MCVP Guide for Professional Expense Reimbursement - Virginia ...
MCVP Guide for Professional Expense Reimbursement - Virginia ...
MCVP Guide for Professional Expense Reimbursement - Virginia ...
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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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