…bringing nature cure medicine to the world
Naturopaths International Volunteer
Policy Manual
First Drafted June 2013
Updated November 2013
Dianna Hales, CEO
Dr. Brandie Gowey, NMD, Founder
2532 N. 4th Street #537
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone: 928.214.8793
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome…………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
General Statements of NI’s Expectations…………………………………………………………3
Customer Relations…………………………………………………………………………………………3
HIPAA……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
Computer Usage……………………………………………………………………………………………..4
Dress Code……………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
Drugs and Alcohol…………………………………………………………………………………………..5
Medical Marijuana………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Smoking………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Attendance and Punctuality……………………………………………………………………………6
Cell Phone Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Meals and Snacks……………………………………………………………………………………………7
Health and Safety……………………………………………………………………………………………7
Physicians Certification for Volunteering…………………………………………………………7
Physicians Health and Safety Procedures for Shelters……………………………………..7
Signature Page………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Confidentiality Agreement………………………………………………………………………………9
WELCOME
Welcome to Naturopaths International (NI). At the core of NI is service to humanity, and we work together as a team to accomplish this. We are pleased you decided to volunteer for our team!
GENERAL STATEMENT OF NI’s EXPECTATIONS
At NI, we believe that volunteers generally know what conduct is acceptable and what is not. In short, we expect all volunteers to strive for excellence in the performance of their duties; to work hard and effectively on behalf of the organization; to observe allNI policies and procedures; to utilize volunteer time and NI’s resources on service of NI business; to have the best interests of NI in mind at all times; to be honest in all things; and to be respectful of NI personnel and third parties with whom they deal on behalf of the organization. Any departure from these basic standards is unacceptable.
The policies herein were created by NI and may be changed or cancelled at any time by the organization. You will be notified of any changes, cancellations or additions. ______initial
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Building and maintaining good public relations is among NI’s highest priorities. Every volunteer who interacts with the public, patients and/or NI staff (people), no matter how slight that interaction might be, plays an important role in achieving our objective of outstanding public relations. People judge us by how they are treated during, and what perceptions they carry away from, each instance of contact with an NI volunteer. It is the responsibility of every NI volunteer to always wear their NI volunteer name badge, be courteous, helpful, responsive and enthusiastic when dealing with people. These characteristics should be exhibited during both face-to-face and telephone interactions. People should be greeted by a polite and thoughtful NI volunteer. Introduce yourself as a volunteer for Naturopaths International. NI is committed to the highest standards of customer service by its volunteers. Such service builds loyalty, and the organization’s future depends on this loyalty.
You will be expected to do your part.
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HIPAA POLICY
NI complies with all HIPAA policies and procedures, which protects the privacy of individually identifiable health information. For specific ruling and literature on HIPAA, go to It is the volunteer’s responsibility to have a full understanding of this law. If there are any questions, contact Dr. Brandie Gowey.
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COMPUTER USAGE
Many NI volunteers have access to computers, computer files, licensed software, the e-mail system and the internet; use of these resources may only be in the service of NI business. Use of these resources forany reason not appropriately related to NI business is strictly forbidden. In addition, you should use these resources strictly for the performance of your duties as an NI volunteer. You should not retrieve messages or information not sent to you. ______initial
DRESS CODE
NI believes that the dress and appearance of its volunteers is of significant importance. Those NI volunteersinteracting with patients and other members of the public are representatives of the organization, and they should dress and appear in a way that reflects NI’s commitment to being the most professional, productive, thorough and reliable provider of services and products in its markets. Dress is business style and NI name tags are to be worn during volunteer hours. Those NI volunteers not typically interacting with the public nonetheless are carrying out critically important functions and NI believes that the dress and appearance of all volunteers is relevant to the promotion of the commitment described above.
- Always clean and neat
- No stained, wrinkled, frayed, or revealing clothing
- No low cut blouses
- No offensive, graphic, sexually explicit, political, swear words, demonic images or vulgar tattoos or clothing (as will be defined by the NI Board)
- No piercings other than ear
- No skirts above the knees
- Only closed toed shoes ______initial
VOLUNTEER CONDUCT
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
NI maintains a strong commitment to provide a safe environment for its volunteers and to promote high standards of safety and health. The objective of this policy is to prevent drugs and alcohol from threatening the safety and efficiency of the organization’s personnel and operations. The following conduct is strictly prohibited:
- The sale, manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of illegal drugs (including medical marijuana) or alcoholic beverages on NI premises, during volunteer hours, during the course of performing any services for the organization or while in or operating NI owned vehicles.
- Possession, use, or purchase of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages on NI premises, during volunteer hours, during the course of performing any services for the organization, or while in or operating NI owned vehicles.
- Being under the influence of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages on NI premises, during volunteer hours, during the course of performing any services for the organization, or while in or operating NI owned vehicles.
The use of drugs or controlled substances is permitted only as part of a legitimate medical-treatment program that has been prescribed by a licensed physician. The use of prescription medication is acceptable so long as (i) it does not impair your ability to safely and/or effectively perform your service, (ii) you have a valid prescription for the medication from a licensed physician, and (iii) you use that medication according to the prescriber’s instructions. The use of prescription or over-the-counter medication that impairs your ability to safely and/or effectively perform your service is prohibited.
NI may conduct searches of office and/or organization property or volunteers or volunteers personal property on NI premises and may implement such other measures as may be deemed necessary to deter and detect violations of this policy. ______initial
MEDICAL MARIJUANA POLICY
Volunteers are not allowed to utilize or have in their possession medical marijuana on or in NI property; however, should volunteers deem it necessary for their medical care, all volunteers are required to discuss these options with Dr. Brandie Gowey. At no time will the smoking of marijuana or having possession of marijuana on or in NI property be tolerated. Should a volunteer be caught smoking marijuana or having in their possession on or in NI property, service will be immediately terminated.
Recommendations for the use of medical marijuana will only be authorized by Dr. Brandie Gowey and/or any other physicians within the NI organization that Dr. Brandie Gowey has authorized. ______initial
SMOKING
NI has determined that the creation of a smoke-free environment is in the best interests of its business operations, its patients, volunteers, and employees. Therefore, smoking is strictly prohibited on NI premises. This ban applies to all persons, including all NI employees, volunteers, visitors, and patients.
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ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
Each volunteer is important to NI’s overall success. Our volunteering practices do not provide for redundant services. Accordingly, we count on you to show up for service and to be punctual with respect to your schedule and all NI related commitments. Each volunteer is expected to show up 10-15 minutes before your scheduled volunteer time. ______initial
CELL PHONE POLICY
For the courteousness towards patients, coworkers andpartner organizations, NI requests that volunteers refrain from using their personal cell phones during volunteer hours. Personal cell phones mayonly be used at break times, away from the designated service area. This includes using cell phones for calls, texting, internet use, games or anything personal during the service hours. ______initial
MEALS AND SNACKS
At no time is any volunteer allowed to eat or snack at their designated service area or in front of people. Gum chewing is not appropriate in the designated service area. ______initial
HEALTH AND SAFETY
For health and safety instructions and procedures, please read the Health and Safety Manual. All volunteers will participate in annual (or otherwise) training.
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PHYSICIAN CERTIFICATION FOR VOLUNTEERING
All volunteer physicians must work with Dr. Gowey for a minimum of 8 hours, attend all NI emergency medicine courses, have current CPR certifications, have their own malpractice insurance, general liability insurance, and current medical license before they will be allowed to volunteer. Proof of license, certifications, and insurances must be provided to the CEO prior to starting their 8 hours with Dr. Gowey. ______initial
PHYSICIANS HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR SHELTERS
- Must have all licenses, certifications and insurances as stated above, all current and provided to the CEO before going to shelters
- Provide medical care only in a room secured by NI for this purpose
- Do not provide medical care if shelter manager is not present
- If threatened physically by a shelter patient, immediately call for shelter manager to restrain patient, leave premises, submit incident report to NI
- If assaulted by a shelter patient, do not to retaliate, speak calmly to shelter patient, call for shelter manager to restrain patient. Alert police, write report for police and submit incident report to NI and get incident report from shelter manager as well. ______initial
All volunteers must fill in their hours on the online page.
Physicians are required to complete the online reporting page everyday.
I have read, understand and agree with these guidelines.
Signature:______
Date:______
Physician______or CEO:______
Date:______
Confidentiality Agreement
As a condition of employment with Naturopaths International (NI), you will receive a variety of information of a confidential nature. Information may be in print, verbal or electronic. All materials provided will be treated confidentially as follows:
You recognize and acknowledge the confidential nature of this information, including without limitation the identity of patients and prospective patients (collectively “patients”), Donor charitable giving history and charitable preferences, personal and financial information about Donors and/or and/or patients its staff (hereafter “Confidential Information”).
- You agree that the Confidential Information will be solely used for the purpose of performing the responsibilities of your position with Naturopaths International. .
- You agree to maintain information as strictly confidential and not share with any competitors or any third party.
- You agree to not share any NI proprietary Confidential Information (i.e. financial, legal, business, strategic) and the particulars thereto, that is not a matter of public knowledge.
- You agree to maintain as NI proprietary Confidential Information and the particulars thereto, or any of NI financial, legal, business or strategic information that is not a matter of public knowledge.
- You agree that you will not, except for the purpose of your internal review, copy or otherwise duplicate any of the Confidential Information without the written consent of NI. .
- You agree that you will return any and all materials as requested by NI. .
- You understand that failure to comply with the confidentiality agreement could lead to termination of employment with NI. .
- You understand that questions regarding the proprietary nature of Confidential Information at NI should be directed to your supervisor and/or CEO.
- It is agreed that an action for violation of this Agreement may be brought to the Board of Directors of NI, for injunctive relief and/or for damages.
I have read and understand the above Confidentiality Agreement.
Printed Name: ______
Signature: ______
Date: ______
Authorized signature: ______
Date: ______
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