The Howard University Hospital (HUH) Compliance Program is a cornerstone of the hospital’s commitment to ethical integrity, accountability, and regulatory excellence. Designed to ensure adherence to federal, state, and institutional standards, the program promotes a culture of transparency, fairness, and patient-centered care across all departments.
At its foundation, the program is built upon HUH’s Code of Conduct, which guides employee behavior, decision-making, and professional interactions. It provides oversight for key areas such as HIPAA privacy and data security, billing and coding accuracy, conflict of interest management, clinical and research compliance, and vendor relationships. Each area is supported by policies, training, and monitoring to safeguard operations and reinforce public trust.
The Compliance Department also offers multiple reporting pathways—including confidential and anonymous options—to empower employees to raise concerns about potential violations or unethical practices without fear of retaliation. Through proactive audits, risk assessments, and educational initiatives, the department helps identify vulnerabilities and strengthen hospital-wide compliance readiness.
Education and awareness are central to the program’s success. Regular training sessions, newsletters, and events—such as HUH Compliance Awareness Week—engage staff in learning about compliance standards, ethical practices, and regulatory updates. Ultimately, the HUH Compliance Program reflects the hospital’s enduring mission: to deliver exceptional care while maintaining the highest ethical and legal standards. By fostering collaboration, vigilance, and integrity, HUH ensures that every action taken supports patient safety, organizational integrity, and community trust.
HUH COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT PORTAL
Compliance Awareness Week Nov. 2 - 8, 2025
From November 3 – 7, 2025, Howard University Hospital Corporation (HUHC) will celebrate Compliance Awareness Week — a time to reaffirm our commitment to integrity, accountability, and ethical excellence. This annual event highlights the importance of compliance and ethics in our daily work, raises awareness about key compliance topics, and strengthens our shared values that help create a safe, transparent, and respectful hospital environment.
We invite all HUHC team members to join the Compliance Team in the Cafeteria (2nd Floor) on Monday, November 3rd at 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and on Tuesday, November 4th at 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., to learn more, participate in interactive activities, and connect with colleagues:
Let’s celebrate our culture of integrity and take an active role in making compliance a part of everything we do.
🎥 Watch Now: Hear directly from Candace Leake, HUH Compliance & Privacy Manager, as she shares insights on the importance of compliance and how it impacts our organization and your daily work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSPhKJDiCU
Compliance Awareness Week Activities:
Day 1: November 3rd (7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)
- Meet the HUHC Compliance Team
- Educational information & handouts
- HIPAA Violations Activity
- Word Search Activity
Day 2: November 4th (11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)
- Meet the HUHC Compliance Team
- Educational information via email & handouts
- HIPAA Violations Activity
- Word Search Activity
Day 3: November 5th
- Crossword Puzzle Activity (emailed)
Days 4 & 5: November 6th - 7th
- Educational information via email
Winners of the Compliance Activities will be announced on Friday, November 7th via email.
If you have any questions, please email Candace Leake, MHSA, HUHC Manager of Compliance & Privacy.
#IntegrityInAction #HUHCares #ComplianceWeek2025
"At Howard University Hospital, we pledge to lead with integrity, protect patient privacy, and promote and take accountability for our actions. We commit to respecting our policies and people, to speak up when something doesn’t seem right, and to foster a culture where ethics and compliance guide every decision we make. These guiding principles will build trust and ensure that integrity remains at the heart of everything we do."
Compliance Key Principles
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Lead with Integrity – I will uphold the highest ethical standards in every decision, action, and interaction.
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Protect Privacy – I will safeguard patient information and maintain confidentiality at all times.
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Promote Accountability – I will take responsibility for my actions and encourage transparency within my team.
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Respect Policies and People – I will follow hospital policies and treat every patient, colleague, and visitor with respect and compassion.
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Speak Up for What’s Right – I will report concerns or violations without fear of retaliation, helping to protect the safety and trust of our community.
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Foster a Culture of Compliance – I will model ethical behavior, support others in doing the same, and contribute to a workplace rooted in honesty and excellence.
Mission
The Howard University Hospital Compliance Department promotes a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability across all areas of our organization. We partner with leaders, providers, and staff to ensure that every decision upholds the highest ethical and regulatory standards. Through education, guidance, and collaboration, we help safeguard patient trust, protect privacy, and advance our mission of delivering exceptional, equitable care to the community we serve.
Vision
To be a trusted leader in healthcare compliance—where doing what’s right is part of who we are. We envision a hospital community that is empowered, informed, and committed to excellence, ensuring that integrity, fairness, and respect guide every action and interaction at Howard University Hospital.
Values
Integrity: We act with honesty, fairness, and consistency in everything we do.
Accountability: We take ownership of our responsibilities and hold ourselves to the highest standards.
Education: We empower staff with the knowledge and tools needed to make ethical and compliant decisions.
Collaboration: We work together across all departments to strengthen our shared culture of compliance.
Equity: We uphold fairness and inclusion in every policy, practice, and interaction.
Excellence: We continuously improve to support safe, high-quality, and compliant patient care.
Compliance Key Principles
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Lead with Integrity – Set the standard through ethical actions and decisions.
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Protect Privacy – Safeguard patient, employee, and institutional information at all times.
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Promote Accountability – Take responsibility for compliance in every role and function.
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Respect Policies and People – Honor the rules and the individuals who make HUH stronger.
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Speak Up for What’s Right – Report concerns and raise questions without fear of retaliation.
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Foster a Culture of Compliance – Build an environment where integrity and ethics thrive every day.
Melissa Machacek, Director, Organizational Integrity
“Integrity in Action”
"Compliance isn’t just about rules — it’s about doing what’s right for our patients and each other. Every ethical choice strengthens the trust our community places in Howard University Hospital."
Candace Leake, Manager, Compliance & Privacy
“Building a Culture of Integrity”
"A culture of compliance is built one conversation at a time. When we lead with transparency and respect, we create an environment where everyone feels responsible for doing the right thing."
Valerie Jackson, Compliance Analyst
Protecting What Matters”
"Protecting privacy, upholding policy, and ensuring fairness are not just tasks — they’re our daily commitment to the safety and dignity of those we serve."
Kirkann Spence, Organizational Integrity Specialist
“Excellence through Accountability”
"True excellence in healthcare begins with accountability. Compliance ensures that our standards aren’t just met—they’re lived every day in every department."
If you see something that doesn’t seem right — speak up. The Howard University Hospital Compliance Team is here to listen, protect, and take action. Reporting a concern helps safeguard our patients, our colleagues, and our mission. Integrity starts with you.
Email: HUH_compliance@huhosp.org | Call the Compliance Team Hotline at: 1-800-654-0323.
1. What does the Compliance Department do?
The Compliance Department ensures that Howard University Hospital operates according to all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. We help safeguard patient privacy, promote ethical decision-making, prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, and support a culture of integrity across the organization.
2. Why is compliance important in healthcare?
Compliance protects our patients, staff, and institution. It helps maintain public trust, ensures accurate billing and documentation, and supports safe, equitable, and ethical care. When we follow the rules, we strengthen HUH’s mission and reputation for excellence.
3. When should I contact the Compliance Department?
You should contact Compliance whenever you have a question about policies, suspect a potential violation, or need guidance on ethical or regulatory concerns. It’s always better to ask before a small issue becomes a larger problem.
4. How can I report a compliance concern?
You can report concerns confidentially by emailing HUH_compliance@huhosp.org | Call the Compliance Team Hotline at: 1-800-654-0323. or calling the Compliance Hotline at 1-800-654-0323. Reports can be made anonymously, and all concerns are reviewed promptly and respectfully.
5. Will I face retaliation for reporting a concern?
No. Howard University Hospital strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. We value honesty and transparency and are committed to protecting those who speak up for what’s right.
6. What types of issues should be reported?
Report any suspected violations such as improper billing, patient privacy breaches, conflicts of interest, misuse of hospital property, policy violations, or unethical conduct. If you’re unsure, contact Compliance—we’re here to help.
7. What happens after I report a concern?
Your report will be reviewed promptly and handled with discretion. The Compliance Team will conduct an objective investigation, follow up as appropriate, and ensure that corrective actions are taken when necessary.
8. How does the Compliance Department support staff?
We provide education, training, and guidance to help employees understand and apply compliance standards in daily operations. Our goal is to empower every team member to make informed, ethical decisions that protect patients and uphold HUH’s values.
We’re Here to Support You
The Howard University Hospital Compliance Team is here to serve as your partner in doing what’s right. Whether you have a question about policies, privacy, documentation, or reporting a concern, our team is ready to provide confidential guidance and support. We’re committed to helping every staff member understand compliance expectations and make ethical, informed decisions that protect our patients, our colleagues, and our mission. Integrity starts with all of us—let’s continue building a culture of trust and accountability at HUH.
If You See Something, Say Something
Your voice protects our patients, our colleagues, and our mission.
The Compliance Team is here to help—confidentially and without retaliation.
📍 Visit: 2041 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20060, Suite 2106
📧 Email: HUH_Compliance@huhosp.org
📞 Hotline: 1-800-654-0323 (Available 24/7, Confidential)
Speak Up. Stay Informed. Protect Our Mission.