2022 SASB Index

Health Care Delivery

(1) 9,323,564 GJ (2.6 million MWh)
(2) 41%
(3) 10%

For further information on energy management, see our Non-Financial Group Report – Energy and climate protection (pages 102 ff.).

For a description of policies and practices related to securing our patients’ health information and further data, see our Non-Financial Group Report – Protecting data (pages 108 f.). See our Notice of Privacy Practices for a description of how medical information is used and disclosed in the United States.

Fresenius Medical Care did not incur monetary losses in the United States during the reporting period as a result of legal proceedings associated with data security and privacy, meaning adjudicative proceedings before a court, regulator, arbitrator or otherwise. All relevant legal proceedings and related financial effects are disclosed in our Annual Report – Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The United States dialysis services business does not permit controlled substances to be kept or administered in its outpatient dialysis units.  Dialysis facility staff do not prescribe controlled substances.

In the dialysis services business in other parts of the world where controlled substances are permitted, we have established specific protocols to ensure the safe handling and storage of these medications. In those locations we ensure that the appropriate level staff is trained on the appropriate use, storage, and disposal of controlled substances as required by local/regional laws. Similarly, staff supports patients with substance abuse disorders where required by local/regional laws.

The dialysis services business follows the local laws and requirements governing pricing disclosures. The method of communication varies by country and includes written communication, website posting, and in-person consultation, as required.

We work with the insurer/payor to understand the patient’s responsibility. For self-pay, we work directly with the patient to provide estimates for what they will be responsible for.

(1) For the total recordable incident rate, see our ESG Performance Data – Occupational health and safety (page 9).

For information on recruitment and retention efforts, see our Non-Financial Group Report – Attracting and developing talent (page 97), our global  career website, and our employee website.

For information on nurses training programs, global career paths, and insights into the jobs of our clinical staff, see our Nephrocare website, our corporate website, and our career website in the United States.

Medical Equipment and Supplies

It is essential that our products and services are effective and reliable, and that they pose as little risk as possible to patients. Our standards for planning, conducting, and monitoring clinical studies help us enhance the quality and safety of our products. For further information on the safety of our products, see our Non-Financial Group Report – Product stewardship (pages 94 f.).

To help us understand the environmental impact of our products, we conduct simplified product life-cycle assessments for selected products. These assessments identify the life-cycle phase with the highest impact and the processes and materials we need to focus on to improve the eco-performance of our products and services. For further information on our life cycle assessments, see our Non-Financial Group Report – Eco-performance of products and services (page 105). In 2021, we initiated a process to further integrate specific environmental criteria in our research and development activities. In 2022, we launched a global event aimed at fostering innovation in our product business. As part of this activity, employees were encouraged to develop new ideas that focused on the topics of sustainability and efficiency. For further information on research and development, see our Non-Financial Group Report – Innovation and digitalization (pages 93 f.).

We donate funds, dialysis machines, and medical supplies to organizations that require support. In our global survey on corporate citizenship activities, it was reported that we donated around 1.5 metric tons of devices and equipment reflecting a total value of around 44,000 €. We also donated more than 43 metric tons of supplies reflecting a total value of around 1,857,000 €. In addition, we donated devices, equipment, and supplies with a monetary value of more than 300,000 € to support patients and employees in Ukraine.

Sourcing of mineral raw materials is an important aspect of our commitment to sustainable procurement.

We are subject to the provisions of Section 1502 of the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) relating to conflict minerals. As outlined in our Conflict Minerals Policy, we adopt standards in line with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.

We are committed to compliance with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act and encourage our suppliers to foster similar commitments of their supply chain related to conflict minerals disclosures. Suppliers who are non-compliant with our Conflict Minerals Policy are reviewed for continued business.