Section 1: Introduction/General Human Resources Policies

Spooner Health System

Policy #: 425 Sec. 1-19

Section 1: Introduction/General Human Resources Policies

Subject: Personal Telephone Calls & Use of Personal Cell Phones

Current Revision Date: February 16, 2014

Previous Revision Date(s): March 16, 2010

February 7, 2007

PERSONAL TELEPHONE CALLS & USE OF PERSONAL CELL PHONES

POLICY:

Spooner Health System telephones are to be used for official facility business and the convenience of our patients. The number of outside lines coming into the facility is limited; thus it is important for the welfare of patients that telephone lines are kept free. Personal calls either to or from an employee during the workday have the following effects on the facility:

·  The employee is using working time to address non-work related issues.

·  Additional outside calls coming into the department are delayed; requiring additional

switchboard operator time.

·  The phone line being used by the employee is tied up so in-house and additional

outside urgent calls to the department are delayed.

·  Negative public relations occur as the outside caller(s) are made to wait and/or the

number of rings required to answer the phones is increased.

Because of the reasons listed above, employees should limit their personal use of phone lines to emergency situations and should instruct relatives and friends not to contact them by telephone at the facility except in urgent circumstances or in an emergency.

PROCEDURE:

Business Telephones:

Our switchboard must be free to send and receive calls to serve our customers and the various departments at Spooner Health System. Therefore, employees should not use department telephones for personal calls and should receive incoming calls only in urgent or emergency situations. If incoming personal calls are necessary, the department direct telephone number should be used so the switchboard is bypassed. See the phone list posted on Spooner Health System’s Intranet page for department direct telephone numbers.

Personal calls should be conducted outside of working hours or during lunch and break periods. Long distance calls on Spooner Health System billing are prohibited. If it is absolutely necessary to make a personal long distance call, the charges should be charged to a telephone number other than that of the facility using the employee’s credit card, calling card or placed as a collect call.

Employees are expected to discourage all friends, relatives, or other employees from visiting or calling during working hours.

Personal Cell Phones:

The use of personal cell phones will be allowed within certain limitations.

All outside personal communication should be kept to minimum levels. The use of personal cell phones while on duty is prohibited unless for an emergency or work related calls. While on duty, personal related cell phone use while driving is prohibited.

Use of personal cell phones by employees will be restricted to non-patient, non-resident and non-client care areas and allowed ONLY during breaks or meal time.

Employees bringing personal cell phones to work are expected to have the telephone switched off while within Spooner Health System unless on approved breaks or meal time.

All picture taking (including film, digital, PDA or cell phone cameras) and videotaping (video or digital cameras) in any area of Spooner Health System is prohibited without authorization from Administration.

For those individuals who use a cell phone for facility business in lieu of a pager, when possible phones should be muted or on vibrate at all times.

Work Related Cell Phone and Electronic Device Use While Driving

Cell phones are a valuable business tool. When used safely, they can save time and increase efficiency. When used improperly, they can contribute to serious injury.

Our policy reflects that of the National Safety Council which states, “A driver’s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle and that best practice is to not use electronic devices including cell phones while driving. When on the road, drivers shall concentrate on safe and defensive driving and not on making or receiving phone calls, delivery of faxes, using computers, navigation systems or other distracting influences.” Other distracting influences include reading or sending text messages and reading or sending emails.

If you must take a call, pull over as soon as you are safely able to do so. Be aware of state and local regulations. According to the law, distracted drivers can be held accountable for the injury or death of others.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Date Printed: 8/23/2016 2 of 2 Doc # 425-Sec. 1-19 Personal

Telephone Calls & Use of Personal Cell Phones