Policy on Cell Phone Use
For the purpose of this policy, “cell phone” refers to any device that allows someone to make or receive phone calls, leave messages, send text messages, play games, surf the Internet, or download and read/respond to email, regardless if the device is supplied by (FACILITY) or is personally-owned.
Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Cell Phone Use At Work
(FACILITY) realizes that employees utilize their personal and/or employer-supplied cell phones for both personal as well as business purposes. At the same time, cell phones are a distraction in the workplace. To ensure the effectiveness and attentiveness of all employees during working hours, employees (except those in job-related positions for which the use of a cell phone is necessary for the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the position) are to not carry cell phones while on the clock. This applies to both hand-held and hands-free cell phones.
Employees may leave such devices at their desks, in their lockers or in their cars for use during their breaks (paid breaks as well as non-paid breaks). On the rare occasion of an emergency or anticipated emergency that would require immediate attention, the employee may carry a cell phone on vibrate mode provided that the employee has received prior approval from his/her supervisor.
Camera and/or video functions on cell phones cannot be used to take pictures and/or videos that would violate (FACILITY) policies regarding confidentiality, privacy, HIPAA and any other issues as they relate to (FACILITY) residents (including the resident’s medical record), resident families, visitors and staff.
Cell Phone Use While Driving
The use of a cell phone while driving is prohibited whenever a (FACILITY) employee is “on the clock”. Use of a cell phone while driving a (FACILITY) vehicle is prohibited at all times.
The above applies to all (FACILITY) employees, including those in job-related positions for which the use of a cell phone is necessary for the fulfillment of the responsibilities of the position.
Employees must stop the vehicle in a safe location to safely use a cell phone or similar device.
Allow incoming calls to go to voice mail. Check the voice mail and return the call only when the vehicle is off the road and the ignition is turned off.
If there is a need to place a call, pull off the road to a safe place such as a parking lot, and turn the vehicle off prior to placing the call.
Employees must adhere to all federal, state or local rules and regulations regarding the use of cell phones while driving.
Employees charged with traffic violations resulting from the use of a cell phone while driving a vehicle and not complying with the cell phone use policy as stated above will be solely responsible for all penalties that result from such actions, regardless whether the reason for using the device was personal or business-related.
These prohibitions include receiving or placing calls, text messaging, surfing the Internet, receiving or responding to email, checking for phone messages, playing games, or any other action with the device. It does not matter whether the reason for using the device is personal or business-related.
Cell Phone Use While Driving applies to both hand-held and hands-free cell phones and applies to the driver of the vehicle only. It does not apply to passengers in the vehicle.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT AND UNDERSTANDING
I, (print name)______, acknowledge that I have received a copy of (FACILITY) Cell Phone Use Policy and understand that if I violate this policy I may be subjected to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Signature ______Date ______