As you know, the University of Oklahoma has enjoyed unprecedented growth in our clinical and research endeavors in recent years. The University continued its chain of record-breaking years in research and funding for externally sponsored programs in Fiscal Year 2002, closing out the year at almost $183 million, $23 million above last year's record high. OU Physicians' net collections hit a record high of over $80 million in Fiscal Year 2002, which is almost double what collections were only eight years ago.

As we all know, we are working in an increasingly complex legal environment and our continued growth increases the number of federal and state requirements with which we must comply. To promote the highest legal and ethical standards within the University to ensure that we meet or exceed the federal and state requirements, we have begun to implement a comprehensive, integrated Compliance and Quality Improvement Program that was adopted by the Board of Regents on January 30, 2002. The adoption of the program is a proactive step by the University to respond to the complex legal environment in the areas of (a) clinical billing and coding; (b) all types of research; and (c) environmental and radiation safety. The program is intended to promote legal and ethical behavior through education and training and prevent and detect weaknesses in our compliance systems.

The program sets forth Standards of Conduct, which are a non-exclusive compilation of guidelines regarding ethical and legal standards that all University employees are expected to follow when performing services for or on behalf of the University that are related to the areas covered by the program. A complete copy of the program is posted on the Office of Compliance's webpage at www.ouhsc.edu/compliance .

In our continuing effort to enhance our compliance effort, we have taken many steps, including the retention of a full-time compliance officer, who can be contacted at (405) 271-2511. The compliance officer is overseeing the implementation of the program and will be available to answer compliance-related questions, provide education, and respond to compliance concerns.

The success of the program depends on the cooperation of all University employees. All of us must take the initiative to review the standards, to develop an understanding of the obligations applicable to his or her job duties, and to actively participate in the compliance training programs that are offered. We must all do our part by reporting any suspected violations of the law or the program pursuant to the reporting mechanisms set forth in the program, which includes a 24-hour hotline. Anonymous messages regarding compliance issues can be left on the hotline by calling (405) 271-2223 or toll free 1- 866-836-3150.

Ethical conduct and compliance are the responsibility of all of us. It is important that we all participate. I appreciate your help as we continue our remarkable success.

Sincerely, David L. Boren President.