UMMS Adopts New Conflict of Interest Policy

BALTIMORE (May 31, 2019) – The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) Board of Directors reviewed and voted unanimously to approve a new Conflict of Interest Policy. This is another milestone as the organization continues to improve Board governance and oversight while managing conflicts of interest appropriately. The new Policy is adherent to recently passed Maryland legislation and is effective July 1, 2019.

“This is another major step forward as we improve Board governance, change corporate culture and put UMMS on a strong path forward,” said Interim President and CEO John Ashworth. “We thank the legislators for their work in guiding this policy during the session and helping us focus on providing a sound, long-term foundation for a sustainable, effective Board.”

Read the new Conflict of Interest Policy. Of note, the Policy includes:

• A prohibition on sole source contracting with any UMMS Board member
• Requirements for the recusal of non-independent Board members from certain deliberations and decision-making activities
• Provisions that restrict relevant Board leadership positions to independent Board members
• Detailed procedures for the disclosure of interests by UMMS Board members, officers and management level employees
• The process for identifying and addressing conflicts of interest
• The process for handling violations of the Conflict of Interest Policy
• A requirement that every Board member attest to compliance with the Conflict of Interest Policy

The new Conflict of Interest Policy was delivered to Governor Hogan and the presiding officers of the Senate and House of Delegates today, as required by Maryland law. The Policy will also be presented to the UMMS affiliate boards for review and approval within 60 days.

Nygren Consulting, an independent consulting firm, is continuing its work to complete its report and will also help guide the Board and executive leadership through the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report, once finalized.

Ashworth added, “I am working closely with the Board to enhance accountability, prepare the organization for the upcoming Board transition, and ultimately, change the components of our culture. We know true reform is a process and we remain focused and dedicated. We remain committed to our mission of caring for the people of Maryland and restoring the trust of those we serve.”

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the UM Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 13 hospitals. UMMS’ flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore is partnered with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. In addition, UMMS operates health insurance plans serving Medicare and Medicaid members.