OPTUM INFUSION SERVICES 550, LLC
CINCINNATI, OH

A thriving company culture is more than good practice. It’s who we are as passionate employees and caring citizens of the world. At Diplomat, we’ve identified five values that set us apart through our ALIVE model. By living ALIVE every day, we have created an exceptional work environment that provides the very best experience for ourselves and for our patients. Interns at Diplomat can expect a world-class experience from the nation’s largest independent specialty pharmacy. Here, college students gain real-world experience working within a department based on their skills and career goals. This paid program is not about fetching coffee and making copies. Interns are trusted to work independently on meaningful projects and openly communicate with leaders in their department, who guide them through their time at Diplomat. The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) membership (“Members”) consists of companies (and their employees) that fall into the following categories: Provider Members (“Providers”); Business Firm Affiliate Members (“Business Firm Affiliates”); and Other Member category types.  All of these categories involve the provision of infusion therapy in patients’ homes and in other alternate sites for infusion care.  In all aspects of patient care and business operations, Members shall act in good faith and with high integrity, implement sound and consistent business practices and generally uphold the standards of the profession.  All Members recognize that compliance with clinical and ethical standards and laws governing the practice and operational practices of home infusion therapy is paramount to ensuring that quality, safe and cost-effective health care services and medications are provided to patients nationwide.  Providers work closely with physicians and their staffs, hospital-based health care professionals, government and non-government health plans, and payers to coordinate home infusion therapy services for their patients.  Providers also interface with manufacturers and distributors of medications, medical devices and supplies to identify and enhance the technology needed to support patients who need home infusion therapy services at home and in similar alternate-site settings. To facilitate Members’ interactions with individuals who prescribe, recommend, use, arrange for or purchase home infusion services, NHIA voluntarily adopts these Standards for Ethical Practice, effective January 1, 2011.  In adopting these Standards, NHIA sets out its principles for ethical patient care and business practices for all Members.  Nothing in this document shall be construed to replace or supersede similar standards of practice or codes of ethics currently implemented by regulatory agencies, accrediting bodies or by the Member organization in its own operation. This document is not intended to contain or provide legal advice.  Members should consult with their own legal counsel on specific questions or interpretations of federal or state laws, rules, regulations and requirements. The Association recognizes that certain standards of care and service are needed to safely and effectively provide home infusion services at home or in an alternate-site setting.   When interacting with patients entrusted to their care and with their caregivers, Providers: Shall provide patients and their caregivers with a “Rights and Responsibilities” document that conforms to the Provider’s independent accrediting organization’s requirements (if applicable) and any federal and state laws and regulations. Shall implement an orientation, assessment, training and ongoing professional education program that provides employees and independent contractors (if applicable) with the level of information, training and support that is appropriate to their specific functions. Shall provide an appropriate level of oversight to home health agencies, pharmacies, nutrition experts and other professionals who may provide direct or indirect patient care.  When care is provided by a third party on behalf of the Provider, generally the Provider shall enter into a written contract with these other parties and each Provider shall provide orientation/training to such groups regarding the Provider’s policies and procedures and other state and federal laws and regulations and/or accrediting organizations’ standards, as applicable. Shall support patients’ right to choose among qualified providers in their community. May adopt formularies that include specific manufacturers’ products that meet patient needs, but shall not recommend such products if based solely on economic considerations or do not meet patients’ needs.  Insurance coverage limits may be considered in product recommendations if such recommendations meet patients’ care needs.  Any product substitution practices shall conform to applicable state and federal regulations.    Referral sources may lease booth space to display at a conference or purchase advertisements to promote their services, and the Members may offer hospitality services in the form of modest refreshments in conjunction with the in-service/meeting.  However, it is not appropriate for Providers or Business Firm Affiliates to pay for expensive meals or special events for referral sources or their relatives.  Payment to referral sources for travel expense is generally inappropriate but allowed under circumstances permitted by law. May provide unrestricted or restricted grants to conference sponsors (such as non-profit foundations, trade associations and meeting planning companies), but not to individual referring physicians or other referring health care professionals who may speak at the conference.  Grants shall be bona fide and made consistent with any guidelines published by the sponsoring trade association, professional organization, society or health care organization.  Providers may not pay conference speakers directly.