Human Resources Policies

POLICY: Solicitation, Distribution, Posting in the Workplace
Policy Number: HR-12
Effective Date: July 2002
Revisions: June 2002, June 2001, July 2000
Responsible Officer: Associate Dean, Planning and Operations

PURPOSE:
This policy was established to inform employees about the College of Medicine’s policy to prohibit peddling, canvassing, soliciting, and distribution of literature of any kind on the College of Medicine premises during work time.

I. POLICY:
It is the College of Medicine’s policy to forbid distribution of advertising material, commercial or charitable solicitations, merchandise catalogs, handbills, or materials of a political or potentially adversarial nature on the premises. An exception is made for College of Medicine-approved charitable endeavors. The College of Medicine may also choose to recognize charitable drives as a
community-backed effort. In order to avoid unnecessary annoyances and interruptions during the workday, solicitation by an employee of another employee is prohibited during work time. Bulletin boards in College of Medicine facilities are reserved for College of Medicine postings and announcements. Non-employees may not trespass, solicit or distribute any kind of written or printed materials on College of Medicine premises at any time. Employees are prohibited from engaging in the following action in any campus building, on any College of Medicine property, during work time or while representing the College of Medicine:

- Selling any product or service, soliciting contributions, or lobbying for political candidates or causes.

- Distributing any kind of written or printed materials (e.g. handbills pamphlets, advertising materials, etc.) during work time or in work area.

- Pursuing outside business interests.

- Using bulletin boards, mail systems, photocopiers, telephone lists or the like for such purposes as stated above.

In addition, to the above, employees are prohibited at any time from engaging in solicitation or distribution of any kind of written or printed materials in patient-care areas. Such areas include patient rooms, operating rooms, all places where patients receive treatment, all corridors adjoining any of the above, and any other place designated for exclusive use of patients. Employees found to be engaging in any of the actions listed above, or any like action, or to be assisting a vendor or another employee to engage in the same are liable for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

II. ELIGIBILTY:
This policy applies to all employees and volunteers.

III. DEFINITION:
Work Areas are defined as any facility or space owned or leased by the College of Medicine. Work areas also include the facilities of Tenet Healthcare Corporation during working hours when employees of the College of Medicine are working at that location. Work Time is defined as the period of time during working hours when the employee is engaged in or committed to be engaged in service on behalf of the College of Medicine. Work time does not include lunch periods, work breaks, or any other periods in which the employee is not on duty.

Additional Information: Inquiries regarding this policy can be directed to the Human Resources
Department.