Code of Conduct Policy for Patients, Visitors, and Employees

South Boston Community Health Center is committed to providing exceptional care to our patients and their loved ones in a safe environment. Our Code of Conduct outlines what we can all do to keep our patients, staff, and visitors safe while on-site. In order to provide the best environment for patient care, we expect:

  • Everyone to create a safe, inclusive, equitable and healing environment.
  • Everyone to use respectful language and be considerate of others.
  • Patients to participate in their care. This includes staying in designated care areas and asking questions if you need help understanding your treatment.
  • Our Health Center to be smoke-free. Our buildings are smoke-free inside and out.

We do not allow:

  • Pets or emotional support animals.
  • Violence, threatening behavior, or abusive language. We have a zero-tolerance policy.
  • Weapons of any kind.
  • Offensive comments or gestures about age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, ability, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, marital status, or other personal traits.
  • Lewd/sexual behavior or language.
  • Alcohol or illegal drugs.
  • Damaging or theft of any items or equipment.
  • Disrupting other patients’ care or violating their privacy.
  • Use of recording devices in patient care areas, without permission.

Code of Conduct violations

  • Failure to comply with this code of conduct could result in discharge from the hospital or your appointment. Repeated violations of the code of conduct may lead to review of your status as a patient for non-emergency care.
  • Visitors who fail to comply with this code of conduct may be asked to leave our campus and may be restricted from visiting in the future.
  • Violations of this code of conduct that are of a criminal nature may result in referrals to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
  • Staff are held accountable to the high standards outlined in the employee code of conduct policy.
  • If you are a patient or visitor and you witness or are the target of any of these behaviors, talk to a member of your care team or talk to administration by calling 617-269-7500.
  • If you are a staff member and you witness or are the target of any of these behaviors, contact your Manager or your Human Resources Business Partner.

 

Guidelines for Families with Divorced or Separated Parents

We understand some families go through difficult separations. At South Boston Community Health Center, our highest priority is the care of our patients. It is our intent to work cooperatively with parents in accordance with any legal orders that are in place.

Custody

Custody decisions are made between parents with the help of the courts or the Department of Children and Families. In order to avoid any confusion for our staff, and to make sure we are managing your child’s care appropriately, we require legal documentation of any provisions the court has set forth regarding custody and communication with our office. Only in situations where there is a confirmed, documented Court Order, will a parent be denied access to their minor child’s health records or visits at the office. In the absence of legal orders, we expect that both parents will cooperate with each other in the best interest of the child.

Communication

We ask that both parents reach an agreement regarding major health decisions before visiting the office, as we will not mediate disagreements. We expect parents to communicate with each other regarding appointment scheduling, insurance, and any changes in medical care or treatment plans. It is not the responsibility of the provider to communicate visit information to each custodial parent separately. Our providers will not call the non-attending parent following visits. Additionally, we will not call the other parent for consent regarding appointments. We are unable to restrict communication with any parent without court documentation or documentation from the Department of Children and Families.

Billing

Copays will be collected at the time of service by the parent accompanying the child. If the court agreement states the other parent is responsible for copayments, it is the accompanying parent’s responsibility to pay at the time of the visit and collect reimbursement from the responsible parent. We will be happy to provide a receipt.

Disputes

The providers and staff will not get involved in disputes between parents. If disputes regarding your child’s medical care interfere with our ability to care for your child, we reserve the right to ask you to transfer care to another practice.

 

Separation is hard on children and families. Please remember that your cooperation with each other is very important to your child’s mental and physical health. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.