Ethics and compliance

Our Care

At HCA Healthcare, our ethics and compliance standards are essential to our mission and values, shaping the way we care for our patients and interact with one another. Our nationally recognized ethics and compliance program is built on two key pillars: our commitment to ethical conduct and policies that ensure compliance with the laws and regulations governing our work.

Check in Nurse
(Left to right): Kaitlyn Acker, Nurse Extern; Stacy Lyle, Registrar, CJW Medical Center

Compliance Process
Assessment

HCA Healthcare’s Ethics and Compliance department, along with Internal Audit and facility leaders, conducts ongoing monitoring and auditing to ensure policies are followed and effective. Their Compliance Process Reviews (CPRs) involve detailed assessments of selected facilities, including document reviews, on-site visits and interviews with key personnel. These reviews are designed to help identify trends, improve processes and strengthen ethics and compliance programs across the organization. Findings from these reviews are then shared with leadership, and facilities are required to submit corrective action plans to address any issues or areas of concern. The CPRs also provide valuable guidance and training to ethics and compliance officers, reinforcing HCA Healthcare’s commitment to integrity and accountability.

2026 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere

HCA Healthcare has earned national recognition for our commitment to ethical business practices. In 2026, we were recognized for the 16th time as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere.

The role of Ethics and
Compliance officers

At HCA Healthcare, every facility and business unit is supported by an Ethics and Compliance Officer (ECO) who serves as a trusted local resource for colleagues. These leaders ensure that our Ethics and Compliance Program is implemented and tailored to meet the unique needs of each facility. By working closely with teams on the ground, ECOs provide ongoing monitoring, education and guidance, helping to maintain the high standards of integrity and regulatory compliance.

Colleagues are encouraged to speak up and share concerns through multiple reporting channels, including the 24/7 HCA Healthcare Ethics Line, which can be used anonymously, or by speaking directly with their local ECO. In keeping with our strong commitment to an open and ethical culture, retaliation of any kind against those who raise concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited. This structure, combining local accountability with corporate support, helps ensure that every voice is heard and every issue is addressed fairly and transparently.

“The compliance review is an essential component of our enterprise risk mitigation strategy. Our compliance reviews are designed to provide facilities with clear, actionable insights. The reviews are educational, helping facilities strengthen readiness and performance while also fostering a culture of continuous improvement.”

Wendy Warren
SVP & Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer