Does a “corporate integrity agreement” stand any chance of promoting integrity?
When you’re talking about a drug company that’s just paid the largest cash settlement in history, the phrase “corporate integrity” doesn’t leap to mind.
I’m thinking something more like “serial deceivers.”
Last week I told you about the $3 billion settlement GlaxoSmithKline paid the U.S. government.
Well… There was one more little detail.
After writing that fat check, GSK executives were also required to sign a Corporate Integrity Agreement. This is meant to “promote compliance” with statues and regulations.
I love the word “promote.” It’s like the Department of Health and Human Services is saying, “Come on now. We want you to really try to be good. Okay?”
It’s equal parts hilarious and sad. And you should see this document. It’s 123 pages of bureaucratic wrist-slapping.
Here’s a little taste. GSK agrees to…
- …form a compliance committee to report to HHS
- …appoint “Deputy Compliance Officers”
- …implement a program of “Integrity Champions”
- …appoint “Certifying Employees” to oversee their fellow employees
Page after page. It goes on and on.
I’ve got a feeling a few GSK “Integrity Champions” will have a good hearty laugh over this one at the company picnic.
Sources:
“Corporate Integrity Agreement between the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and GlaxoSmithKline LLC” Department of Justice, July 2012, justice.gov
