncompliance job responsibilities of the Chief Compliance Officer shall be limited and must not interfere with the Chief Compliance Officer’s ability to perform the duties outlined in this CIA.

 

Hill-Rom shall report to OIG, in writing, any change in the identity of the Chief 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 such a change.

 

2. Compliance Committee. Within 90 days after the Effective Date, Hill-Rom shall appoint a Compliance Committee. The Compliance Committee shall, at a minimum, include the Chief Compliance Officer, a non-employee member of the Board of Directors, other members of the Hill-Rom senior management that are necessary to meet the requirements of this CIA (e.g., senior executives of relevant departments, such as billing, clinical, human resources, audit, and operations). The
Chief Compliance Officer shall chair the Compliance Committee and the Committee shall support the Chief Compliance Officer in fulfilling his/her responsibilities under this agreement (e.g., shall assist in the analysis of Hill-Rom’s risk areas and shall oversee monitoring of internal and external audits and investigations). The Compliance Committee shall meet at least quarterly.

 

  

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Hill-Rom 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 (“Board Compliance Committee”) shall be responsible for the review and oversight of matters related to compliance with Federal health care program requirements and the obligations of this CIA.

 

The Board Compliance Committee shall, at a minimum, be responsible for the following:

 

	
a.     

	
meeting at least quarterly to review and oversee Hill-Rom's Compliance Program, including but not limited to the performance of the Chief Compliance Officer and Compliance Committee;

 

	
b.     

	
ensuring that Hill-Rom adopts and implements policies, procedures, and practices designed to ensure compliance with the requirements set forth in this CIA and Federal health care program requirements; and

 

	
c.     

	
for each Reporting Period of the CIA, adopting a resolution, signed by each member of the Board Compliance Committee summarizing its review and oversight of Hill-Rom’s compliance with all applicable Federal health care program requirements and the obligations of this CIA.

 

  

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At minimum, the resolution shall include the following language:

 

“The Board Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors has made a reasonable inquiry into the operations of Hill-Rom’s Compliance Program including the performance of the Chief Compliance Officer and the Compliance Committee. Based on its inquiry and review, the Board Compliance Committee has concluded that, to the best of its knowledge, Hill-Rom has implemented an effective Compliance Program to meet all applicable Federal health care program requirements and the obligations of the CIA.”

 

If the Board Compliance Committee is unable to provide such a conclusion in the resolution, the Board Compliance 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 an effective Compliance Program at Hill-Rom.

 

Hill-Rom shall report to OIG, in writing, any changes in the composition of the Board Compliance Committee, or any actions or changes that would affect the Board’s ability to perform the duties necessary to meet the obligations in this CIA, within 15 days after such a change.

 

B.    Written Standards

 

1.     Code of Conduct. Prior to the Effective Date, Hill-Rom developed and implemented a written Code of Conduct. Within 120 days after the Effective Date, Hill-Rom shall distribute its written Code of Conduct to all Covered Persons and shall make the promotion of, and adherence to, the Code of Conduct an element in evaluating the performance of all Covered Persons. The Code of Conduct shall, at a minimum, set forth:

 

	
a.     

	
Hill-Rom’s commitment to full compliance with any and all applicable Federal health care program requirements, including its commitment to prepare and submit accurate claims consistent with such requirements;

 

	
b.     

	
Hill-Rom’s requirement that all of its Covered Persons shall be expected to comply with all applicable Federal health care program requirements and with Hill-Rom’s own Policies and Procedures;

 

  

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c.     

	
the requirement that all of Hill-Rom’s Covered Persons shall be expected to report to the Chief Compliance Officer, or other appropriate individual designated by Hill-Rom, suspected violations of any applicable Federal health care program requirements or of Hill-Rom’s own Policies and Procedures; and

 

	
d.    

	
the right of all individuals to use the Disclosure Program described in Section III.E, and Hill-Rom’s commitment to nonretaliation and to maintain, as appropriate, confidentiality and anonymity with respect to such disclosures.

 

Within 120 days after the Effective Date, each Covered Person shall certify, in writing or electronically, that he or she has received, read, understood, and shall abide by Hill-Rom’s Code of Conduct. New Covered Persons shall receive the Code of Conduct and shall complete the required certification within 60 days after becoming a Covered Person or within 120 days after the Effective Date, whichever is later.

 

Hill-Rom shall periodically review the Code of Conduct to determine if revisions are appropriate and shall make any necessary revisions based on such review. To the extent that Hill-Rom makes material revisions to the Code of Conduct, the 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 120 days after the Effective Date, Hill-Rom shall implement written Policies and Procedures regarding the operation of its compliance program, including the compliance program requirements outlined in this CIA and Hill Rom’s compliance with all applicable Federal health care program 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.     

	
the proper and accurate preparation and submission of claims to all applicable Federal health care programs;

 

  

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c.     

	
the proper identification of Ineligible Persons, as defined in Section III.F of this CIA; and

	
d.     

	
the proper procedures for ensuring that documentation exists verifying continuing medical necessity as required for items or services reimbursable by Federal health care programs.

 

Within 120 days after the Effective Date, 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), Hill-Rom shall assess and update, as necessary, the Policies and Procedures. Within 60 days after the effective date of any revisions, any such revised Policies and Procedures shall be made available to all Covered Persons.

 

C.     Training and Education

 

Hill-Rom has represented that it provides training to its employees on a regular basis concerning a variety of topics. The training required under this CIA need not be separate and distinct from the regular training provided by Hill-Rom, but instead may be integrated fully into such regular training so long as the training covers the areas specified below.

 

1.      General Training. Within 120 days after the Effective Date, Hill-Rom shall provide at least one hour of General Training to each Covered Person. This training, at a minimum, shall explain Hill-Rom’s:

 

	
a.     

	
CIA requirements; and

 

	
b.     

	
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.

 

  

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2.     Specific Training. Within 120 days after the Effective Date, each Relevant Covered Person shall receive at least three hours of Specific Training applicable to their specific job functions in addition to the General Training required above. This Specific Training shall include a discussion of:

 

	
a.     

	
the Federal health care program reimbursement statutes, regulations, program directives and requirements regarding the accurate coding and submission of claims, including butnot
limited to:

 

	
i.       

	
the Federal health care program requirements regarding the proper use of the KX modifier;

 

	
ii.      

	
policies, procedures, and other requirements described in the “Medicare Program Integrity Manual” (Publication 100-8) “Items and Services Having Special DME Review Considerations,” (Chapter 5) with specific emphasis on sections 5.7 – 5.9 describing proper “Documentation in the Patient’s Medical Record; Supplier Documentation; and Evidence of Medical Necessity” located at((http://www.cms.gov/manuals/downloads/pim83c05.pdf) on the CMS website; and in MLN Matters Number: SE1014 – “Medicare Policy Regarding Pressure Reducing Support Surfaces;”

 

	
iii.     

	
guidance provided by Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers (DMERC) or Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MAC)

 

	
b.    

	
the personal obligation of each individual involved in the claims submission process to ensure that such claims are accurate;

 

  

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c.     

	
the legal sanctions for violations of the Federal health care program requirements; and

 

	
 d.    

	
examples of proper and improper claims submission practices.

 

New Relevant Covered Persons shall receive this training within 60 days after the beginning of their employment or becoming Relevant Covered Persons, or within 120 days after the Effective Date, whichever is later.

 

After receiving the initial Specific Training described in this section, each Relevant Covered Person shall receive at least two hours of Specific Training, in addition to the General Training, in each subsequent Reporting Period.

 

3.     Board Member Training. Within 90 days after the Effective Date, Hill-Rom shall provide at least two hours of training to each member of the Board of Directors, in addition to the General Training. This training shall address the CIA requirements, the responsibilities of board members, and corporate governance.

 

New members of the Board of Directors shall receive the Board Member Training described above within 30 days after becoming a member or within 90 days after the Effective Date, whichever is later.

 

4.     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.

 

5.     Qualifications of Trainer. Persons providing the training shall be knowledgeable about the subject area.

 

6.     Update of Training. Hill-Rom shall review the training annually, and, where appropriate, update the training to reflect changes in all applicable Federal health care program requirements, any issues discovered during internal audits or the Claims Review, and any other relevant information.

 

  

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7.     Computer-based Training. Hill-Rom may provide the training required under this CIA through appropriate computer-based training approaches. If Hill-Rom 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 individuals receiving such training. In addition, if Hill-Rom chooses to provide computer-based General or Specific Training, all applicable requirements to provide a number of “hours” of training in this Section III.C may be met with
respect to computer-based training by providing the required number of “normative” hours as that term is used in the computer-based training industry.

 

D.    Review Procedures

 

1.    General Description

 

	
a.     

	
Engagement of Independent Review Organization. Within 90 days after the Effective Date, Hill-Rom shall engage an entity (or entities), such as an accounting, auditing, or consulting firm (hereinafter “Independent Review Organization” or “IRO”), to perform the reviews listed in this Section III.D. The applicable requirements relating to the IRO are outlined in Appendix A to this CIA, which is incorporated by reference.

 

	
b.     

	
Retention of Records. The IRO and Hill-Rom shall retain and make available to OIG, upon request, all work papers, supporting documentation, correspondence, and draft reports (those exchanged between the IRO and Hill-Rom) related to the reviews.

 

2.    Claims Review. The IRO shall review Hill-Rom’s coding, billing, documentation, verification of continuing medical necessity and claims submission to the Medicare program and the reimbursement received for Group 2 and Group 3 support surfaces (Claims Review) and shall prepare a Claims Review Report, as outlined in Appendix B to this CIA, which is incorporated by reference.

 

If the Error Rates in the Discovery Sample, as outlined in Appendix B to this CIA, are less than 5% for the first three Reporting Periods, Hill-Rom may request, in writing, that the Claims Review be removed from the scope of Hill-Rom’s obligations under the CIA, or conducted by Hill-Rom in an internal review, for the fourth and fifth Reporting Periods. Any such modification shall be granted solely at OIG’s discretion.

 

  

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3.     Validation Review. In the event OIG has reason to believe that: (a) Hill-Rom’s Claims Review fails to conform to the requirements of this CIA; or (b) the IRO’s findings or Claims Review results are inaccurate, OIG may, at its sole discretion, conduct its own review to determine whether the Claims Review complied with the requirements of the CIA and/or the findings or Claims Review results are inaccurate (Validation Review). Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom’s final Annual Report shall be initiated no later than one year after Hill-Rom’s final submission (as described in Section II) is received by OIG.

 

Prior to initiating a Validation Review, OIG shall notify Hill-Rom 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, Hill-Rom may request a meeting with OIG to: (a) discuss the results of any Claims Review submissions or findings; (b) present any additional information to clarify the results of the Claims Review or to correct the inaccuracy of the Claims; and/or (c) propose alternatives to the proposed Validation Review. Hill-Rom 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 Claims
Review issues with Hill-Rom 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.

 

6.      Independence and Objectivity Certification. The IRO shall include in its report(s) to Hill-Rom a certification or sworn affidavit that it has evaluated its professional independence and objectivity and has concluded that it is, in fact, independent and objective.

 

E.     Disclosure Program

 

Hill-Rom has established a disclosure program designed to facilitate communications relating to compliance with Federal health care programs and Hill-Rom’s Policies and Procedures (“Disclosure Program”). During the term of the CIA, Hill Rom shall maintain a Disclosure Program that includes a mechanism (e.g., a toll-free compliance telephone line) to enable individuals to disclose, to the Chief Compliance

 

  

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Officer or some other person who is not in the disclosing individual’s chain of command, any identified issues or questions associated with Hill-Rom’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. Hill-Rom shall continue to 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). To the extent not already accomplished, Hill-Rom’s Disclosure Program shall incorporate the
elements described in this Section III.E within 90 days after the Effective Date.

 

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 Chief Compliance Officer (or designee) shall gather all relevant information from the disclosing individual. The Chief 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 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, Hill-Rom shall conduct an internal review of the allegations set forth in the disclosure and ensure that proper follow-up is conducted.

 

The Chief 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.

 

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, orotherwise ineligible to participate in the Federal health careprograms or in Federal procurement or nonprocurement programs; or

 

  

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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 athttp://www.oig.hhs.gov); and

 

	
ii.     

	
the General Services Administration’s List of Parties Excluded from Federal Programs (available through the Internet athttp://www.epls.gov).

 

2.     Screening Requirements. Hill-Rom shall ensure that all prospective and current Covered Persons are not Ineligible Persons, by implementing the following screening requirements.

 

	
a.     

	
Hill-Rom shall screen all prospective 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.     

	
Hill-Rom shall screen all Covered Persons against the Exclusion Lists within 120 days after the Effective Date and on an annual basis thereafter.

 

	
c.     

	
Hill-Rom 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 Section III.F affects Hill-Rom’s responsibility to refrain from (and liability for) billing Federal health care programs for items or services furnished, ordered, or prescribed by excluded persons. Hill-Rom understands that items or services furnished by excluded persons are not payable by Federal health care programs and that Hill-Rom may be liable for overpayments and/or criminal, civil, and administrative sanctions for employing or contracting with an excluded person regardless of whether Hill-Rom meets the requirements of Section III.F.

 

  

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3. Removal Requirement. If Hill-Rom has actual notice that a Covered Person has become an Ineligible Person, Hill-Rom shall remove such Covered Person from responsibility for, or involvement with, Hill-Rom’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.

 

4. Pending Charges and Proposed Exclusions. If Hill-Rom 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 or during the term of a physician’s or other practitioner’s medical staff privileges, Hill-Rom 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, Hill-Rom shall notify OIG, in writing, of any ongoing investigation or legal proceeding known to Hill-Rom conducted or brought by a governmental entity or its agents involving an allegation that Hill-Rom 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. Hill-Rom 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.    Repayment of Overpayments

 

  

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1.     Definition of Overpayments. For purposes of this CIA, an “Overpayment” shall mean the amount of money Hill-Rom has received in excess of the amount due and payable under any Federal health care program requirements.

 

2.    Repayment of Overpayments

 

	
a.     

	
If, at any time, Hill-Rom identifies or learns of any Overpayment, Hill-Rom shall repay the Overpayment to the appropriate payor (e.g., Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers (DMERC) or Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MAC)) within 30 days after identification of the Overpayment and take remedial steps within 60 days after identification (or such additional time as may be agreed to by the payor) to correct the problem, including preventing the underlying problem and the Overpayment from recurring. If not yet quantified,
within 30 days after identification, Hill-Rom shall notify the payor of its efforts to quantify the Overpayment amount along with a schedule of when such work is expected to be completed. Notification and repayment to the payor shall be done in accordance with the payor’s policies.

 

	
b.     

	
Notwithstanding the above, notification and repayment of any Overpayment amount that routinely is reconciled or adjusted pursuant to policies and procedures established by the payor should be handled in accordance with such policies and procedures.

 

I.     Reportable Events

 

	
1.      

	
Definition of Reportable Event. For purposes of this CIA, a “Reportable Event” means anything that involves:

 

	
a.     

	
a substantial Overpayment;

 

	
b.     

	
a matter that a reasonable person would consider a probable violation of criminal, civil, or administrative laws applicable to any Federal health care program for which penalties or exclusion may be authorized;

 

  

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c.     

	
the employment of or contracting with a Covered Person who is an Ineligible Person as defined by Section III.F.1.a; or

 

	
d.     

	
the filing of a bankruptcy petition by Hill-Rom.

 

A Reportable Event may be the result of an isolated event or a series of occurrences.

 

2.      Reporting of Reportable Events. If Hill-Rom determines (after a reasonable opportunity to conduct an appropriate review or investigation of the allegations) through any means that there is a Reportable Event, Hill-Rom shall notify OIG, in writing, within 30 days after making the determination that the Reportable Event exists.

 

3.      Reportable Events under Section III.I.1.a. For Reportable Events under Section III.I.1.a, the report to OIG shall be made at the same time as the repayment to the payor required in Section III.H, and shall include:

 

	
a.     

	
a copy of the notification and repayment to the payor required in Section III.H.2;

 

	
b.     

	
a description of the steps taken by Hill-Rom to identify and quantify the Overpayment;

 

	
 c.     

	
a complete description of the Reportable Event, including the relevant facts, persons involved, and legal and Federal health care program authorities implicated;

 

	
d.     

	
a description of Hill-Rom’s actions taken to correct the Reportable Event; and

 

	
e.     

	
any further steps Hill-Rom plans to take to address the Reportable Event and prevent it from recurring.

 

4.     Reportable Events under Section III.I.1.b and c. For Reportable Events under Section III.I.1.b and III.I.1.c, the report to OIG shall include:

  

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a.     

	
a complete description of the Reportable Event, including the relevant facts, persons involved, and legal and Federal health care program authorities implicated;

 

	
b.     

	
a description of Hill-Rom’s actions taken to correct the Reportable Event;

 

	
c.     

	
any further steps Hill-Rom plans to take to address the Reportable Event and prevent it from recurring; and

 

	
d.     

	
if the Reportable Event has resulted in an Overpayment, a description of the steps taken by Hill-Rom to identify and quantify the Overpayment.

 

5 .   Reportable Events under Section III.I.1.d. For Reportable Events under Section III.I.1.d, the report to the OIG shall include documentation of the bankruptcy filing and a description of any Federal health care program authorities implicated.

 

6.     Reportable Events Involving the Stark Law. Notwithstanding the reporting requirements outlined above, any Reportable Event that involves only a probable violation of section 1877 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §1395nn (the Stark Law) should be submitted by Hill-Rom to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the self-referral disclosure protocol (SRDP), with a copy to the OIG. The requirements of Section III.H.2 that require repayment to the payor of any identified Overpayment within 30 days shall not apply to any Overpayment that may result from a
probable violation of only the Stark Law that is disclosed to CMS pursuant to the SRDP.

 

IV.        CHANGES TO BUSINESS UNITS OR LOCATIONS

 

A.    Change or Closure of Unit or Location

 

In the event that, after the Effective Date, Hill-Rom 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, Hill-Rom 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.

 

  

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B.    Purchase or Establishment of New Unit or Location

 

In the event that, after the Effective Date, Hill-Rom 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, Hill-Rom shall notify OIG no later than 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, the location’s Medicare and state Medicaid program provider number and/or supplier number(s); and the name and address of each Medicare and state Medicaid program contractor to which Hill-Rom currently submits claims. 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, Hill-Rom sells any or all of its business units or locations that are subject to this CIA, Hill-Rom shall notify OIG of the sale at least 30 days prior to 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.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the notification obligations set forth in Section IV of this CIA shall apply to any of Hill-Rom’s business units or locations that Hill-Rom’s Post Acute Care Division uses solely as warehouses or repair facilities.

 

V.          IMPLEMENTATION AND ANNUAL REPORTS

 

A.    Implementation Report

 

Within 180 days after the Effective Date, Hill-Rom 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:

 

  

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1.     the name, address, phone number, and position description of the Chief Compliance Officer required by Section III.A, and a summary of other noncompliance job responsibilities the Chief Compliance Officer may have;

 

2.     the names and positions of the members of the Compliance Committee required by Section III.A.2;

 

3.     a copy of Hill-Rom’s Code of Conduct required by Section III.B.1;

 

4.    the number of Covered Persons required to complete the Code of Conduct certification required by Section III.B.1, the percentage of Covered Persons who have completed such certification, and an explanation of any exceptions (the documentation supporting this information shall be available to OIG upon request);

 

5.     a summary of all Policies and Procedures required by Section III.B (copies of the Policies and Procedures shall be made available to OIG upon request);

 

6.     the following information regarding each type of training required by Section III.C:

 

	
a.     

	
a description of such training, including a summary of the  topics covered, the length of sessions, and a schedule of training sessions;

 

	
b.     

	
the number of Covered Persons required to be trained, percentage of Covered Persons actually trained, and an explanation of any exceptions.

 

A copy of all training materials and the documentation supporting this information shall be made available to OIG upon request.

 

7.    a description of the Disclosure Program required by Section III.E;

 

8.    the following information regarding the IRO(s): (a) identity, address, and phone number; (b) a copy of the engagement letter; (c) information to demonstrate that the IRO has the qualifications outlined in Appendix A to this CIA; (d) a summary and description of any and all current and prior engagements and agreements between Hill-Rom and the IRO; and (e) a certification from the IRO regarding its professional independence and objectivity with respect to Hill-Rom;

 

  

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9.     a description of the process by which Hill-Rom fulfills the requirements of Section III.F regarding Ineligible Persons;

 

10.   a list of all of Hill-Rom’s locations, other than those Hill-Rom’s Post Acute Care Division uses as warehouses or repair facilities (including locations and mailing addresses); the corresponding name under which each location is doing business; the corresponding phone numbers and fax numbers; each location’s Medicare and state Medicaid program provider number and/or supplier number(s); and the name and address of each Medicare and state Medicaid program contractor to which Hill-Rom currently submits claims;

 

11.   a description of Hill-Rom’s corporate structure, including identification of any parent and sister companies, subsidiaries, and their respective lines of business; and

 

12.   the certifications required by Section V.C.

 

B.     Annual Reports

 

Hill-Rom shall submit to OIG annually a report with respect to the status of, and findings regarding, Hill-Rom’s compliance activities for each of the five Reporting Periods (Annual Report). Each Annual Report shall include, at a minimum:

 

1.     any change in the identity, position description, or other noncompliance job responsibilities of the Chief Compliance Officer and any change in the membership of the Compliance Committee described in Section III.A.2;

 

2.     the Board Compliance Committee resolution required by Section III.A.3;

 

3.     a summary of any changes or amendments to Hill-Rom’s Code of Conduct required by Section III.B.1 and the reason for such changes, along with a copy of the revised Code of Conduct;

 

  

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4.     the number of Covered Persons required to complete the Code of Conduct certification required by Section III.B.1, the percentage of Covered Persons who have completed such certification, and an explanation of any exceptions (the documentation supporting this information shall be made available to OIG upon request);

 

5.     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);

 

6.    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;

 

b.    the number of Covered Persons required to complete the initial and annual training, the percentage of Covered Persons who actually completed the initial and annual training, and an
explanation of any exceptions.

 

A copy of all training materials and the documentation to support this information shall be made available to OIG upon request.

 

7.      a complete copy of all reports prepared pursuant to Section III.D, along with a copy of the IRO’s engagement letter;

 

8.     Hill-Rom’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;

 

9.     a summary and description of any and all current and prior engagements and agreements between Hill-Rom and the IRO (if different from what was submitted as part of the Implementation Report);

 

10.   a certification from the IRO regarding its professional independence and objectivity with respect to Hill-Rom;

 

  

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11.    a summary of Reportable Events (as defined in Section III.I) identified during the Reporting Period and the status of any corrective action relating to all such Reportable Events;

 

12.    a report of the aggregate Overpayments that have been returned to the Federal health care programs. Overpayment amounts shall be broken down into the following categories: inpatient Medicare, outpatient Medicare, Medicaid (report each applicable state separately, if applicable), and other Federal health care programs. Overpayment amounts that are routinely reconciled or adjusted pursuant to policies and procedures established by the payor do not need to be included in this aggregate Overpayment report;

 

13.    a summary of the disclosures in the disclosure log required by Section III.E that relate to Federal health care programs (the complete disclosure log shall be made available to OIG upon request);

 

14.    any changes to the process by which Hill-Rom fulfills the requirements of Section III.F regarding Ineligible Persons;

 

15.    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;

 

16.    a description of all changes to the most recently provided list of Hill-Rom’s locations (including addresses) as required by Section V.A.10; the corresponding name under which each location is doing business; the corresponding phone numbers and fax numbers; each location’s Medicare and state Medicaid program provider number(s) and/or supplier number(s); and the name and address of each Medicare and state Medicaid program contractor to which Hill-Rom currently submits claims; and

 

17.    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

 

  

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The Implementation Report and each Annual Report shall include a certification by the Chief Compliance Officer that:

 

1.      to the best of his or her knowledge, except as otherwise described in the report, Hill-Rom is in compliance with all of the requirements of this CIA;

 

2.      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; and

 

3.      to the best of his or her knowledge, Hill-Rom 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.    Designation of Information

 

Hill-Rom 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. Hill-Rom 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:

 

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

 

  

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Cohen Building, Room 5527 

330 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Washington, DC 20201 

Telephone: 202.619.2078 

Facsimile: 202.205.0604 

 

Hill-Rom: 

Daniel J. Dalton 

Chief Compliance Officer 

Hill-Rom 

Two Prudential Plaza, Suite 4100 

180 N. Stetson Avenue 

Chicago, Illinois 60601

 

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, Hill-Rom 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), 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 Hill-Rom’s books, records, and other documents and supporting materials and/or conduct on-site reviews of any of Hill-Rom’s locations for the purpose of verifying and evaluating: (a) Hill-Rom’s compliance with the terms of this CIA; and (b) Hill-Rom’s compliance with the requirements of Federal health care programs. The documentation described above shall be made available by Hill-Rom to OIG or its duly authorized representative(s) at all reasonable times for inspection, audit, or reproduction. Furthermore, for
purposes of this provision, OIG or its duly authorized representative(s) may interview any of Hill-Rom’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. Hill-Rom shall assist OIG or its duly authorized representative(s) in contacting and arranging interviews with such individuals upon OIG’s request. Hill-Rom’s employees may elect to be interviewed with or without a representative of Hill-Rom present.

 

  

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VIII.        DOCUMENT AND RECORD RETENTION

 

Hill-Rom shall maintain for inspection all documents and records relating to reimbursement from the Federal health care programs and to compliance with this CIA for seven 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 Hill-Rom prior to any release by OIG of information submitted by Hill-Rom pursuant to its obligations under this CIA and identified upon submission by Hill-Rom as trade secrets, or information that is commercial or financial and privileged or confidential, under the FOIA rules. With respect to such releases, Hill-Rom shall have the rights set forth at 45 C.F.R. § 5.65(d).

 

X.         BREACH AND DEFAULT PROVISIONS

 

Hill-Rom 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, Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom fails to establish and implement any of the following obligations as described in Section III:

 

a.    a Chief Compliance Officer;

b.    a Compliance Committee;

c.    the Board of Directors compliance obligations;

  

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d.     a written Code of Conduct;

 

e.      written Policies and Procedures;

 

f.      the training of Covered Persons, Relevant Covered Persons, and Board Members;

 

g.    a Disclosure Program;

 

h.     Ineligible Persons screening and removal requirements;

 

i.     notification of Government investigations or legal proceedings; and

 

j.      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 Hill-Rom fails to engage and use an IRO, as required in Section III.D, Appendix A, and Appendix 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 Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom fails to submit any Claims Review Report in accordance with the requirements of Section III.D and Appendix B.

 

5.     A Stipulated Penalty of $1,500 for each day Hill-Rom fails to grant access as required in Section VII. (This Stipulated Penalty shall begin to accrue on the date Hill-Rom fails to grant access.)

 

6.     A Stipulated Penalty of $5,000 for each false certification submitted by or on behalf of Hill-Rom as part of its Implementation Report, Annual Report, additional documentation to a report (as requested by the OIG), or otherwise required by this CIA.

 

  

26

  

 

7.     A Stipulated Penalty of $1,000 for each day Hill-Rom fails to comply fully and adequately with any obligation of this CIA. OIG shall provide notice to Hill-Rom stating the specific grounds for its determination that Hill-Rom has failed to comply fully and adequately with the CIA obligation(s) at issue and steps Hill-Rom shall take to comply with the CIA. (This Stipulated Penalty shall begin to accrue 10 days after Hill-Rom 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- 6 of this Section.

 

B.     Timely Written Requests for Extensions

 

Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom 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 business days after Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom of: (a) Hill-Rom’s failure to comply; and (b) OIG’s exercise of its contractual right to demand payment of the Stipulated Penalties. (This notification shall be referred to as the “Demand Letter.”)

 

2.     Response to Demand Letter. Within 10 days after the receipt of the Demand Letter, Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom elects to request an ALJ hearing, the Stipulated Penalties shall continue to accrue until
Hill-Rom 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.

 

  

27

  

 

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 Hill-Rom 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.

 

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 Hill-Rom to report a Reportable Event, take corrective action, and make the appropriate refunds, as required in Section III.I;

 

c.     a failure to respond to a Demand Letter concerning the payment of Stipulated Penalties in accordance with Section X. C; or

 

d.     a failure to engage and use an IRO in accordance with Section III. D, Appendix A, and Appendix B.

 

2.    Notice of Material Breach and Intent to Exclude. The parties agree that a material breach of this CIA by Hill-Rom constitutes an independent basis for Hill-Rom’s exclusion from participation in the Federal health care programs. Upon a determination by OIG that Hill-Rom has materially breached this CIA and that exclusion is the appropriate remedy, OIG shall notify
Hill-Rom of: (a) Hill-Rom’s material breach; and (b) OIG’s intent to exercise its contractual right to impose exclusion. (This notification shall be referred to as the “Notice of Material Breach and Intent to Exclude.”)

 

  

28

  

 

3.     Opportunity to Cure. Hill-Rom 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.     

	
Hill-Rom 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) Hill-Rom has begun to take action to cure the material breach; (ii) Hill-Rom is pursuing such action with due diligence; and (iii) Hill-Rom has provided to OIG a reasonable timetable for curing the material breach.

 

4.     Exclusion Letter. If, at the conclusion of the 30 day period, Hill-Rom fails to satisfy the requirements of Section X.D.3, OIG may exclude Hill-Rom from participation in the Federal health care programs. OIG shall notify Hill-Rom in writing of its determination to exclude Hill-Rom. (This letter shall be referred to 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 Hill-Rom’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, Hill-Rom 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

 

  

29

  

 

1.     Review Rights. Upon OIG’s delivery to Hill-Rom 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, Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom was in full and timely compliance with the obligations of this CIA for which OIG demands payment; and (b) the period of noncompliance. Hill-Rom shall have the burden of proving its full and timely compliance and the steps taken to cure the 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 Hill-Rom to pay Stipulated Penalties, such Stipulated Penalties shall become due and payable 20 days after the ALJ issues such a decision unless Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom 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) Hill-Rom had begun to take action to cure the material breach within that period; (ii) Hill-Rom has pursued and is pursuing such action with due diligence; and (iii) Hill-Rom provided to OIG within that period a reasonable timetable for curing the material breach and Hill-Rom has followed the timetable.

  

30

  

For purposes of the exclusion herein, exclusion shall take effect only after an ALJ decision favorable to OIG, or, if the ALJ rules for Hill-Rom, only after a DAB decision in favor of OIG. Hill-Rom’s election of its contractual right to appeal to the DAB shall not abrogate OIG’s authority to exclude Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom 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. Hill-Rom 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 Hill-Rom, Hill-Rom 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

 

Hill-Rom and OIG agree as follows:

 

A.   This CIA shall be binding on the successors, assigns, and transferees of Hill-Rom.

 

B.    This CIA shall become final and binding on the date the final signature is obtainedon the CIA.

 

C.     This CIA constitutes the complete agreement between the parties and may notbe amended except by written consent of the parties to this CIA.

 

  

31

  

 

D.   OIG may agree to a suspension of Hill-Rom’s obligations under this CIA based on a certification by Hill-Rom that it is no longer providing health care items or services that will be billed to any Federal health care program and that it does not have any ownership or control interest, as defined in 42 U.S.C. §1320a-3, in any entity that bills any Federal health care program. If Hill-Rom is relieved of its CIA obligations, Hill-Rom will be
required to notify OIG in writing at least 30 days in advance if Hill-Rom plans to resume providing health care items or services that are billed to any Federal health care program or to obtain an ownership or control interest in any entity that bills any Federal health care program. At such time, OIG shall evaluate whether the CIA will be reactivated or modified.

 

E.     The undersigned Hill-Rom 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.

 

 

 

 

  

32

  

 

ON BEHALF OF HILL-ROM

 

 

 

	/s/ John J. Greisch 	 	September 20, 2011 	 
	
JOHN J. GREISCH, 

Chief Executive Officer Hill 

Rom Holdings, Inc.

	 	
DATE

	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	/s/ Susan R. Lichtenstein	 	September 20, 2011 	 
	SUSAN R. LICHTENSTEIN	 	
DATE

	 
	
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & 

Chief Legal Officer 

Hill Rom Holdings, Inc.

	 	 	 

 

 

 

 

  

33

  

 

ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

 

 

 

 

 

	/s/ Gregory E. Demske 	 	September 23, 2011 	 
	
GREGORY E. DEMSKE

	 	
DATE

	 
	
Assistant Inspector General for Legal Affairs 

Office of Inspector General 

U. S. Department of Health and Human Services

	 	 	 

 

 

	/s/ Tonya Keusseyan	 	September 22, 2011 	 
	
TONYA KEUSSEYAN

	 	
DATE

	 
	
Senior Counsel

Office of Inspector General 

U. S. Department of Health and Human Services

	 	 	 

 

 

 

 

 

  

34

  

 

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

 

1.       Hill-Rom 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 the information identified in Section V.A.8 of the CIA or any additional information submitted by Hill-Rom in response to a request by OIG, whichever is later, OIG will notify Hill-Rom if the IRO is
unacceptable. Absent notification from OIG that the IRO is unacceptable, Hill-Rom may continue to engage the IRO.

 

2.       If Hill-Rom 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, Hill-Rom shall submit the information identified in Section V.A.8 of the CIA to OIG within 30 days of engagement of the IRO. Within 30 days after OIG receives this information or any additional information submitted by Hill-Rom at the request of OIG, whichever is later, OIG will notify Hill-Rom if the IRO is unacceptable. Absent notification from OIG that the IRO is unacceptable, Hill-Rom may continue to engage the IRO.

 

B.       IRO Qualifications 

 

The IRO shall:

 

1.       assign individuals to conduct the Claims Review who have expertise in the billing, coding, reporting, and other requirements of Group 2 and Group 3 pressure reducing support surfaces and in the general requirements of the Federal health care program(s) from which Hill-Rom seeks reimbursement;

 

2.       assign individuals to design and select the Claims Review sample who are knowledgeable about the appropriate statistical sampling techniques;

 

3.       assign individuals to conduct the coding review portions of the Claims Review who have a nationally recognized coding certification and who have maintained this certification (e.g., completed applicable continuing education requirements); and

 

 

A-1

 

 

4.       have sufficient staff and resources to conduct the reviews required by the CIA on a timely basis.

 

C.       IRO Responsibilities

 

The IRO shall:

 

1.       perform each Claims Review in accordance with the specific requirements of the CIA;

 

2.       follow all applicable Federal health care program, rules and reimbursement guidelines in making assessments in the Claims Review;

 

3.       if in doubt of the application of a particular Federal health care program policy or regulation, request clarification from the appropriate authority (e.g., Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers or Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor);

 

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 Claims 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 Hill-Rom.

 

E.        IRO Removal/Termination 

  

1.       Hill-Rom and IRO. If Hill-Rom terminates its IRO or if the IRO withdraws from the engagement during the term of the CIA, Hill-Rom must submit a notice explaining its reasons for termination or the reason for withdrawal to OIG no later than 30 days after termination or withdrawal. Hill-Rom must engage a new IRO in accordance with Paragraph A of this Appendix and within 60 days of termination or withdrawal of the prior IRO or at least 60
days prior to the end of the current Reporting Period, whichever is earlier.

 

 

A-2

 

 

2.       OIG Removal of IRO. In the event OIG has reason to believe the IRO does not possess the qualifications described in Paragraph B, is not independent and 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 Hill-Rom to engage a new
IRO in accordance with Paragraph A of this Appendix. Hill-Rom must engage a new IRO within 60 days of termination of the prior IRO or at least 60 days prior to the end of the current Reporting Period, whichever is earlier.

 

Prior to requiring Hill-Rom to engage a new IRO, OIG shall notify Hill-Rom 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, Hill-Rom may present additional information regarding the IRO’s qualifications, independence or performance of its responsibilities. OIG will attempt in good faith to resolve any differences regarding the IRO with Hill-Rom prior to requiring Hill-Rom to terminate the IRO. However, the final determination as to whether or not to require Hill-Rom to engage a new IRO shall be made at the sole discretion
of OIG.

 

  

A-3

  

 

APPENDIX B

 

CLAIMS REVIEW

 

A.       Claims Review. The IRO shall perform the Claims Review annually to cover each of the five Reporting Periods. The IRO shall perform all components of each Claims Review. If the Error Rates in the Discovery Sample, as described below, are less than 5% for the first three Reporting Periods, Hill-Rom may request, in writing, that the Claims Review be removed from the scope of Hill-Rom’s obligations under the CIA, or conducted by Hill-Rom in an internal review, for the fourth and fifth Reporting Periods. Any such modification shall be granted solely at OIG’s discretion.

 

1.       Definitions. For the purposes of the Claims Review, the following definitions shall be used:

 

	 	
a.

	
Overpayment: The amount of money Hill-Rom has received in excess of the amount due and payable under the Medicare program requirements.

	 	 	 
	 	
b.

	
Paid Claim: A claim submitted by Hill-Rom and for which Hill-Rom has received reimbursement from the Medicare program.

	 	 	 
	 	
c.

	
Population: The Population shall be defined as all Paid Claims for Group 2 and Group 3 pressure reducing support surfaces during the 12-month period covered by the Claims Review.

	 	 	 
	 	
d.

	
Error Rate: The Error Rate shall be the percentage of net Overpayments identified in the sample. The net Overpayments shall be calculated by subtracting all underpayments and amounts previously repaid during the reporting period identified in the sample from all gross Overpayments identified in the sample. (Note: Any potential cost settlements or other supplemental payments should not be included in the net Overpayment calculation. Rather, only underpayments and repayments identified as part of the Discovery Sample shall be included as part of the net Overpayment calculation.)

	 	 	 
	 	  	
The Error Rate is calculated by dividing the net Overpayment identified in the sample by the total dollar amount associated with the Paid Claims in the sample.

 

  

B-1

  

 

2.       Discovery Sample. The IRO shall randomly select and review a sample of a minimum of 50 Paid Claims, consisting of a minimum of 25 Group 2 claims and a minimum of 25 Group 3 claims. (Discovery Sample). The Paid Claims shall be reviewed based on the supporting documentation available at Hill-Rom’s office or under Hill-Rom’s control or, to the extent allowed by applicable Medicare coverage and documentation requirements, to which Hill-Rom has access and applicable billing and coding regulations and guidance to determine whether the claim was correctly coded, submitted, and
reimbursed.

 

If the Error Rate (as defined above) for the Discovery Sample is less than 5%, no additional sampling is required, nor is the Systems Review required. (Note: The guidelines listed above do not imply that this is an acceptable error rate. Accordingly, Hill-Rom should, as appropriate, further analyze any errors identified in the Discovery Sample. Hill-Rom recognizes that OIG or other HHS component, in its discretion and as authorized by statute, regulation, or other appropriate authority may also analyze or review Paid Claims included, or errors identified, in the Discovery Sample or any other segment of the universe.)

 

3.       Full Sample. If the Discovery Sample indicates that the Error Rate is 5% or greater, the IRO shall select an additional sample of Paid Claims (Full Sample) using commonly accepted sampling methods. The Full Sample shall be designed to: (1) estimate the actual net Overpayment in the population with a 90% confidence level and with a maximum relative precision of 25% of the point estimate; and (2) conform with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ statistical sampling for overpayment estimation guidelines. The Paid Claims selected for the Full Sample shall be reviewed based on
supporting documentation available at Hill-Rom or under Hill-Rom’s control or, to the extent allowed by applicable Medicare coverage and documentation requirements, to which Hill-Rom has access and applicable billing and coding regulations and guidance to determine whether the claim was correctly coded, submitted, and reimbursed. For purposes of calculating the size of the Full Sample, the Discovery Sample may serve as the probe sample, if statistically appropriate. Additionally, the IRO may use the Paid Claims sampled as part of the Discovery Sample, and the corresponding findings for those Paid Claims, as part of its Full Sample, if: (1) statistically appropriate and (2) the IRO selects the Full Sample Paid Claims using the seed number(s) generated by the Discovery Sample. OIG, in its sole discretion, may refer the findings of the Full Sample (and any related workpapers)
received from Hill-Rom to the appropriate Federal health care program payor, including the Medicare contractor (e.g., DMERC or DME MAC), for appropriate follow-up by that payor.

 

  

B-2

  

 

4.        Systems Review. If Hill-Rom’s Discovery Sample identifies an Error Rate of 5% or greater, Hill-Rom’s IRO shall also conduct a Systems Review. The Systems Review shall consist of the following:

 

	  	
a.

	
a review of Hill-Rom’s billing and coding systems and processes relating to claims for reimbursement for Group 2 and Group 3 support surfaces submitted to the Medicare program (including, but not limited to, the operation of the billing system, the process by which claims are coded, safeguards to ensure proper coding, claims submission and billing; and procedures to identify and correct inaccurate coding and billing);

	 	 	 
	  	
b.

	
for each claim in the Discovery Sample and Full Sample that resulted in an Overpayment, the IRO shall review the system(s) and process(es) that generated the claim and identify any problems or weaknesses that may have resulted in the identified Overpayments. The IRO shall provide its observations and recommendations on suggested improvements to the system(s) and the process(es) that generated the claim.

 

5.        Other Requirements

 

	  	
a.

	
Supplemental Materials. The IRO shall request all documentation and materials required for its review of the Paid Claims selected as part of the Discovery Sample or Full Sample (if applicable), and Hill-Rom shall furnish such documentation and materials to the IRO prior to the IRO initiating its review of the Discovery Sample or Full Sample (if applicable). If the IRO accepts any supplemental documentation or materials from Hill-Rom after the IRO has completed its initial review of the Discovery Sample or Full Sample (if applicable) (Supplemental Materials), the IRO shall identify in the Claims Review Report the Supplemental Materials, the date the
Supplemental Materials were accepted, and the relative weight the IRO gave to the Supplemental Materials in its review. In addition, the IRO shall include a narrative in the Claims Review Report describing the process by which the Supplemental Materials were accepted and the IRO’s reasons for accepting the Supplemental Materials.

	 	 	 
	  	
b.

	
Paid Claims without Supporting Documentation. Any Paid Claim for which Hill-Rom cannot produce documentation sufficient to support the Paid Claim shall be considered an error and the total reimbursement received by Hill-Rom for such Paid Claim shall be deemed an Overpayment.

 

  

B-3

  

 

	 	  	
Replacement sampling for Paid Claims with missing documentation is not permitted.

	 	 	 
	 	
c.

	
Use of First Samples Drawn. For the purposes of all samples (Discovery Sample(s) and Full Sample(s)) discussed in this Appendix, the Paid Claims selected in each first sample shall be used (i.e., it is not permissible to generate more than one list of random samples and then select one for use with the Discovery Sample or Full Sample).

 

6.        Repayment of Identified Overpayments. Hill-Rom shall repay within 30 days any Overpayment(s) identified in the Discovery Sample or the Full Sample (if applicable), regardless of the Error Rate, to the appropriate payor and in accordance with payor refund policies. Hill-Rom shall make available to OIG all documentation that reflects the refund of the Overpayment(s) to the payor.

 

B.        Claims Review Report. The IRO shall prepare a Claims Review Report as described in this Appendix for each Claims Review performed. The following information shall be included in the Claims Review Report for each Discovery Sample and Full Sample (if applicable).

 

1.       Claims Review Methodology

 

	  	
a.

	
Claims Review Population. A description of the Population subject to the Claims Review.

	 	 	 
	  	
b.

	
Claims Review Objective. A clear statement of the objective intended to be achieved by the Claims Review.

	 	 	 
	  	
c.

	
Source of Data. A description of the specific documentation relied upon by the IRO when performing the Claims Review (e.g., medical records, physician orders, certificates of medical necessity, requisition forms, local medical review policies (including title and policy number), CMS program memoranda (including title and issuance number), Medicare carrier or intermediary manual or bulletins (including issue and date), other policies, regulations, or directives).

	 	 	 
	  	
d.

	
Review Protocol. A narrative description of how the Claims Review was conducted and what was evaluated.

	 	 	 
	  	
e.

	
Supplemental Materials. A description of any Supplemental Materials as required by A.5.a., above.

  

B-4

  

 

	 	 

 

2.     Statistical Sampling Documentation

 

	  	
a.

	
A copy of the printout of the random numbers generated by the “Random Numbers” function of the statistical sampling software used by the IRO.

	  	  	 
	  	
b.

	
A copy of the statistical software printout(s) estimating how many Paid Claims are to be included in the Full Sample, if applicable.

	  	  	  
	  	
c.

	
A description or identification of the statistical sampling software package used to select the sample and determine the Full Sample size, if applicable.

 

3.     Claims Review Findings

 

	  	
a.

	
Narrative Results

	 	 	 	 
	  	  	
i.

	
A description of Hill-Rom’s billing and coding system(s), including the identification, by position description, of the personnel involved in coding and billing.

	  	  	 	 
	  	  	
ii.

	
A narrative explanation of the IRO’s findings and supporting rationale (including reasons for errors, patterns noted, etc.) regarding the Claims Review, including the results of the Discovery Sample, and the results of the Full
Sample (if any).

	  	  	 	 
	  	
b.

	
Quantitative Results

	 	 	 	 
	  	  	
i.

	
Total number and percentage of instances in which the IRO determined that the Paid Claims submitted by Hill-Rom (Claim Submitted) differed from what should have been the correct claim (Correct Claim), regardless of the effect on the

payment.

	  	  	 	  
	  	  	
ii.

	
Total number and percentage of instances in which the Claim Submitted differed from the Correct Claim and in which such difference resulted in an Overpayment to Hill- Rom.

  

B-5

  

 

	 	  	
iii. Total dollar amount of all Overpayments in the sample.

	 	 	 
	 	  	
iv. Total dollar amount of Paid Claims included in the sample and the net Overpayment associated with the sample.

	 	 	 
	 	  	
v. Error Rate in the sample.

	 	 	 
	 	  	
vi. A spreadsheet of the Claims Review results that includes the following information for each Paid Claim: Federal health care program billed, beneficiary health insurance claim number, date of service, code submitted (e.g., DRG, CPT code, etc.), code reimbursed, allowed amount reimbursed by payor, correct code (as determined by the IRO), correct allowed amount (as determined by the IRO), dollar difference between allowed amount reimbursed by payor and the correct allowed amount.

	 	 	 
	 	
c.

	
Recommendations. The IRO’s report shall include any recommendations for improvements to Hill-Rom’s billing and coding system based on the findings of the Claims Review

 

4.     Systems Review Findings. The IRO shall prepare a Systems Review Report based on the Systems Review performed (if applicable) that shall include the IRO’s observations, findings, and recommendations regarding:

 

	 	
a.

	
the strengths and weaknesses in Hill-Rom’s billing systems and processes;

	 	 	 
	 	
b.

	
the strengths and weaknesses in Hill-Rom’s coding systems and processes; and

	 	 	 
	 	
c.

	
possible improvements to Hill-Rom’s billing and coding systems and processes to address the specific problems or weaknesses that resulted in the identified Overpayments.

 

5.     Credentials. The names and credentials of the individuals who: (1) designed the statistical sampling procedures and the review methodology utilized for the Claims Review and (2) performed the Claims Review.

 

 

B-6

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