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VCU Health System<br />

MCV PHYSICIANS<br />

GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES AND<br />

EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENTS<br />

(BASED ON THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE PUBLICATION 463)<br />

Effective <strong>for</strong> Purchases after June 30, 2004


PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES AND EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENTS<br />

I. General Overview<br />

General Overview pg(s). 3<br />

Ramifications of Non-Compliance pg(s). 3<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> pg(s). 4<br />

Substantiation Requirements pg(s). 4<br />

II. Submitting your reimbursement pg(s). 5<br />

III.<br />

Policy<br />

Cell Phone Usage pg(s). 6<br />

DEA Registration pg(s). 7<br />

Business Meals pg(s). 8<br />

Entertainment pg(s.) 9<br />

Gifts/Prizes/Awards pg(s). 10<br />

Internet Access pg(s). 11<br />

Medical <strong>Professional</strong> License Renewal pg(s). 12<br />

Mixed Use Property pg(s). 13<br />

Moving/Relocation pg(s). 14<br />

Subscriptions/Dues pg(s). 15<br />

Travel <strong>Expense</strong>s pg(s). 16&17<br />

Key Person Life Insurance pg(s). 18<br />

Appendix A: Examples of <strong>Reimbursement</strong> Forms to be used<br />

Travel Authorization Form<br />

Travel <strong>Reimbursement</strong> Form<br />

Mileage <strong>Reimbursement</strong> Form<br />

2


General Overview<br />

This guide is intended to provide a general overview of Internal Revenue Service<br />

regulations relative to reimbursable employee business expenses of “professional<br />

expenses”. This guide is not intended to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the<br />

Internal Revenue Code nor should any in<strong>for</strong>mation presented in this guide take precedent<br />

over Internal Revenue Service regulations. We recommend the use of the Internal<br />

Revenue Service publications 463 Travel, Entertainment, Gift and Car <strong>Expense</strong>s as<br />

supplements to this guide.<br />

Ramifications of Non-Compliance<br />

The penalties <strong>for</strong> failure to comply with Internal Revenue Service guidelines are<br />

potentially severe. Tainting rules apply to reimbursement plans. In other words, the IRS<br />

can disallow an employee’s entire reimbursement plan if any expenses are<br />

unsubstantiated or unallowable.<br />

If this were to occur, individuals would be liable <strong>for</strong> all income taxes. In addition, MCV<br />

Physicians would be liable <strong>for</strong> all employment taxes (employer and employee portions of<br />

FICA and Medicare-15.3percentage).<br />

Why is MCV Physicians so concerned about documentation Material non-compliance<br />

or lack of diligence in en<strong>for</strong>cing substantiation requirements could result in the<br />

disqualification of the reimbursement plan <strong>for</strong> the entire organization. Further, patterns<br />

of abuse might be construed to be private inurement and could jeopardize our not-<strong>for</strong>profit<br />

status.<br />

3


<strong>Reimbursement</strong><br />

A good rule of thumb <strong>for</strong> determining whether an expense is reimbursable is as follows:<br />

If you derive any personal benefit from the expense in question, it probably is not<br />

reimbursable.<br />

Common Examples of <strong>Expense</strong>s not Considered Business Related or Reimbursable:<br />

Home Phone Lines<br />

Commuting <strong>Expense</strong>s<br />

Business Suits<br />

Medical <strong>Expense</strong>s<br />

Gifts/Bonuses to State Employees<br />

Spousal Travel <strong>Expense</strong>s<br />

Parking Tickets<br />

Kennel Fees/Pet-sitting<br />

Home Office <strong>Expense</strong>s<br />

Personal Dry Cleaning<br />

Tuition <strong>for</strong> employee family<br />

Immigration fees<br />

Personal Usage of Cellular Phones<br />

Home Personal Computers<br />

Briefcases<br />

Political Contributions<br />

Safety Deposit Boxes<br />

House-hunting <strong>Expense</strong>s<br />

House-sitting <strong>Expense</strong>s<br />

Software <strong>for</strong> home use<br />

Vehicle Property Taxes<br />

Car Payments<br />

Will preparation<br />

Personal Aircraft<br />

Substantiation Requirements:<br />

Employees must adequately substantiate all qualifying expenses, and MCV Physicians<br />

must take reasonable measures to ensure that these requirements are en<strong>for</strong>ced. The<br />

Travel <strong>Expense</strong> <strong>Reimbursement</strong> Voucher <strong>for</strong>m is located in Appendix A and must be<br />

used to apply <strong>for</strong> reimbursement.<br />

1. Submit Original Receipts – Original receipts are required <strong>for</strong> hotel bills,<br />

airplane tickets, meals and any unusual authorized expense. Inability to<br />

provide original receipts will cause the reimbursement to be a taxable event<br />

reported on the employee’s W-2.<br />

2. State Business Purpose and Business Relationship – Do not assume that the<br />

business purpose is obvious. Be specific and descriptive. Listing of the<br />

attendees and the business purpose of expense must be stated.<br />

3. Provide Proof of Payment – A canceled check, together with a bill from the<br />

payee ordinarily establishes the cost. However, a canceled check by itself<br />

does not prove a business expense with other evidence to show that it was <strong>for</strong><br />

a business purpose. Other <strong>for</strong>ms of proof of payment are credit card receipts<br />

and receipts of payment from the payee.<br />

NOTE:<br />

ALL reimbursements, which are not adequately substantiated, will be<br />

reported as taxable income. Non-deductible reimbursements will also be<br />

reported as taxable income. MCV Physicians will notify you of<br />

deficiencies in substantiation and provide you with an opportunity to<br />

correct the problem.<br />

4


Submitting your reimbursement<br />

ALL reimbursement documentation must be completed and submitted to the Department<br />

of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s not submitted within<br />

guidelines will be disallowed. The employee’s supervisor must approve the voucher and<br />

submit to Accounts Payable <strong>for</strong> processing within five (5) business days of receipt from<br />

employee. See Appendix A <strong>for</strong> the Travel <strong>Expense</strong> <strong>Reimbursement</strong> Voucher <strong>for</strong>m. All<br />

reimbursements must be submitted on the appropriate <strong>for</strong>m.<br />

References<br />

IRS Publication 463 Travel, Entertainment, Gift and Car <strong>Expense</strong>s, 2003.<br />

IRS Publication 1542 Per Diem Rates revised February, 2003.<br />

5


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

CELL PHONE/BLACKBERRY USAGE REIMBURSEMENT<br />

POLICY<br />

Effective Date: 01/21/04<br />

Revision Date: 10/18/06<br />

Purpose: To define reimbursement guidelines <strong>for</strong> cellular telephone/blackberry service acquired by<br />

employees of the VCU Health System. To clarify that monthly base fees and business related calls are<br />

reimbursable; however, personal calls are not. To establish that actual cellular telephone, and/or related<br />

equipment are not reimbursable under any circumstance.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> cellular telephone/blackberry service. Also, this policy will encourage the procurement of<br />

minimal monthly base fees.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: An original bill and proof of payment must be submitted with the<br />

reimbursement request. Also, the following criteria must be met.<br />

1. Contracted base fee <strong>for</strong> cellular/blackberry service may not exceed $40 <strong>for</strong> faculty and<br />

staff. Contract base fee <strong>for</strong> Chairmen may not exceed $80.<br />

2. An itemized billing from the cellular/blackberry service must be provided <strong>for</strong> all business<br />

calls to be reimbursed. If an itemized bill is not provided only the base fee will be<br />

reimbursed on a pre-tax basis.<br />

3. All personal calls must be subtracted from the total bill.<br />

4. The cellular telephone/blackberry must be a required condition of employment.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clinical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

6


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

DEA REGISTRATION<br />

Effective Date: 01/21/04<br />

Purpose: To define proper processing of DEA registrations. To ensure the fact that the responsibility of<br />

renewing the DEA license prior to the renewal date is solely that of the individual requiring the DEA<br />

license.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of processing DEA registrations and to control funds<br />

unnecessarily spent by the VCU Health System <strong>for</strong> DEA licenses. To en<strong>for</strong>ce Title 21 CFR – Section<br />

1301.21 which states “any hospital or other institution which is operated by an agency of the United States,<br />

of any State, or any political subdivision or agency thereof” is exempt from DEA renewal fees.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: When submitting an application to the DEA the department<br />

administrator or <strong>MCVP</strong> Director of Finance must sign under section 7 of the application. Section 7<br />

designates exemption from fee. No payment is to be sent with the application. If an individual pays the<br />

DEA not knowing of fee exemption, he must provide proof of payment and/or receipt from the DEA along<br />

with the check request to MCV Physicians <strong>for</strong> reimbursement.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clinical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

7


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

BUSINESS MEALS REIMBURSEMENT POLICY<br />

Effective Date: 01/21/04<br />

Revision Date: 08/02/06<br />

Purpose: To define reimbursement guidelines <strong>for</strong> business meals acquired by employees of the VCU<br />

Health System.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> business meals.<br />

Business Meals: Business meals are only reimbursable if the expenses are directly related to your<br />

business. The following factors must apply <strong>for</strong> reimbursement to take place:<br />

The main purpose of the combined business and entertainment was the active<br />

conduct of business.<br />

The employee actually conducted business and entertainment during the<br />

entertainment period.<br />

The employee had more than a general expectation of obtaining income or some<br />

other specific business benefit at some future time.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> amount must not exceed $90 per person. Any exception must<br />

be approved in advance.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: An original bill and proof of payment must be submitted with the<br />

reimbursement request. A list of attendees must be submitted with the check request.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clinical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

8


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

ENTERTAINMENT REIMBURSEMENT POLICY<br />

Effective Date: July 16, 2003 Board Approved<br />

Purpose: To define <strong>for</strong> what purposes and to what extent departments may use specific funds <strong>for</strong><br />

entertainment expenses. To further define the circumstances under which <strong>MCVP</strong> Board approval is<br />

required.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> entertainment and business meals.<br />

Celebrations: See sanctioned policy guidelines below:<br />

1. Allowable celebrations that utilize <strong>MCVP</strong> dollars include: Resident/Fellow graduation,<br />

Holiday parties, receptions, and celebrations of the Academic Mission. All others must<br />

receive special permission from the <strong>MCVP</strong> Board.<br />

2. Celebrations noted above do not require <strong>MCVP</strong> Board approval as long as the Department<br />

has a positive operating margin and is not in receivership.<br />

3. <strong>Expense</strong>s are capped at $90 per person. Exceptions must be approved in advance.<br />

4. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by the <strong>MCVP</strong> Board.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: An original bill and proof of payment must be submitted with the<br />

reimbursement request. A list of attendees must be submitted with the check request.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clinical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

9


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

GIFTS /PRIZES/AWARDS<br />

REIMBURSEMENT POLICY<br />

Effective Date: 01/21/04<br />

Purpose: To define reimbursement guidelines <strong>for</strong> gifts, prizes, and awards received by employees of the<br />

VCU Health System.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> gifts, prizes, and awards; and to comply with IRS guidelines.<br />

1. Gifts: To state that the Internal Revenue Service allows reimbursement <strong>for</strong> gifts,<br />

which are equivalent to $25 or less per employee per year. State policy expressly<br />

prohibits Commonwealth of <strong>Virginia</strong> employees from receiving cash gifts and noncash<br />

gifts greater than $25. Gifts to any employee, regardless of funding source, are<br />

deemed a personal expense, unless: The gift is in connection with a sanctioned<br />

employee incentive program and is under $400 in value.<br />

2. Awards & Prizes: Awards and prizes to all employees must be in connection with a<br />

program approved by VCU Health System Human Resources Department. All<br />

awards and prizes must be reported to VCU Health System Payroll Department<br />

along with the recipient’s social security # so that the award/prize can be reported on<br />

the employee’s W-2 as income.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: An original bill and proof of payment mu st be submitted with the<br />

reimbursement request. The recipient’s name and social security # are to be provided with the payment<br />

request. The following rules apply equally to non-cash gifts as well. Also, the following criteria must be<br />

met.<br />

1. The gift value is less than $25.<br />

2. The payment is reported as taxable income to the recipient of the gift.<br />

3. Gift certificates are considered cash, regardless of amount, unless specific item is listed<br />

<strong>for</strong> purchase.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clinical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

10


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

INTERNET ACCESS REIMBURSEMENT POLICY<br />

Effective Date: 01/21/04<br />

Purpose: To define reimbursement guidelines <strong>for</strong> internet access acquired by employees of the VCU<br />

Health System.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> internet access. Also, to encourage the use of the VCU internet access account.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: Each department is advised to acquire internet access through the<br />

account offered by VCU. If an individual opts to go elsewhere <strong>for</strong> service, the individual will only be<br />

reimbursed the VCU rate of $9.95 per month. An original bill and proof of payment must be submitted<br />

with the reimbursement request.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clinical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

11


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL LICENSE RENEWAL<br />

Effective Date: 01/21/04<br />

Purpose: To define payment and reimbursement guidelines <strong>for</strong> licenses paid by Medical <strong>Professional</strong>s<br />

employed by the VCU Health System. This includes (but is not limited to) MD’s, LPN’s, and RN’s. To<br />

ensure the fact that the responsibility of renewing the license prior to the renewal date is solely that of the<br />

Medical <strong>Professional</strong>.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> medical licenses. This policy states that the maintenance of out-of-state medical licenses is the<br />

responsibility of the individual. Out-of-state medical licenses will be reimbursed to the department<br />

Chairmen only, and <strong>for</strong> all other medical professionals it is a personal expense.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: The Medical <strong>Professional</strong> requiring a license to practice is to submit the<br />

payment to the state prior to the renewal date. A reimbursement request then should be submitted to MCV<br />

Physicians along with a copy of the application and proof of payment.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clinical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

12


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

MIXED USE PROPERTY REIMBURSEMENT POLICY<br />

Effective Date: 01/21/04<br />

Purpose: To define reimbursement guidelines <strong>for</strong> Mixed Use Property acquired by employees of the VCU<br />

Health System. And, to clarify what is considered Mixed Use Property.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> Mixed Use Property. To define Mixed Use Property as any tangible item, which is used <strong>for</strong>, or<br />

has the capability of being used <strong>for</strong>, both business and personal purposes. In order to qualify <strong>for</strong> business<br />

reimbursement, the property must be required as a condition of employment and must be <strong>for</strong> the<br />

convenience of the employer not merely <strong>for</strong> the convenience of the employee. The Internal Revenue<br />

Service takes a very aggressive position on their interpretation of this code section.<br />

Non-Reimbursable Mixed Use Property: The following categories of property, in most cases, will not<br />

qualify as a business reimbursement even if used entirely <strong>for</strong> business purposes. The IRS takes the position<br />

that the following items are <strong>for</strong> the convenience of the employee, not required as a condition of<br />

employment.<br />

Home use Computers<br />

Primary or secondary home phone lines<br />

Home Office<br />

Non-business software<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: An original bill and proof of payment must be submitted with the<br />

reimbursement request. Also, the use of the item must be clearly defined. No reimbursement will be made<br />

<strong>for</strong> items such as computers, and digital cameras unless the item will remain at the business location and<br />

the use is clearly defined as business purpose only. Items deemed reimbursable will be reimbursed at a pretax<br />

rate.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clin ical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

13


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

MOVING & RELOCATION REIMBURSEMENT POLICY<br />

Effective Date: 1/21/04<br />

Revision Date: 12/6/06<br />

Purpose: To define reimbursement guidelines <strong>for</strong> moving and relocation by employees of the VCU Health<br />

System.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> moving and relocation. To specify that only reimbursement or payment <strong>for</strong> the actual moving<br />

of the employee, family, household goods, and persona effects is allowed. Also, the responsible Vice<br />

President and VCU Health System Human Resources must approve the offer of reimbursement <strong>for</strong><br />

moving and relocation expenses be<strong>for</strong>e the offer is <strong>for</strong>mally made to the employee or any expenses are<br />

incurred.<br />

Eligibility: The employee must be a salaried full-time employee of MCV Physicians. The employee must<br />

have an agreement to work document. If employment is terminated prior to completing two years of<br />

service, the relocation/moving expense must be reimbursed by the employee. The move must have been a<br />

requirement <strong>for</strong> hire, and the distance from new job location to <strong>for</strong>mer residence must be at least 50 miles<br />

more than the distance from <strong>for</strong>mer job and <strong>for</strong>mer residence.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: Original bills and proof of payment must be submitted with the<br />

reimbursement request. The following criteria must be met:<br />

The expenditure must be reasonable and necessary; and must have been incurred after<br />

official acceptance of employment.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> must be requested within twelve months of employee start date.<br />

The total reimbursement cannot exceed $10,000.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> <strong>for</strong> driving a personal vehicle to new residence will be awarded at the<br />

current IRS allowable rate.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clinical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

14


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

SUBSCRIPTIONS/DUES REIMBURSEMENT POLICY<br />

Effective Date: 01/21/04<br />

Purpose: To define reimbursement guidelines <strong>for</strong> subscription/dues paid <strong>for</strong> by employees of the VCU<br />

Health System.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> acquiring subscriptions and dues.<br />

Subscriptions: Subscriptions to professional journals are generally reimbursable. Subscriptions <strong>for</strong><br />

newspapers and popular magazines (i.e. Time, People, National Geographic, PC World) are reimbursable if<br />

purchased <strong>for</strong> the benefit of the patients. Billing <strong>for</strong> these magazines should be addressed to the clinic and<br />

the bill should be submitted to the MCV Physicians Accounts Payable <strong>for</strong> payment.<br />

Dues: Dues <strong>for</strong> membership in professional organizations are generally reimbursable on a pre -tax basis.<br />

Dues <strong>for</strong> memberships in country clubs, athletic associations, travel clubs, airline clubs, credit card fees,<br />

etc. are not reimbursable. Original bills must be submitted in order to be reimbursed.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: An original bill and proof of payment must be submitted with the<br />

reimbursement request. Dues must be <strong>for</strong> business purposes only and subscriptions solely <strong>for</strong> the benefit of<br />

the <strong>MCVP</strong> missions or patient waiting areas.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clinical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

.<br />

15


MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY<br />

Effective Date: 01/21/04<br />

Revision Date: 08/28/06<br />

Purpose: To define payment and reimbursement guidelines <strong>for</strong> all local, out-of-state and out-of-country<br />

travel. To clarify allowable and non-allowable travel related expenses.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> travel. To ensure that travel expenses incurred by VCU Health System employees on official<br />

business must be reasonable, necessary and represent an efficient use of resources. Any falsification of<br />

expenditures constitutes fraud and will be treated as such. To en<strong>for</strong>ce incremental expenses <strong>for</strong> travel, food<br />

or lodging associated with a spouse accompanying and employee on a business trip will not be reimbursed.<br />

No expenditures <strong>for</strong> personal pleasure or entertaining are allowed.<br />

Travel Authorization: The travel authorization <strong>for</strong>m showing estimated expenses must be pre-approved<br />

by the department chair 2-4 weeks prior to travel. Out-of-Country travel must also have prior written<br />

approval of the VP <strong>for</strong> Health Sciences. Department Chairs must have written approval by the Dean of the<br />

School of Medicine and the VP of Health Sciences.<br />

Transportation: Personal automobiles may be used and expenses will be reimbursed at the current IRS<br />

mileage reimbursement rate. Maintaining appropriate automobile insurance is the responsibility of the<br />

traveler. Neither the option to purchase additional insurance <strong>for</strong> rental cars nor any damage to personal<br />

or rental vehicles is reimbursable. Travelers must ensure that rental vehicles are refueled be<strong>for</strong>e returning<br />

the vehicle. <strong>Reimbursement</strong> will be based on the fuel usage and receipts provided.<br />

Original receipts are required <strong>for</strong> airline, taxi, shuttle, and all other <strong>for</strong>ms of public transportation when the<br />

cost is greater than $10. Rates must not exceed those <strong>for</strong> tourist or coach class accommodations. If first or<br />

business class accommodations are submitted, the traveler will only be reimbursed <strong>for</strong> the coach fare as<br />

determined by the <strong>MCVP</strong> Finance department. The traveler will not be reimbursed <strong>for</strong> airline/rail tickets<br />

until the trip is completed and receipts are submitted with their travel voucher.<br />

Meals: <strong>Expense</strong>s <strong>for</strong> social guests, e.g., spouses or friends are non-reimbursable. If meals are provided by<br />

the conference, separate reimbursement will not be approved. <strong>Expense</strong>s should be reasonable and are<br />

subject to review (in general meals less than $75 <strong>for</strong> physicians and less than $50 per all other employees<br />

would be considered reasonable). Receipts must be submitted <strong>for</strong> all meals over $10.00. Meals over $10<br />

not substantiated with receipts will cause the entire reimbursement to default to the IRS per diem <strong>for</strong> meals.<br />

Reasonable amounts of beer and wine will be reimbursed.<br />

Lodging: Original hotel bills showing a “0” balance obtained at the time of checkout and other supporting<br />

receipts <strong>for</strong> lodging expenses must be submitted with the travel voucher. Resort fees, movies, and any<br />

other personal expense will not be reimbursed. Stays at conference hotels will be reimbursed at the single<br />

room rate. Stays at non-conference hotels are subject to IRS per diem rates (IRS Publication 1542 or<br />

www.policyworks.gov/perdiem). When lodging used is other than hotels and motels, e.g., apartments, a<br />

comparison statement including authorization by the traveler’s supervisor must be submitted with the travel<br />

voucher. The comparison statement should show the following:<br />

Total cost <strong>for</strong> using the alternate accommodations and length of contract<br />

Cost of the usual accommodations<br />

Net savings<br />

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Non-Canceled Reservation Charges are not reimbursable.<br />

Registration Fees: An employee attending a conference <strong>for</strong> business purposes will be reimbursed <strong>for</strong><br />

registration fees incurred. The attendee must submit proof of payment and original receipt.<br />

Business Calls, Telegrams and Facsimiles: Business calls, telegrams and facsimiles are reimbursable<br />

only if <strong>for</strong> business purposes and submitted on the Travel <strong>Reimbursement</strong> <strong>for</strong>m.<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> Requirements: The VCU Health System employee must submit all travel related<br />

reimbursements on the sanctioned MCV Physicians Travel <strong>Reimbursement</strong> <strong>for</strong>m. The <strong>for</strong>m must be<br />

approved by the traveler’s immediate supervisor. All original receipts must be submitted with the Travel<br />

<strong>Reimbursement</strong> <strong>for</strong>m. The purpose of the trip must be clearly stated. Travelers must complete, sign, and<br />

date the Travel <strong>Reimbursement</strong> Voucher within thirty (30) days of completion of trip. <strong>Reimbursement</strong> not<br />

submitted within sixty (120) days will be disallowed.<br />

Note: Any payment to the traveler (i.e. Honorariums, vendor payments, reimbursement <strong>for</strong> travel from<br />

outside groups and/or royalty payments) will be deducted from total reimbursement be<strong>for</strong>e use of<br />

professional expense allowable. Failure to declare payments will result in disciplinary action.<br />

Disclaimer: MCV Physicians will deny reimbursements <strong>for</strong> reimbursable expenses that are not submitted<br />

to the Department of Finance within one hundred twenty (120) days. <strong>Reimbursement</strong>s <strong>for</strong> parking must be<br />

submitted within 365 days of occurrence. Every ef<strong>for</strong>t should be made to insure that reimbursements are<br />

reported in the fiscal year that the expense occurred. Also, the clinical department can deny reimbursement<br />

<strong>for</strong> reasons other than those specified in this sanctioned policy.<br />

.<br />

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MCV Physicians of the VCU Health System<br />

Key Person Life Insurance<br />

Effective Date: July 16, 2003 Board Approved<br />

Purpose: To define under which conditions a department may choose to obtain life insurance on a key<br />

faculty member.<br />

Rationale: To establish the consistency of reimbursements and to control funds spent by the VCU Health<br />

System <strong>for</strong> key person life insurance.<br />

Conditions: See sanctioned conditions below:<br />

1. The death of a faculty member would cause significant difficulty <strong>for</strong> the Department<br />

because of (a) his/her unique contributions, (b) other people/programs in the<br />

department/university are critically dependent upon him/her and (c) it would be difficult<br />

to replace him/her.<br />

2. The beneficiary of the insurance should be the Departmental account in the MCV<br />

Foundation. The funds must be used <strong>for</strong> either recruitment of the replacement <strong>for</strong> the key<br />

person or <strong>for</strong> establishing an endowment to support the position vacated by the death.<br />

Such endowment can be named <strong>for</strong> the key person if h/she wishes. Any other name<br />

chosen should be at the discretion of the key person.<br />

3. The key faculty person must have agreed to have his/her life insured by the Department.<br />

4. The cost of the insurance will be paid by the Department, and should not be undertaken if<br />

the Department is in receivership or imminent receivership.<br />

5. Must be approved by the MCV Board.<br />

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APPENDIX A<br />

Forms<br />

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