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Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 6
I The Fresenius Medical Care Compliance Program 8
II Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 9
III Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities 10
IV Compliance Documentation 13
V Maintaining Compliance 16
1Training 16
2Support 16
3Monitoring,AuditingandInvestigations 17
4TheComplianceActionLine 17
VI Expectation of Compliance / Consequences for Non-Compliance 18
OUR ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT PRINCIPLES 19
VII Our Business 20
1 PatientCare 20
2 QualityandInnovation 22
VIII Corporate Integrity 24
1 Anti-Corruption 24
2 Anti-MoneyLaundering 28
3 EmbargoLawsandTradeSanctions 28
4 CompetingFairly 29
5 Customers,AdvertisingandPromotion 30
6 AccurateBooksandRecords 32
7 BillingPractices 33
8 ProperResponsetoInformationRequests 33
9 CommunicationwiththeMedia 34
10DataPrivacy 34
11 PoliticalActivities 34
IX Personal Integrity 36
1 ConflictsofInterest 36
2 UseofCorporateOpportunitiesforSelfGain 37
3 InsiderTrading 37
X Employment 39
1 WorkerProtection 39
2 Non–RetaliationPolicy 39
3 Environment,HealthandSafety 39
4 Non-Discrimination 40
5 AlcoholandIllegalDrugs 4 1
6 Licenses,CertificationsandOtherPermits 4 1
XI Fresenius Medical Care Assets 42
1 ProtectionandProperUseofFreseniusMedicalCarePropertyandAssets 42
2 Confidentiality,ProprietaryInformationandITSecurity 43
3 SocialMedia 44
4 IntellectualProperty 45
Contact Information 47
Introduction 6
RICE POWELL
DR. OLAF SCHERMEIER
MICHAEL BROSNAN
KENT WANZEK
ROBERTO FUSTÉ
DOMINIK WEHNER
RON KUERBITZ
A MESSAGE FROM FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE MANAGEMENTEveryday,weatFreseniusMedicalCarestrivetoimprovethelivesofourpatientsworld-widethroughsuperiorproductsandservices.Ourpatients,cus-tomers,payors,investorsandregulatorsexpectourbusinesstobeconductedwithintegrityandincompli-ancewithapplicablelaws,andourcontinuedsuccessandreputationdependsonourcommitmenttoactaccordingly.
Ourbusinessishighlyregulated,andsubjecttoanumberofcomplexlaws,rulesandregulations.Wearecommittedtogrowingourbusinessincompliancewithapplicablelaws,andweexpectyoutofollowthisCodeofEthicsandBusinessConductaswellasalladditionalFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.FailuretodosocouldexposeFreseniusMedicalCare,aswellasindividualsinvolved,tofines,lossoflicenseorotherserioussanctions.Wemusttakecomplianceseriously,andwemustdosoasateambysetting,andagreeingtoabideby,asetofcommonprinciples.
Ourcompanydoesnottoleratediscrimination,har-assment,orretaliation.Weseektoprovideasafe,healthyandproductiveworkplaceforouremployeesandourbusinesspartnerswhoassistusinourbusi-nessoperations.
TheseprinciplesareembodiedintheFreseniusMedicalCareCodeofEthicsandBusinessConduct(“Code”)andadditionalFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.Youareexpectedtounder-standandcomplywiththeobligationsandstandardssetforthintheCode,andallFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.Avarietyoftrainingresour-ces,bothatthecorporateandbusinessunitlevels,areavailabletoassistinthiseffort.
CompliancewiththelawandFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpoliciesmustguideallaspectsofourbusiness.Ourlong-termsuccesswilldependonhowweaccomplishthisobjective.Ifweworktogetherasateamandsupportoneanotherinthiseffortwecansetthestandardinourindustryformedicalquality,regulatorycompliance,andbusinessperformance.
OUR MISSION STATEMENTFreseniusMedicalCareachievesoptimalstandardsinpatientcarethroughourcommitmenttodevelop-inginnovativeproductsandtherapies.TheuniquepositionofFreseniusMedicalCarebuildsonmorethan17yearsofprofessionalexperienceandcontinu-alinnovation.Accordingly,thefocusofourresearchanddevelopmenteffortistomaintainthetechno-logicalandclinicaledgeneededtocreateinnovativeproductsandenhancedtherapies.Ouremployeesareunitedinourcommitmenttoprovidinghighqualityproductsandservicesandbringingtheoptimalsus-tainablemedicalandprofessionalpracticestopatientcare.Wearecommittedtohonesty,integrity,respectanddignityinourworkingandbusinessrelationswithouremployeesandbusinesspartners.
VISIONOurprimaryfocusistocreateafutureworthlivingfordialysispatientsworld-wideeveryday.Patientswithkidneydiseasecannowlookaheadwithmuchmoreconfidencethankstoourinnovativetechnologiesandtreatmentconcepts.Wegivethemafuture,onethatoffersthemthebest-possiblequalityoflife.WeusetheincreasingdemandformoderndialysismethodstoouradvantageandworkconsistentlytoenhanceFreseniusMedicalCare’sgrowth.Togetherwithouremployees,wefocusonpursuingstrategiesthatwillenableustoupholdourtechnologicalleadership.Asaverticallyintegratedcompany,weofferproductsandservicesfortheentiredialysisvaluechain.Thehighestmedicalstandardsareourbenchmark.Thisisourcommitmenttoourpatients,ourpartnersinthehealthcaresystemandourinvestors,whotrustinthereliableperformanceandthefutureofFreseniusMedicalCare.
Our Core Values
Quality, Honesty and Integrity
Innovation and Improvement
Respect and Dignity
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FreseniusMedicalCare(or“Company”)hasesta-blishedacomplianceprogramtoassistyouinun-derstandingandmeetingyourlegal,ethicalandregulatoryobligations.Complianceiseveryone’sresponsibility,andyourcontinuedemploymentorengagementwithFreseniusMedicalCaredependsonyourfollowingtheprinciplesinthisCodeandrelatedFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.ThereareanumberofresourceswithinFreseniusMedicalCareandthecomplianceprogramavailabletoyou:
i guidelinesandpoliciesrelatingtoproperbusinessconduct;
ii compliancetraining;
iii opportunitiestoraisecomplianceissuesonaconfidentialbasis;and
iv auditstomonitorconformancetolegalandCompanystandards.
I. The Fresenius Medical Care Compliance Program
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FreseniusMedicalCare’sCodeofEthicsandBusinessConduct(“Code”)appliesgloballytoeveryofficer, director, employee, contract worker and agentofFreseniusMedicalCareanditsdirectandindirectmajority-ownedorcontrolledaffiliates,operatinganywhereintheworld.ThisCodeisnotanemploy-mentcontract.
ThisCodecannotcoverallsituationsorallapplica-blelocallawsandregulations.IfalocallawconflictswithourCode,wewillfollowthelocallaw.Inallotherinstances,thisCodeappliestoyourbusinessactivity.If,forexample,localcustomwouldallowsomethingprohibitedbythisCode,youmustfollowtheCodeandnotengageinthisactivity.Whenindoubt,askforhelp.
II. Applicability of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
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III. Our Expectations and Your Responsibilities
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YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO:
i actwithintegrityandprotectourreputation;
ii read,understandandactinaccordancewiththisCode,FreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies,andalllegalandregulatoryobligationsthatapplytoyourduties;takestepstopreventviolations,andresolveanydoubtsyouhaveaboutabusinesspracticebyusingtheresourcesdescribedintheCode;
iii reportanyactualorsuspectedviolationofthelaworFreseniusMedicalCareCode,guidelines,andpolicies.Inmostcases,itisagoodideatostartwithyoursupervisor,butyoumayalsocon-tactyourLocalorRegionalComplianceOfficer,ortheCorporateComplianceDepartment;re-portingmaybedoneanonymouslythroughyourComplianceActionLineifnecessaryordesired,althoughyouareencouragedtoidentifyyourselftofacilitatecommunication;and
iv cooperatewithinvestigationsandauditing/monitoringproceduresthatmeasureFreseniusMedicalCare’sconformancewiththisCode,guidelinesandpolicies,andcomplywithanycorrectivemeasuresimplementedthereafter.
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AS A MANAGER OR SUPERVISOR, YOU ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE TO:
i createacultureofcomplianceinourworkplace,andserveasanexamplebyactingwithhighethi-calstandards;
ii implementandconfirmthatpersonsreportingtoyouunderstandandapplythestandardsoutlinedinthisCode;
iii setperformancegoalsandexpectationscon-sistentwiththisCode,FreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies,aswellasregulatoryobligations;
iv provideappropriatecorrectiveactionwhenthisCodeorFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesorpoliciesarenotfollowed;
v fosteranenvironmentforraisingquestions,andaddresscomplianceissuesthatcometoyourattention,includingbyfollowingthereportingobligationsdescribedabove;and
vi ensurethatactsofretaliationarenottoleratedagainstanypersonwhomakesagoodfaithre-portofasuspectedviolationoflaw,thisCodeorFreseniusMedicalCare’sguidelines,orpolicies.
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ComplianceDocumentationprovidesyouwiththeinformationyouneedtoperformyourdutiesinawaythatislegalandethical.OurComplianceDocumenta-tionconsistsofthefollowing:
i Code of Ethics and Business ConductThisCodeaddressesgeneralcompliancecon-ceptsandstandardsandgivesabroadoutlineofacceptablebehavior.
ii Guidelines and PoliciesFreseniusMedicalCarehasdevelopedguidelinesandpoliciestoprovidespecificdirectioninhowtoconformyourworkwiththegeneralprinci-plesdescribedinthisCode.Theguidelinesandpoliciesaretailoredtothespecificoperationsofeachcountryandinaccordancewithyourcoun-try’slocallaws.
IV. Compliance Documentation
FreseniusMedicalCareexpectsanopendiscussionofcomplianceissues.Often,askingaquestionisthebestwaytodeterminewhetherornotanactionisproperandtoensurecompliancewithapplicablelawsorFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.
Ifyouarenotsurewhetheraproposedactionisappropriate,stopuntilyouhaveaskedandconfirmedthatyoumayproceed.
Inordertostopmisconductpermanentlyandcompany-wide,youmustreportanyactivitythatyouthinkisillegalorinconsistentwithFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesorpolicies,usingtheprocessoutlinedinthisCode.
Whenyouareindoubtaboutwhattodo,orwhetheranactionisappropriate,followthefollowingprocess:
i REVIEWTHE COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION–theCodeandFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.
ii ASK–yourimmediatesupervisororothermanager.
iii CONTACT –LocalorRegionalComplianceOfficer,ortheCorporateComplianceDepart-ment.
iv CALL–yourComplianceActionLineifyouareuncomfortableusinganyoftheaboveresources,orpreferbeinganonymous.
Inmakingbusinessdecisions,consider:
i DoestheconductpromotehighstandardsofbusinessintegrityoramIindoubtthatthecon-ductmightbelegal?
ii IstheconductconsistentwiththisCodeandapplicableFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies?
iii WilltheconducthelporhurtFreseniusMedicalCare’sglobalreputation?
Ask Questions, Raise Concerns and Report Impropriety
How to Use Compliance Resources
FOUR CORE ELEMENTS OF OUR COMPLIANCE PROGRAM HELP US TO STAY COMPLIANT:
1 TRAININGFreseniusMedicalCareprovidesavarietyoftrainingtohelpyoudoyourjobproperly.OurgeneraltrainingisrequiredforallemployeesandcoversthemainelementsoftheFreseniusMedicalCareComplianceProgram.ThetrainingdiscussesthisCodeandgivesyouinformationaboutthelawsandregulationsappli-cabletoourbusinessandyourcountry.
ManyfunctionswithinFreseniusMedicalCare(suchassalesandmarketing,billingandreimbursement,etc.)requireadditionalspecializedtraining.Youwillbenotifiedifyourpositionrequiresthisadditionaltraining.
2 SUPPORTTheComplianceDepartmentprovidessupporttoalldepartmentsofFreseniusMedicalCare.Youshouldmakeuseofthisresource.Ifyoufaceasituationthatcouldgiverisetocomplianceconcerns,weencourageyoutocontacttheComplianceDepartment.
V. Maintaining Compliance16
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3 MONITORING, AUDITING AND INVESTIGATIONS
FreseniusMedicalCaremonitorsandauditsitsbusi-nessactivitiestoconfirmthatweadheretothelawandCompanyguidelinesandpolicies.Whenpotentialcomplianceviolationsarebroughttoourattention,wewilltakeappropriateactiontoinvestigateallsuchreports,andtoensurethatourbusinessisconductedincompliancewithallapplicablelaws.
Wecontinuouslyimproveourcomplianceefforts.Ifacomplianceincidentoccursdespiteallourefforts,wereassessourpoliciesortrainingasaresultoftheseactivitiesandmakeanynecessarychanges.
4 THE COMPLIANCE ACTION LINE
Youhaveseveralavenuesavailabletoreportactualorsuspectedmisconduct,whichsatisfyyourobligationunderthisCodetoreportpotentialcomplianceviola-tionstoFreseniusMedicalCare:
i contactyoursupervisor,yourLocalorRegionalComplianceOfficer,ortheCorporateComplianceDepartment;
ii Ifthesecompliancefunctionsdonotresolveyourissue,orifyouareuncomfortablediscussingyourcomplianceissuewithyoursupervisororrepre-sentativesoftheComplianceDepartment,youmaycontactyourComplianceActionLineopenlyoranonymously.ContactinformationcanbeobtainedfromtheCompanyIntranetandwillbedistributedbyotherappropriatemeans.
YouareexpectedtofollowthisCodeandFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesandpolicies.Your compliance with this Code and the guidelines and policies applicable to your work will be con sidered in your performance review or promotion.
Ifyouviolatethelaw,thisCode,orFreseniusMedi-calCareguidelinesorpolicies,youwillbesubjecttodisciplinaryorcorrectiveactionorotherlegalconse-quences.Disciplinaryorcorrectiveactionmayincludeverbalcounseling,terminationorotherappropriateaction.
VI. Expectation of Compliance / Consequences for Non-Compliance
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19Our Ethics and Business Conduct Principles
Oursuccessdependsuponappropriaterelationshipswithourpatients,physicians,employees,regulators,governmentandprivatepayorsaswellascustomersandsuppliers.FreseniusMedicalCareiscommittedtoprovidingtheoptimalsustainableclinicalcaretoourpatients(seeno1.below)andtomanufacturingprod-uctsmeetingregulatorystandards(seeno2.below).
1 PATIENT CAREA. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
ClinicalcaremustbeconsistentwithFreseniuspolicyandthephysician’sorders.Whendealingwithpa-tients,weexpectyouto
i actethically,fairly,courteously,competentlyandtimely;
ii onlymakestatementsaboutourservicesthatyouknowtobetrueorhaveadequateinforma-tiontosupport;
iii truthfullyrepresentthenatureandqualityofourservices,prices,contractualtermsandotherinformation;
iv treatallpatientswithdignityandrespect;
v involvepatientsandfamiliesintreatmentplan-ningwheneverappropriate;
vi respondtoquestionsofpatientsandfamiliesaccurately;
VII. Our Business20
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vii notifyamemberofthefacilitymanagementstaffifyouareunabletoansweranypatient’sorfami-ly’squestionsrelatedtopatientcare;
viii respondtoandattempttoresolveallconcernsandcomplaintspromptlyandthoroughly;and
ix workwiththephysicianstoensurethatpatientsareinformedofavailabletreatmentoptions.
B. PATIENT MEDICAL INFORMATION
Asahealthcarecompany,patientinformationispresentthroughoutourorganization.Recording,managingandtransmittingpatientspecificmedicalinformationshouldbecarriedoutinaccordancewithlocaldataprotection/privacyrules,payingparticularattentiontolocalrulesregardingobtainingpatientconsentforsharingpatientmedicalinformation.Pro-tectingtheconfidentialityofpatient-specificmedicalinformationisanimportantobligationofallhealth-careproviders.
Neverdisclosepatient-specificinformationtoanyunauthorizedpersons,insideoroutsideofFreseniusMedicalCare,whodonothavealegalrighttothisinformation.Careshouldbetakenregardingthisprinciplewhenpatient-specificmedicalinformationiselectronicallytransmitted.
C. NEVER IMPROPERLY INFLUENCE PATIENTS
YouMUSTNOTofferimproper“incentives”orotherbenefitstoinducepatientstochooseaFreseniusMedicalCareclinicorproductovertheclinicorpro-ductofacompetitor.Suchimproper“incentives”couldinclude:
i reimbursementoftransportationcosts;
ii routinewaiverofdeductiblesandcoinsurance,withoutanindividualdeterminationofindigency;
iii discountsonotherproducts;
iv similarvaluablebenefits;or
v giftsorotherimproperinducementsthatcouldinfluencethepatient'sdecisiontochooseoneofourclinicsorproducts.
D. RESPECT PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
WeMUSTrespecttheintegrityofthephysician-patientrelationship.Avoidinappropriatelyinterferingwithphysicians’practiceofmedicine,includingbyprovidingimproperbenefitsorinducements.
2 QUALITY AND INNOVATIONThequalityandsafetyofourproductsandservicesarethebasisofourbusiness.Statutoryaswellasin-ternalsafetyandqualityregulationsmustbestrictlyfollowed.Youareresponsibleforensuringcompliancewiththeseprincipleswithinyourareaofresponsi-bility.
Patientsafetyisapriority.ProvidingqualityproductsandservicestoourpatientsistheresponsibilityofeveryonewithinFreseniusMedicalCare.Animport-antpartofimprovingproductandservicequalityisgatheringandreviewingadverseeventsandproductcomplaints.FreseniusMedicalCareusesthisinforma-tiontoevaluateourproductsandservices.Youneedtounderstand,befamiliarwith,andfollowFreseniusMedicalCarepolicyregardingadverseeventreport-ingandproductcomplaints.
VII. Our Business22
1 ANTI-CORRUPTIONA. COMPLIANCE WITH ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS AND PRINCIPLES
Asaglobalcompany,wemustcomplywiththeanti-corruptionlawsofmanyjurisdictions,includingtheU.S.ForeignCorruptPracticesAct(“FCPA”),theUKBriberyAct,andtheGermanCriminalCode,andtheanti-corruptionlawsofeachcountryinwhichweoperate.
WeatFreseniusMedicalCaredonottolerateanyformofcorruption,whetherinvolvingahealthcareprofessional,governmentofficialorprivateparty,orwhetherthetransactioninvolvesFreseniusMedi-calCarepurchasingorsellingitemsorservices.Weexpectyoutomakebusinessdecisions,andconductyourwork,basedonprice,quality,andservice.
DONOToffer,promise,authorizeorgiveanythingofvalue(includinganyitem,service,oranythingelse,whetherinaformofapersonalbenefit/favororoth-erwise)toanyperson,directlyorindirectlythroughthirdparties,inordertosecureanimproperadvan-tageorobtainorretainbusiness.Likewise,DONOTrequest,agreetoreceiveoracceptanythingofvaluepersonallyorforanyotherpersonorentity,inordertosecureanimproperadvantageorinfluenceyourbusinessdecisions.
Keepinmindthateventheperceptionofcorruptioncanharmourreputationandtriggergovernmentscrutiny,andthuswestrivetoavoideventhemereappearanceofwrong-doing.
VIII. Corporate Integrity24
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B. SAMPLE FORMS OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Thefollowingaresomeexamplesofconductthatmaybeconsideredtobecorruptandarethereforestrictlyprohibited.
DO NOT:
i giveoracceptanythingofvaluewherethenatureorvalueoftheadvantageisnotreasonableandappropriatetotheoccasionorthepositionandcircumstancesoftherecipient.Itisinparticularinappropriatetogiveoracceptanadvantageoranythingofvalue:
a.thatdoesnothaveaclearbusinessreason,orifthebusinessreasonisoutweighedbynon-businessactivity;
b.sofrequentlythatthegivingoracceptingmaypotentiallyberegardedasexcessive;or
c.inanon-transparentmanner,inparticularwhenaprivateaddress,bankaccount,oremailaccountisused;
ii usearelatedparty(arelativeoranindividualwithwhomtherecipientlivesincohabitation)togiveoracceptanythingofvalue;
iii giveoracceptanythingofvaluewiththeintentandexpectationofreceivingorgivingsomethinginreturn;
iv giveoracceptanythingofvaluethatmaylimitorinfluencetherecipient'soryourobjectivityordiscretion,orinfluencethedecision-makingprocessoftherecipient'semployer(includingagovernmentagency,hospitalorministry)orFreseniusMedicalCare;or
v giveanythingofvaluethatisnotaccuratelyrecordedinFreseniusMedicalCare’sbooksandrecords.
C. FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DOES BUSINESS TRANSPARENTLY
Corruptionoftenoccursinsecrecy.Personsengagedincorruptactivitiesmaytrytodisguisetheirac-tionsandtoactinsecrettohidethemisconduct.Aneffectivemeasuretopreventcorruptionandtoavoidtheappearanceofcorruptionistoconductbusinessopenlyandtransparently.
One of the core elements of transparent business conduct is proper documentation.Avoidenteringintoanyagreementwithoutproperwrittendocu-mentation.WrittendocumentationisinparticularimportantinconnectionwithgovernmentofficialsandhealthcareprofessionalswhoholdapositionthatenablesthemtomakeorinfluencebusinessdecisionsthataffectFreseniusMedicalCare.Iftheseindividu-alsprovideservicesforFreseniusMedicalCare,thelegitimatebusinessneedfortheservices,thereasonwhythehealthcareprofessionalorgovernmentoffi-cialwasselected,andtheservicesperformed,mustalwaysbecomprehensivelyrecordedinwriting.
Corruptpracticesmaybedisguisedbyover-compen-satingbusinesspartners.Forexample,adistributormayreceiveunreasonablyhighcommissions,orspeakersatconferencesorconsultantsmayreceiveexcessivecompensationfortheirservices.WeexpectyoutorefrainfromenteringintoanyagreementonbehalfofFreseniusMedicalCareifyouareindoubtastowhetherthecompensationforthebusinesspartneriscommerciallyreasonable.Anycompensationwegranttoanyofourbusinesspartnersmustrepresentfairmarketvalue.
VIII. Corporate Integrity26
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D. SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCES AND EDUCATION
ItisinFreseniusMedicalCare’sbestinteresttosup-port:
i theresearchanddevelopmentofpharmaceu-ticalproducts,medicaldevices,andtreatmentimprovementsthatareoflegitimateinteresttoFreseniusMedicalCare;
ii theparticipationofphysicians,nurses,custom-ersandtheirstaffinFreseniusMedicalCareorthird-partyeventswhichpromotescientificknowledge,medicaladvancementordeliveryofeffectivehealthcare;and
iii trainingandfurthereducationeventshostedororganizedbyFreseniusMedicalCareormedicalinstitutionsorotherorganizers,suchasassocia-tionsorpatientorganizationsortheiremployeeswhichpromotescientificknowledge,medicaladvancementordeliveryofeffectivehealthcare.
Whileactivitiesofthisnatureserveanimportantpur-pose,inappropriateactivityrelatingtoresearchanddevelopment,scientificconferencesandeducationmayhavesevereconsequencesforanyoneinvolved,aswellasforFreseniusMedicalCareasacompany.Ifyouhaveanydoubts,reachouttoyourComplianceresources.
E. DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
WeatFreseniusMedicalCarearecommittedtobeinggoodcorporatecitizensandsupportusingourresourcestoadvancehealthcareandotherworthycharitablecauses.Wemakecharitabledonationstoworthycauses,particularlythoseintendedtobenefitrenalpatients.WemayalsomakecontributionstocharitiesorcivicorganizationsthatprovideservicesinthecommunitieswhereFreseniusMedicalCareconductsbusiness.Wedonotmakedonationsorcon-tributionsinordertoobtainorretainbusiness,ortosecureanimproperadvantage.
Donationsandcontributionsalwaysrequirepre-approval.Alldonationsandcontributionsmustbemadetransparently.Eachcountryhasaprocessforreviewingallproposeddonations.Inaddition,raisequestionsaboutanypotentialconflictofinterestorcomplianceissuesthatmayarisefromcharitabledonations.
2 ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERINGMoneylaunderingisbroadlydefinedasengaginginatransactionwithcriminally-derivedproperty,structuringatransactioninordertoavoiddetectionofcriminalconduct,orengaginginatransactioninfurtheranceofcriminalconduct.
FreseniusMedicalCareiscommittedtocomplyingwithallapplicableanti-moneylaunderinglaws,rulesandregulations.Wetakenecessarystepsinordertoconductbusinesswithreputablebusinesspartnersinvolvedinlegitimatebusinessactivitieswithfundsderivedfromlegitimatesources.
3 EMBARGO LAWS AND TRADE SANCTIONS
Tradeembargolawsandregulationsgenerallypro-hibitcompanieslocatedinaparticularcountryfromdoingbusinessinanotherspecificcountry.Ontheotherhand,sometimesacountrymakesitillegalforcompaniesoperatingwithintheirjurisdictiontorecognizeembargoesputinplacebyanothercountry.FreseniusMedicalCare’sinternationaloperationscantriggerissuesunderapplicabletradesanctionsandtradeembargolaws.FreseniusMedicalCaremonitorstheseembargosandsanctionsandimplementscon-trolstomakesurewefollowthem.PleaseconsulttheLegalDepartmentwithanyquestionsconcerningtheapplicabilityofembargosorsanctions.
VIII. Corporate Integrity28
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4 COMPETING FAIRLYFreseniusMedicalCareprovidesinnovativeproductsandservicesatafairprice.Wedonotparticipateinortolerateanti-competitivebehavior.YoumustnotseekacompetitiveadvantageforFreseniusMedicalCarethroughfraud,concealment,misrepresentationofmaterialfacts,orillegalmeans.FreseniusMedicalCaredoesnotcondonetheftoftradesecretsandnonpublicinformation.YouMUSTavoidunauthorizeduseofanyinformationthatispatented,copyrighted,privilegedorconfidential.
Antitrustandotherlawsgoverningcompetitionseektoprotectcompetitionbyprohibitingbehaviorthatresultsindecreasedcompetitionorunjustifiedpricediscriminationorproducesotherartificialforcesinthemarket.Antitrustandotherlawsgoverningcompetitionexistinvirtuallyallcountriesandapplytoconductatalllevelsofanorganization.Ingeneralterms,antitrustandotherlawsgoverningcompetitionrequirecompaniestocompeteonanindividualbasisratherthanjoinwithothercompaniesinagreementstorestrictcompetition.
Anyconcertedactions,informaltalksoragreementsthatareintendedtorestrictcompetitionormayhavetheeffectofdoingso,areprohibited.
Inaddition,companieswithaverystrongmarketpositionmaybesubjecttoadditionalscrutiny,inpar-ticulariftheyarenotfacingsubstantialcompetitioninagivenmarket.Astrongmarketpositionisnotbyitselfimproper,butsuchmarketpositionmustnotbeabusedtoexcludecompetitorsortoexploitcustom-ers.FreseniusMedicalCaredoesnottakeimproperadvantageofastrongmarketpositioninanyrespec-tivemarket.
Theconsequencesofviolatingtheselawsaresevere.Youshouldbeparticularlycarefulatassociationmeetingsandtradeshowstoavoidtheappearanceofanti-competitivebehavior.Ifyoufindyourselfinaquestionablediscussion,voiceyourconcern,endthediscussion,andpromptlyinformtheLegalDepart-ment.
PleaseconsulttheLegalDepartmentwithanyques-tionsconcerningtheapplicabilityofantitrustandcompetitionlaws.
5 CUSTOMERS, ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
ThemannerinwhichFreseniusMedicalCareconductsitsbusinessactivitiesandpromotesitsproductsandservicesishighlyregulated.FreseniusMedicalCarehasdevelopedspecificpoliciestoensurebusinesspractices,marketingandpromotionalactivitycom-plieswithapplicablelaws,rulesandregulations.AllpromotionalmaterialregardingFreseniusMedicalCareproductsorservicesmustbereviewedandapprovedthroughtheappropriateprocessforeachcountry.Whenyouarediscussingourproductsandservices,
YOU MUST:
i alwaysbetruthful,accurateandnotmisleadingindescribingproductsandservices;
ii provideafairandbalanceddescriptionofthebenefitsandrisks;
iii onlymakestatementsthataresupportedbyappropriateclinicalinformation;and
iv ensurethatallpromotionalstatementsareconsistentwiththeproductusesapprovedorclearedbyyourcountry’sgovernmentandtheircontentandmannerofdisseminationareincompliancewiththeapplicablelaws,rules,andregulations.
VIII. Corporate Integrity30
6 ACCURATE BOOKS AND RECORDS
AllFreseniusMedicalCarebusinessrecordsmustaccuratelyreflectthetruenatureandextentofthetransactionorexpenditure.ThepurposeofallFreseniusMedicalCaretransactionsmustbeaccu-ratelyandpromptlyrecordedintheproperaccounts.ThereportingofFreseniusMedicalCare’sassets,lia-bilities,revenuesandexpensesmustalsobepromptandaccurate.Wemustmaintaininternalaccountingcontrolstoensurethatfinancialrecordsandaccountsareaccurate.
YoumustmaintainallpaperandelectronicrecordsinaccordancewithapplicablelawsondataretentionandFreseniusMedicalCarepoliciesonrecordsman-agement,includingapplicableretentionperiods.
YOU MUST NOT:
i create,submitorapproveanyfalseorinaccu-raterecordinconnectionwithFreseniusMedicalCare’sbusiness,or
ii attempttocircumventaFreseniusMedicalCarefinancialoraccountingpolicyorcontrol.
Theseprohibitionsapply,evenifyoubelievethatyourbehaviorwillultimatelybenefitFreseniusMedicalCare.
VIII. Corporate Integrity32
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7 BILLING PRACTICESAllbillingsforproductsandservicesmustbetruthful,accurateandcomplete.Theymustconformtoappli-cablelegalandcontractualrequirements.Claimsmaybesubmittedonlyforservicesthathavebeenproper-lyorderedandactuallyprovided.Appropriaterecordsmustbeavailabletodocumentthatallservicesmeetthesestandards,includingdocumentationofmedicalnecessityinaccordancewithCompanyguidelinesandpolicies.
8 PROPER RESPONSE TO INFORMATION REQUESTS
Weproperlyrespondtoallgovernmentaudits,re-viewsandinvestigations.Ifyouareconfrontedwithagovernmentrequestthatdoesnotfallwithinyourresponsibilities,immediatelycontactyoursupervisorforguidance.PleasecontacttheLegalDepartmentimmediatelyuponreceiptofanynonroutinerequestfromanygovernmentagencyoritsrepresentative,suchassubpoenas,warrants,andinterviewrequests.
Ifyoubelievedocumentsordataarebeingconcealed,altered,falsifiedordestroyed,youshouldimmediatelyreportthistoyourLocalorRegionalComplianceOffi-cer,theCorporateComplianceDepartment,theLegalDepartment,orthroughyourComplianceActionLine.
IfanylawenforcementagencyapproachesyououtsideofFreseniusMedicalCaregroundsinconnectionwithFreseniusMedicalCareoryouremploymentwithorengagementbyFreseniusMedicalCare,immediatelyinformtheGeneralCounselresponsibleforyourregion,unlesstheagencyhasprohibitedyoubylawfromcom-municatingitsapproach.
9 COMMUNICATION WITH THE MEDIA
Anopenandhonestcommunicationisaprerequi-sitetomaintainthetrustofourpatients,customers,shareholders,andstakeholders.FreseniusMedicalCarecanonlyguaranteeconsistent,openandhonestcommunicationifanystatementorinformationtothemediaispre-approvedbyeitherthePublicRelationsorInvestorRelationsDepartments.IfyoureceivearequestforanyFreseniusMedicalCare-relatedinfor-mationbythemedia,refertherequesttothemanag-erofyourfacility.
10 DATA PRIVACYFreseniusMedicalCareonlycollects,processesorusespersonaldataofpatients,employees,customers,sup-pliersandotheraffectedindividuals,totheextentper-mittedbyapplicablelaw,ifnecessaryforbusiness,clin-icaloremploymentpurposes.FreseniusMedicalCaretreatssuchpersonaldataasstrictlyconfidentialandprotectsitinaccordancewithapplicablelaw.FreseniusMedicalCareemployeesarealsoexpectedtopromptlyreportlost,stolenordamagedcompany-owneddevicesordevicescontainingcompanyinformation.
11 POLITICAL ACTIVITIESTheprocessesfornewlawsandregulationswhichaffectourareasofbusinessarecomplexanddiverse.FreseniusMedicalCarewillcomplywiththelawregardingitsinvolvementinanyoftheseprocesses.ActivitiescoordinatedbyFreseniusMedicalCareareappropriate,andFreseniusencouragesparticipationinFresenius-sponsoredactivities.Inaddition,itisim-portantthatyourindividualpoliticalactivitiesremainseparatefromFreseniusMedicalCareactivity.Atthesametime,FreseniusMedicalCaredoesnotwishtointerferewithyourprivatepoliticalactivitiesaslongasyou
i makesurethatyourpersonalpoliticalactivitiesarenot,anddonotappeartobe,relatedtoyouremploymentorengagementwithFreseniusMedi-calCare;and
ii Donotusecompanytime,propertyorequipmentforyourpersonalpoliticalactivitythatisunre-latedtothoseactivitiescoordinatedbyFreseniusMedicalCare.
VIII. Corporate Integrity34
1 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST YouarerequiredtoactinthebestinterestsofFrese-niusMedicalCareintheperformanceofyourwork.Youmustavoidconflictsofinterests.AconflictofinterestexistswhenyourprivateinterestsinterfereorcouldreasonablyinterferewiththebusinessinterestsofFreseniusMedicalCare.Youareexpectedtoinformyoursupervisorofanypersonalinterestthatmightjeopardizeyourobjectivityorprofessionalismintheperformanceofyourwork,inparticular:
i Ifyouwishtobeinvolvedinasecondaryemploy-mentorbusinessthatisrelatedtoFreseniusMedicalCare’sbusiness,orrelatedtoanyFrese-niusMedicalCarevendororcustomer,youmustdiscloseyourplansand,unlessprohibitedbylaw,applyforpre-approvalatyourHumanResourcesDepartment.
ii Asanemployeeinahiring,supervisoryorman-agementposition,youmustnothireorreferbusinesstoarelative,spouseorapersonyouliveincohabitationwith,norparticipateintheprocessofhiringorreferringbusinesstoanyoftheseper-sons.RefertoyourHumanResourcesDepartmentforguidance.
iii Afinancialinterestgreaterthan1%oftheout-standingcapitalofacustomer,vendor,supplierorcompetitormustbepre-approvedbyyoursupervi-sor.
IX. Personal Integrity36
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2 USE OF CORPORATE OPPOR-TUNITIES FOR SELF GAIN
AnybusinessopportunityyouencounterinconductingbusinessaffairsonbehalfofFreseniusMedicalCarebelongstothecompanyandnotyou.
YOU MUST NOT:
i useFreseniusMedicalCare’sproperty,informationoryourpositionatFreseniusMedicalCaretoob-tainapersonalbenefitoradvantageortobenefitoradvantageathirdparty;
ii setupacompetingbusiness,otherwiseactasacompetitorofFreseniusMedicalCare,orsetupyourownbusinesstotakeadvantageofyourposi-tionatFreseniusMedicalCare;or
iii pursueanyopportunityorbusinessventureorotherwiseengageinanyactivitythatwouldresultinyourcompetingwithFreseniusMedicalCareorthatwouldenableyouorathirdpartytotakeadvantageofabusinessopportunitythatbelongstoFreseniusMedicalCare.
3 INSIDER TRADINGFreseniusMedicalCarestockistradedontwoexchang-es.ThesecuritieslawsapplicabletoFreseniusMedicalCaremakeitillegalforanyonewithinsideinformationaboutacompanytotradeinthatcompany’ssecurities.
“Insideinformation”isinformationthatisnotgenerallyavailabletothepublicandthat,ifknown,wouldreason-ablybeexpectedtoinfluenceaninvestmentdecisionorpotentiallyimpactthepriceofthecompany’ssecurities(upordown).Examplesofinsideinformationinclude:
i plannedmajor/strategicacquisitionsormergers;spin-offs;purchaseorsaleofmaterialassets;
ii starting,concludingorterminatingcontractswithcustomersandsuppliers;
iii insolvencyrisks;
iv forecastswhichdeviatesignificantlyfrompastfinancialresultsormarketexpectations;
v defaultofmajorborrowers;
vi plannedchangesinthemanagementorsuper-visoryboard;
vii developmentofnewproducts;
viii materialproductorenvironmentalliability;materiallitigation;restructuringmeasureswhichhaveamaterialeffectonfuturebusinessoperations;and
ix changesinseniormanagementorboardmembership.
InyourdailyworkatoronbehalfofFreseniusMedicalCare,youmaybecomeawareofmaterialnonpublicinformationconcerningthecompanyorevenoneofitspublicly-tradedbusinesspartners.Youmaylearnofinsideinformationthroughyourpositionorsimplybyviewingadocumentonacolleague’sdeskoroverhearingaconversationintheoffice.Usingsuchinformationforyourfinancialbenefitorpassingsuchinformationontoanotherpersonfortheirfinancialbenefit(andtherebyyours,potentially),isprohibitedandillegal.
IfyouareawareofinsideinformationaboutFreseniusMedicalCareoroneofourbusinesspartners,youmaynotpassthatinformationalongtoanyoneoutsidethecompany(oreveninsidethecompany)unlessitisdirectlyrelatedtoandnecessaryfortheconductofthecompany’slegitimatebusinessactivitiesandconsistentwithFreseniusMedicalCarepolicies.
Furthermore,ifyouareawareofanyinsiderinforma-tionyoumaynotbuyorsellthesecuritiesofanysuchcompany,includingindirectlythroughafriendoffamilymember,orrecommendthatanyoneelsebuyorsellsuchsecurities.Onlyoncetheinsideinformationhasbeenmadepublicanddisseminatedbroadly,suchasthroughapublicfiling,maytransactionsbeconsidered.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutthis,contacttheLegalDepartment.
IX. Personal Integrity38
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X. Employment
FreseniusMedicalCareseekstomaintainasafe,secure,productive,respectfulandnon-discriminatoryworkplacewhichvaluesthecontributionsofeveryonewhoisinvolvedinourbusinessoperations.FreseniusMedicalCareseekstoprovideaworkenvironmentfreefromallformsofdiscrimination,includingverbalorphysicalharassmentorintimidationfromsuper-visors,co-workers,vendors,consultants,visitorsorcustomersofFreseniusMedicalCare.Wedonottol-erateharassmentorintimidationinanyform.Wealsodonottolerateviolentorabusiveconduct,includingverbalorphysicalabusebyanyemployee,patient,customer,clientorvisitorintheconductofFreseniusMedicalCare’sbusiness.
1 WORKER PROTECTIONFreseniusMedicalCaregivesworkerprotection,theutmostpriority.FreseniusMedicalCarecondemnstheuseofforcedlaborandexploitativechildlabor.Wewillnottolerateanyviolationoftheseprinciplesbysuppliers.
2 NON–RETALIATION POLICYYouMUSTNOTharassorretaliateagainstanemploy-eeorotherpersonwhoreportsorintendstoreportaviolationorsuspectedviolationofthelaw,thisCodeorFreseniusMedicalCareguidelinesorpolicies.Ifyoubelieveyouhavebeenharassedorretaliatedagainstforreportingorintendingtoreportanactualorpotentialviolation,reportthismattertoyourLocalorRegionalComplianceOfficer,theCorporateComplianceDepartment,thelocalHumanResourcesDepartmentoryourComplianceActionLine.
3 ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY
Weseektoprovideasafe,healthyandproductiveworkplaceforouremployeesandourbusinesspart-nerswhoassistusinourbusinessoperations.Weexpectyoutotakeallnecessaryprecautionstoavoidinjuryorharmtoyou,yourco-workersoranyotherperson.Itisimportantforyoutonotifyyoursuper-visorofanyunsafeworkconditionsandpracticesorinjury.
4 NON-DISCRIMINATIONFreseniusMedicalCaredoesnotpermitdiscriminationinhiringorintheworkplacebasedon:
i gender(includinggenderreassignment),
ii race,ethnicoriginorcolor,
iii nationalityornationalorigin,
iv religionorbelief,
v age,
vi maritalstatus,
vii citizenship,
viii disability,
ix sexualorientation,
x veteranstatus;or
xi anyotherunlawfullydiscriminatoryconsideration.
Look to applicable policies for details.
X. Employment40
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5 ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGSUseofalcoholandillegaldrugsjeopardizesyourhealthandsafetyaswellasthehealthandsafetyofpatients,customersandco-workers.Workingundertheinfluenceofthesesubstancesisstrictlyprohib-ited.Ifyoususpectthataco-workerisintoxicatedorundertheinfluenceofalcoholorillegaldrugs,orismisusingprescriptiondrugs,youmustreportthesituationtoyoursupervisor.
6 LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER PERMITS
Often,dutiesatFreseniusMedicalCarerequireyoutohavealicense(e.g.anursinglicense),certification(e.g.adialysistechniciancertification),orotherpro-fessionalcredential.Youareresponsibleformaintain-ingallrequiredcredentialstoperformyourwork.Youmustreporttoyoursupervisorifanyneededcreden-tialisexpiredorrevoked.
Insomecountries,governmentagenciesmayexcludecertainindividualsfromparticipatinginhealthcareactivities.Ifyouarenotifiedthatyouareexcludedfromparticipationinanygovernmentprogram,youmustnotifyyoursupervisor.
XI. Fresenius Medical Care Assets42
1 PROTECTION AND PROPER USE OF FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE PROPERTY AND ASSETS
FreseniusMedicalCarepropertyandassetsmayonlybeusedforlegitimateCompany-relatedbusinesspur-poses.FreseniusMedicalCarepropertyincludes:
i medicalsupplies;
ii workequipment(e.g.computers,internet,email,mobilephones),includingapprovedpersonaluseauthorizedinaccordancetoapplicableFreseniusMedicalCarepolicies;
iii officesupplies,materialsandservices;and
iv allformsofFreseniusMedicalCarerecordsandfunds.
Youaretohavenoexpectationofprivacywhatso-everwhenusinganyFreseniusMedicalCarepropertyintheU.S.,norinternationallyifinaccordancewithapplicablelocallaw.YouareresponsibleforensuringthatFreseniusMedicalCare’spropertyisnotmisused,wasted,damaged,lostorstolen.Unlessauthorizedtodoso,youmustnottakeoruseFreseniusMedicalCarepropertyorinformationforyourpersonalben-efitorgain.YoumustnotprovidethirdpartieswithanyFreseniusMedicalCareproperty,unlessyouareauthorizedtodosoinalegitimatebusinesstrans-action.
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2 CONFIDENTIALITY, PROPRI-ETARY INFORMATION AND IT SECURITY
AlldocumentsandallinformationonFreseniusMedicalCare’sinternaloperationsmustbetreatedconfidentially.Confidentialinformationincludesallnon-publicstrategic,financial,andtechnicalorbusi-nessinformationofFreseniusMedicalCare,aswellasallbusinessandtradesecretsofFreseniusMedicalCare’sbusinesspartners.
YOU MUST NOT:
i talktothirdpartiesaboutprojects,technicalde-tails,orotherconfidentialinformation,orgrantthemaccesstosuchinformationinanyotherway;
ii circulatetradeorcompanysecretsofourbusi-nesspartners;
iii makeanytranscriptsorcopiesofdataforotherthanoperationalpurposes;or
iv accessinformationthatisunrelatedtoyourownactivities.
YOU MUST:
i handleconfidentialinformationwithspecialcare,inparticularinpublicplaces,suchastrains,bus-es,planes,etc.;
ii takestepstoprotectyourcomputer,orotherelectronicdevicefromunauthorizeduse,accessormodificationofsoftware;maintaintheconfi-dentialityofpostalcorrespondenceandtelecom-munications;and
iii payparticularattentiontotheITaspectsofconfidentiality,suchasdataprotectionanddatasecurity.
Theseobligationsapplyduringworkingandnon-work-inghours,whetherornottheinformationisspecifi-callydesignatedas“confidential”or“restricted.”YourconfidentialityobligationsremainvalidevenifyouremploymentwithFreseniusMedicalCareendsunlessthecontraryisstatedinanapplicablelaw.
3 SOCIAL MEDIASocialmediaformsanimportantpartoftoday’sbusi-ness,anditsimportanceisgrowing.“Socialmedia”referstothemeansofinteractionsamongpeopleinwhichtheycreate,share,exchangeandcommentoncontentamongthemselvesinvirtualcommunitiesandnetworks.Socialmediaincludesocialnetworks(e.g.Twitter,Facebook,LinkedIn),blogs,wikisandvideostreamingwebsites(e.g.YouTube).
DO NOT:
i disparageFreseniusMedicalCare;
ii usesocialmediaforanyclinicalorpatientactivityifnotprovidedbyorspecificallyauthorizedbyFreseniusMedicalCarefortheperformanceofbusiness;
iii usesocialmediaforbusinessactivity(e.g.forrecruitingorpublicrelationsactivities)withoutpre-approvalbyyoursupervisorormanager;or
iv discloseanypatient-relatedinformation.
XI. Fresenius Medical Care Assets44
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YOU MUST:
i behonest,accurateandrespectfulwhenusingSocialmedia;
ii expressyourownpersonalopinionsandcom-mentsonlineusingyourownname,notFreseniusMedicalCare'snameoranycompanyidentifier,suchasaFreseniusMedicalCareemailormailingaddress,unlessauthorizedtodootherwise;and
iii keepinmindthatpostings,bothpersonalandprofessional,mayultimatelybeconnectedtoFre-seniusMedicalCare,evenifyouraffiliationwithFreseniusMedicalCareisnotdisclosed.
4 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYIntellectualpropertyisessentialforoureconomicsuccessandthesuccessofourbusinesspartnersandcustomers.Youmustprotectourintellectualprop-erty,includinganypatents,trademarks,copyrights,tradesecrets,technicalandscientificknowledgeorknowhow,andexpertisedevelopedinthecourseofourbusiness.
Weexpectyoutoalsorespecttheintellectualproper-tyofothers.Ifyouduplicateormisappropriateintel-lectualpropertyofsomeoneelsewithoutauthoriza-tion,youandFreseniusMedicalCaremaybesubjecttosignificantfinesandcriminalpenalties.
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Contact Information
Fresenius Medical Care ComplianceActionLine
+1-800-362-6990
Compliance.ActionLine@fmcna.com
FreseniusMedicalCareAG&Co.KGaA
61346BadHomburgv.d.H.·Germany
Phone:+496172609-0·www.fmc-ag.com
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
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