Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Right Thing: Work to keep Johns Hopkins Excellent

Use the Compliance Hotline
1-844-Speak2US (1-844-773-2528)

The Johns Hopkins University and the Johns Hopkins Health System are world-renowned for excellence in higher education, patient care and research. Our achievement depends largely upon the contributions and ensuring that we conduct our daily activities with integrity.  To further our goals, we introduced the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line.  We hope you will help us in supporting the principles and ideals that are critical to our continued success.  As we have become a leader and model for teaching, patient acre and research, so, too should we be a model for ethical behavior.

Q: What is the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line?
A: Administered through an independent company, the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line is a toll-free, 24 hour, 7-day-a-week telephone resource that allows you to report workplace concerns, including suspected illegal or unethical behavior; non-compliance with laws, regulations and policies; patient privacy issues; safety violations; criminal offenses; or other concerns.  Callers may remain anonymous if they so choose.  The Compliance Line – 1-844-Speak2US (1-844-773-2528) – is designed to give you and Hopkins’ management in a confidential manner, without fear of reprisal.

Q: Whom does the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line serve?
A:  The service is available to all faculty and staff employed by

• The Johns Hopkins University, Inc.
• Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation, Inc.
• The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Inc.
• Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Inc.
• The Office of Johns Hopkins Physicians
• Howard County General Hospital, Inc.
• Johns Hopkins Care at Home
• Johns Hopkins Medical Management Corporation
• Johns Hopkins Health Plans
• Johns Hopkins Home Health Services, Inc.
• Johns Hopkins International
• Johns Hopkins Pediatrics at Home, Inc.
• Johns Hopkins Pharmaquip, Inc.
• Sibley Memorial Hospital
• Sleep Services of America
• Suburban Hospital, Inc.and Suburban Hospital Healthcare System, Inc.
• All Children's Hospital, Inc. & All Children's Health System, Inc.
• Potomac Home Health Care

Q: What types of concerns may I report to the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line?
A:  A wide variety of issues including:

• Patient privacy rights/other patient rights
• Patient abuse
• Safety, health and environmental violations/concerns
• Workplace violence
• Serious policy violations
• Ethical Standards violations
• Substance/alcohol abuse
• Threats to property
• Embezzlement or fraud
• Medical billing irregularities
• Conflicts of interest
• Theft or abuse of Hopkins property

Please keep in mind; we already have an effective system in place to address many types of concerns.  For example, any employee-related issue, including discrimination or sexual harassment, should first be brought to the attention of your supervisor or Human Resources representative.  Please consult your organization directory or the wallet-sized card for specific phone numbers.

Q: Who receives calls made to the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line?
A:  The service is staffed by an experienced team of full-time compliance risk specialists (CRSs) trained in interviewing techniques and documenting information by phone. CRSs sign a confidentiality agreement that is strictly monitored and enforced.

Q: How does the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line Work?
A:  When you call, a CRS will gather specific information from you related to the reported activity.  You may be asked additional questions.  If you wish to remain anonymous, the CRS will assign you a unique reference code that will be used throughout the investigative process.  At the end of the call, the CRS will give you a time to call back to find out the status of your report.  If you choose to identify yourself during the call, the appropriate university/health system contact person may talk to you directly about your concern.

Q: What happens after I call?
A:  Within 24 hours, a detailed written report will be prepared by the CRS and forwarded to the appropriate university/health system contact person who will ensure that an appropriate and prompt inquiry is conducted.  The results of the investigation will be relayed back to the CRS and communicated to you during your follow-up call.

Q:  Should I use the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line for emergency situations?
A:  While the service is available, we encourage you to direct emergency calls to Security or the police.

Q:  If I make a report, can any adverse action be taken against me?
A:  No Johns Hopkins staff member, including supervisor, manager or employee, is permitted to engage in retaliation or any form of harassment directed against an employee who reports any concern in good faith.  Any staff member who engages in retaliation or harassment in subject to discipline, up to and including discharge, on first offense.  All reported concerns are presumed to be in good faith.  Only when an investigation reveals strong evidence that someone reported a concern that had no factual basis and the concern was reported to embarrass or otherwise defame an employee or other entity might adverse action be appropriate.

Q:  Can I be assured that my call(s) will remain anonymous and confidential?
A:  Keep in mind that the information you provide may be the basis for an investigation by Johns Hopkins.  While every attempt will be made to ensure anonymity, your identity may be discovered at some time during the course of the investigation.  But at no time will your call to the Johns Hopkins Compliance Line be traced or tape recorded.

Q:  If I’m hearing impaired or my primary language is not English, what kind of accommodations will be made?
A:  Hearing-impaired callers will be received on TTY (1-800-226-0262), and non-English-speaking callers will be teamed up with a Language Line coordinator to help with interpretation.