Confidentiality: Agency maintains confidentiality of operations, activities, and business affairs of the Agency and the patients according to 1996, Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Due to the nature of our work, each employee will gain, directly or indirectly, sensitive and confidential information on patients/patients and staff members. The health care professional safeguards the patient’s right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature including medical treatment information, diagnosis, medical records, personal patient information, etc. This information should be shared only with those persons who, due to their position, have a need to know. Sensitive or confidential information must never be used as the basis for social conversation or gossip. If an employee is in doubt as to whether or not certain information may be shared, s/he should consult with his/her supervisor.
Drug Testing Policy: Agency does not conduct drug testing on employees.
Harassment Policy: This agency is committed to providing a work environment, that is free from all forms of discrimination and unlawful harassment including sexual harassment. This policy applies to all employees including management personnel. Sexual Harassment means an unwelcome sexual advance, a request for a sexual favor, or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature if submission to the advance, request, or conduct is made a term or condition of an individual’s employment, either explicitly or implicitly; submission to or rejection of the advance, request, or conduct by an individual is used as the basis for a decision affecting the individual’s employment; the advance, request, or conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance; or the advance, request, or conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. All Agency employees are expected to report any incidents of sexual harassment immediately, confidentially and without fear of retaliation, to the appropriate Manager, Human Resources and/or Administrator. Management will ensure that grievances/complaints of sexual or other harassment are investigated and take immediate and appropriate corrective action.
Non Solicitation/Illegal Remuneration: Agency does not reimburse or provide incentives to physicians, durable equipment providers, family or other referral entities for patient referrals for home health services. Employees may not solicit patients for the agency. Employees found in violation of this non-solicitation policy will be subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.
Non-Discrimination: Agency does not discriminate against patients or employees based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, or disability.
Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation: Agency employees will report suspected abuse, neglect and/or exploitation to the state departments of both the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Department of Aging and Disability Services, and Agency management. Agency employees suspected of abuse, neglect or exploitation will be suspended immediately, an investigation will be conducted, and if the investigation validates the claim, the employee will be terminated.
Workers’ Compensation: Agency is a non-subscriber to workers’ compensation insurance. An employee who incurs an injury on the job that requires emergency medical treatment or is life threatening should proceed to the nearest emergency room. Emergency medical treatment (non life threatening) or non-emergency treatment should be referred to the agency's designated clinic. Notify the agency of an injury within 24 hours to complete paperwork. Medical expenses for injuries are covered with the exception of the following: employee’s willful intent to hurt self or others, intoxication or drug use, horseplay, acts of God, and/or acts of a third party.
Progressive Discipline Policy: Agency utilizes a progressive discipline process in cases of misconduct or unacceptable performance. This includes verbal warning, written warning and final warning. Disciplinary action may begin at an advanced stage of the process or may result in immediate termination based upon the nature and severity of the offense, employee’s past record and other circumstances.
Agency Policies: I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and will comply with all applicable agency policies and guidelines.