Volunteer: Difference between revisions

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<big>'''UNMC Volunteer Policy'''</big>  
<big>'''UNMC Volunteer Policy'''</big>  


== Basis of Policy ==  
== Purpose ==  


This policy is designed to enable the University to accept volunteers while reducing risk and protecting the interests of the University, its volunteers and the community it serves. It also provided a means to track volunteers for Risk Management purposes.<br />  
This policy is designed to enable the University to accept volunteers while reducing risk and protecting the interests of the University, its volunteers and the community it serves. It also provided a means to track volunteers for Risk Management purposes.<br />  


== Definitions ==
== Definitions ==
'''Hazardous Materials''' are solids, liquids, or gases that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment.
'''Hazardous Materials''' are solids, liquids, or gases that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment.


'''Job shadowing''' is a program that provides current or prospective students a chance to observe health-care or research employees in a workplace setting. Job shadowing participants are not considered volunteers. It is designed to be a one-time observation only experience, lasting two to four hours. The job shadowing experience does not fulfill any clinical or internship requirements; nor does it provide any hands- on experience. Those who will be job shadowing must be processed through the job shadowing program administered by The Nebraska Medical Center. More information on the job shadowing program can be found at:  http://www.nebraskamed.com/careers/job-shadowing/program and information on the UNMC [[Job Shadowing Procedure]] can be found at: http://www.unmc.edu/policy/index.cfm?CONREF=102.
'''Job shadowing''' is a program that provides current or prospective students a chance to observe health-care or research employees in a workplace setting. Job shadowing participants are not considered volunteers. It is designed to be a one-time observation only experience, lasting two to four hours. The job shadowing experience does not fulfill any clinical or internship requirements; nor does it provide any hands- on experience. Those who will be job shadowing must be processed through the job shadowing program administered by The Nebraska Medical Center. More information on the job shadowing program can be found at:  http://www.nebraskamed.com/careers/job-shadowing/program and information on the UNMC [[Job Shadowing Procedure]] can be found at: http://www.unmc.edu/policy/index.cfm?CONREF=102.


'''Volunteers''' are uncompensated individuals. Volunteers perform services related to the ongoing business of the University for their own benefit which may be to gain experience in specific endeavors or fulfill humanitarian, charitable or public service requirements. To qualify as a University volunteer, an individual must satisfy the requirements and be willing to provide service according to the procedures in this policy. An individual who provides services to an entity other than the University that may be related to the University, such as the Alumni Association, will not be considered a University volunteer.  
'''Volunteers''' are uncompensated individuals. Volunteers perform services related to the ongoing business of the University for their own benefit which may be to gain experience in specific endeavors or fulfill humanitarian, charitable or public service requirements. To qualify as a University volunteer, an individual must satisfy the requirements and be willing to provide service according to the procedures in this policy. An individual who provides services to an entity other than the University that may be related to the University, such as the Alumni Association, will not be considered a University volunteer.  


== Policy ==  
== Policy ==  
University volunteers are expected to abide by the University policies and procedures and external regulations that govern their actions, including but not limited to those relating to ethical behavior, safety, confidentiality, protected health information, computer use, financial responsibility, and drug use. Criminal background checks are required for all volunteer positions requiring a Volunteer Application Form. Departments wishing to engage volunteers must be responsible for all costs associated with these items:
University volunteers are expected to abide by the University policies and procedures and external regulations that govern their actions, including but not limited to those relating to ethical behavior, safety, confidentiality, protected health information, computer use, financial responsibility, and drug use. Criminal background checks are required for all volunteer positions requiring a Volunteer Application Form. Departments wishing to engage volunteers must be responsible for all costs associated with these items:
* recruiting and screening (background checks)
* recruiting and screening (background checks)  
* submitting documentation and obtaining approval from the Office of Risk Management
* submitting documentation and obtaining approval from the Office of Risk Management
* ensuring compliance
* ensuring compliance
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=== Exceptions ===
=== Exceptions ===
The Munroe-Meyer Institutes Recreational Therapy Program volunteers must meet the requirements of that program and are exempt from the requirements of this policy. The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), UNMC High School Alliance Program, UNMC Community Academy, UNMC Youth Learning Center Programs, UNMC Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) and the programs and courses offered through the UNMC Center for Continuing Education are all exempt from the requirements of this policy. This exception covers activities that are part of the program/course requirements. Volunteer activities outside of the program requirements are not exempt from the policy.  
The Munroe-Meyer Institutes Recreational Therapy Program volunteers must meet the requirements of that program and are exempt from the requirements of this policy. The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), UNMC High School Alliance Program, UNMC Community Academy, UNMC Youth Learning Center Programs, UNMC Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) and the programs and courses offered through the UNMC Center for Continuing Education are all exempt from the requirements of this policy. This exception covers activities that are part of the program/course requirements. Volunteer activities outside of the program requirements are not exempt from the policy.


=== COD “UNMC COD Children’s Dental Day” and the “UNMC COD Sharing Clinic” ===  
=== “UNMC COD Children’s Dental Day” and the “UNMC COD Sharing Clinic” ===  
Volunteers who work these events are exempt from the requirements of this policy except that the event sponsor must conduct the checks below for all Non-UNMC employed healthcare professionals volunteering:   
Volunteers who work these events are exempt from the requirements of this policy except that the event sponsor must conduct the checks below for all Non-UNMC employed healthcare professionals volunteering:   
* Check the professional license http://www.nebraska.gov/LISSearch/search.cgi  
* Check the professional license http://www.nebraska.gov/LISSearch/search.cgi  
* Check the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry website: http://www.nsp.state.ne.us/sor/find.cfm  
* Check the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry website: http://www.nsp.state.ne.us/sor/find.cfm  
* Check the National Sex Offender Public website: http://www.nsopw.gov/core/Portal.aspx  
* Check the National Sex Offender Public website: http://www.nsopw.gov/core/Portal.aspx  
* Check the Medical Exclusion List http://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/   (if reimbursement is going to be sought for any of the care provided)  
* Check the Medical Exclusion List http://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/ (if reimbursement is going to be sought for any of the care provided)  
Volunteer healthcare professionals who do not satisfactorily pass these checks must not be allowed to volunteer and/or provide services at the event.   
Volunteer healthcare professionals who do not satisfactorily pass these checks must not be allowed to volunteer and/or provide services at the event.   


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* Must complete a volunteer application
* Must complete a volunteer application
* An individual under the age of nineteen must obtain parental consent to volunteer  
* An individual under the age of nineteen must obtain parental consent to volunteer  
* A current employee may not become a University volunteer at the University in any capacity in which he or she is employed at the University, or which is essentially similar to or related to the individual’s regular work at the University. A current employee may only volunteer for special events, such as United Way events, Commencement, and the like. It is important to determine that a person is performing services of a volunteer and will not be considered an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act. A determination by the Department of Labor that a person’s service was that of an employee’s will result in the time of service being compensable.
* A current employee may not become a University volunteer at the University in any capacity in which he or she is employed at the University, or which is essentially similar to or related to the individual’s regular work at the University. A current employee may only volunteer for special events, such as United Way events, Commencement, and the like. It is important to determine that a person is performing services of a volunteer and will not be considered an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act. A determination by the Department of Labor that a person’s service was that of an employee’s will result in the time of service being compensable.


=== Services Not Requiring a Volunteer Application ===
=== Services Not Requiring a Volunteer Application ===
The types of one-time activities that do not involve access to confidential information or potentially hazardous areas, are generally considered low-risk, and do not require a completed Volunteer Application. It includes but is not limited to the following:  
The types of one-time activities that do not involve access to confidential information or potentially hazardous areas, are generally considered low-risk, and do not require a completed Volunteer Application. It includes but is not limited to the following:  
* Commencement volunteer/guest
* Commencement volunteer/guest
* Annual Rewards & Recognition program volunteers  
* Annual Rewards & Recognition program volunteers  
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* Seminar/conference speaker
* Seminar/conference speaker


Individuals with volunteer faculty appointments, such as physicians and dentists who supervise UNMC residents and students in outlying clinics, are not required to complete a University of Nebraska Medical Center Volunteer Application Form.   These individuals receive a volunteer faculty appointment through the respective UNMC College.     These individuals are not subject to background checks and generally do not need to complete UNMC compliance requirements, as they must complete similar requirements within the health care organization where they work. The process to become volunteer faculty at UNMC can be found here:  [[http://www.unmc.edu/academicservices/volunteer_faculty.htm]].  
Individuals with volunteer faculty appointments, such as physicians and dentists who supervise UNMC residents and students in outlying clinics, are not required to complete a University of Nebraska Medical Center Volunteer Application Form. These individuals receive a volunteer faculty appointment through the respective UNMC College. These individuals are not subject to background checks and generally do not need to complete UNMC compliance requirements, as they must complete similar requirements within the health care organization where they work. The process to become volunteer faculty at UNMC can be found here:  [[http://www.unmc.edu/academicservices/volunteer_faculty.htm]].  


Visiting scientist and students who will be participating in laboratory activities using biohazardous agents do not need a volunteer application form but must comply with Institutional Biosafety Committee Biosafety Policies and Procedures SOP#UNMC-IBC036 - Visiting Scientist and Student for Access to Participate in Laboratory Activities Using Biohazardous Agents. The prohibited activities list does not apply to visiting scientists but the principal investigator is responsible for making sure they are familiar with the hazards and utilize the appropriate safety protocol and personal protective equipment.   
Visiting scientist and students who will be participating in laboratory activities using biohazardous agents do not need a volunteer application form but must comply with Institutional Biosafety Committee Biosafety Policies and Procedures SOP#UNMC-IBC036 - Visiting Scientist and Student for Access to Participate in Laboratory Activities Using Biohazardous Agents. The prohibited activities list does not apply to visiting scientists but the principal investigator is responsible for making sure they are familiar with the hazards and utilize the appropriate safety protocol and personal protective equipment.   


'''Note:''' For some University volunteers (e.g., advisory council members, trustees, reunion chairs), it may not be necessary to follow all of the steps of the policy (e.g. volunteer application form, vaccinations, etc.) Please contact [http://mailto:kswarts@unmc.edu UNMC Risk Management] or guidance.  
'''Note:''' For some University volunteers (e.g., advisory council members, trustees, reunion chairs), it may not be necessary to follow all of the steps of the policy (e.g. volunteer application form, vaccinations, etc.) Please contact [http://mailto:kswarts@unmc.edu UNMC Risk Management] or guidance.  


=== Prohibited Activities ===  
=== Prohibited Activities ===  
University volunteers cannot replace employee positions or impair the employment of a University position. Volunteers’ services are generally limited to humanitarian, charitable or public services.
University volunteers cannot replace employee positions or impair the employment of a University position. Volunteers’ services are generally limited to humanitarian, charitable or public services.  
University volunteers are also prohibited from performing the following activities:  
University volunteers are also prohibited from performing the following activities:  
* Operating heavy equipment and vehicles  
* Operating heavy equipment and vehicles  
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* Activity considered inappropriate for any employee  
* Activity considered inappropriate for any employee  
* Entering into any contract on behalf of the University  
* Entering into any contract on behalf of the University  
* Working with animals or in areas where animals are present        
* Working with animals or in areas where animals are present  
* Working with infectious or potentially infectious agents, including human blood  
* Working with infectious or potentially infectious agents, including human blood  
* Working in any of these restricted areas:
* Working in any of these restricted areas:
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=== Additional Information ===
=== Additional Information ===
Please be aware that background checks usually take to up to 7 days but depending on the complexity it may take up to 8 weeks to complete the process. The volunteer may not start until the process is completed so plan accordingly.  
Please be aware that background checks usually take to up to seven (7) days but depending on the complexity it may take up to eight (8) weeks to complete the process. The volunteer may not start until the process is completed so plan accordingly.  


== Procedure ==
== Procedure ==
When selecting and engaging a volunteer it is the department or unit’s responsibility to be certain the individual has adequate experience, qualifications, and training for the task he or she will be required to perform. The department must assign someone to directly supervise the volunteer. A volunteer cannot be supervised by a family member. A family member means an individual who is the spouse, child, parent, foster parent, guardian, brother, sister, grandchild, or grandparent, by blood, marriage, or adoption, of a University official or employee. The following procedures are required to engage a volunteer or a guest:
When selecting and engaging a volunteer it is the department or unit’s responsibility to be certain the individual has adequate experience, qualifications, and training for the task he or she will be required to perform. The department must assign someone to directly supervise the volunteer. A volunteer cannot be supervised by a family member. A family member means an individual who is the spouse, child, parent, foster parent, guardian, brother, sister, grandchild, or grandparent, by blood, marriage, or adoption, of a University official or employee. The following procedures are required to engage a volunteer or a guest:


# Departments or Units wishing to engage a volunteer must complete a description of the duties and services to be performed by a volunteer or description of education and professional experience to be provided for the guest. It must list who will provide supervision, level of supervision, etc.    
# Departments or Units wishing to engage a volunteer must complete a description of the duties and services to be performed by a volunteer or description of education and professional experience to be provided for the guest. It must list who will provide supervision, level of supervision, etc.
# Determine if a University of Nebraska Medical Center Volunteer Application Form is necessary by reviewing the “Services Not Requiring a Volunteer Application” and the “Prohibited Activities” sections.   
# Determine if a University of Nebraska Medical Center Volunteer Application Form is necessary by reviewing the “Services Not Requiring a Volunteer Application” and the “Prohibited Activities” sections.   
# Each potential University volunteer (or their parent) must complete a University Of Nebraska Medical Center Volunteer Application Form.  
# Each potential University volunteer (or their parent) must complete a University Of Nebraska Medical Center Volunteer Application Form.  
# Applicants over the age of nineteen must complete the University Of Nebraska Medical Center   Volunteer Application Form prior to beginning their service. Individuals under the age of nineteen must have their parents complete the Application Form prior to beginning their service.  
# Applicants over the age of nineteen must complete the University Of Nebraska Medical Center Volunteer Application Form prior to beginning their service. Individuals under the age of nineteen must have their parents complete the Application Form prior to beginning their service.  
# A criminal background check and appropriate training must be completed for all prior to their beginning service at the University. (See Volunteer – Guests Background Check Instructions)  
# A criminal background check and appropriate training must be completed for all prior to their beginning service at the University. (See Volunteer – Guests Background Check Instructions)  
# Send the volunteer to obtain the appropriate campus identification (ID) badge after the individual and service are approved and the background check is completed. Approval consists of a volunteer position/application that has been approved by the department chair or department administrator and a clear background check.  
# Send the volunteer to obtain the appropriate campus identification (ID) badge after the individual and service are approved and the background check is completed. Approval consists of a volunteer position/application that has been approved by the department chair or department administrator and a clear background check.  
# Must have and provide proof of immunizations as required by other positions in the area in which the volunteer will be located (flu, Hepatitis B, tetanus, any immunizations specific to the lab). Questions regarding immunization requirements should be directed to Risk Management.  
# Must have and provide proof of immunizations as required by other positions in the area in which the volunteer will be located (flu, Hepatitis B, tetanus, any immunizations specific to the lab). Questions regarding immunization requirements should be directed to Risk Management.  
# Forward a the original copy of the completed Volunteer Application with a copy of the UNMC ID Badge to the UNMC Office of Risk Management and retain copies of all forms and documentation for a period of three years from the date of the volunteer’s separation.  
# Forward a the original copy of the completed Volunteer Application with a copy of the UNMC ID Badge to the UNMC Office of Risk Management and retain copies of all forms and documentation for a period of three years from the date of the volunteer’s separation.  
# Volunteers returning with a break in service greater than one year must complete a new application, undergo a new background check and complete the necessary training again.   
# Volunteers returning with a break in service greater than one year must complete a new application, undergo a new background check and complete the necessary training again.