OUR POLICIES

• Services provided at NHC are free. Donations from you, your family, or employer are accepted and help keep the clinic open to serve others as well as yourself. Most clinic workers are volunteers. NHC could not run without their support. Please take time to thank those who serve you.

• You may have medical conditions we cannot treat at NHC. If that becomes the case in your situation, then we will try to refer you to another facility for those needs and you will need to make financial arrangements with them.
• Please turn all cell phones off when entering patient exam rooms. 
• For the health and safety of our patients, possession of weapons, drugs or alcohol at NHC is not allowed. If you smell of alcohol you may not be served. This is a smoke-free campus and you are asked to refrain from smoking on clinic grounds. 
• Patients may be dismissed from NHC for disorderly conduct, dishonesty, rudeness to staff or volunteers, use of illegal substances, failure to comply with the requirements and expectations of NHC providers and staff, or any other reason it deems necessary.
• If you feel you have been treated unfairly, or if you have a concern about the clinic, please ask to speak with the Executive Director.

**Before services can be provided, ALL patients must turn in the required paperwork to determine if they qualify.
Paperwork is held for 4 weeks if it is incomplete at the time of your eligibility application. You will not be reminded, so please follow this request to complete the process. Make every effort to have all the necessary information at the time of your eligibility interview to prevent delaying your services into the clinic.

• You must immediately contact NHC if:
  • you become covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or other health insurance or medical benefits
  • your income changes o you move out of Brunswick County
  • you start going to a new primary care doctor
  • you change your address or phone number
• You will apply for Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation or other assistance at NHC’s request.
• As soon as you file taxes, please provide a copy of the return to the clinic. The clinic will need a completed 1040, 1040EZ or 1040A form.
• Patients must complete clinic re-eligibility every year, or if your financial or household situation changes. You will be notified when it is time to renew your eligibility to the clinic.
  • Failure to re-certify on time will result in dismissal from clinic services.
  • If you do not re-certify on time you may not get medications from our pharmacy and future appointment will be cancelled.
  • You must start a new application if you do not re-certify on time.

Once you have qualified as a patient, NHC becomes your primary health care provider.

• You must be a partner in your care. NHC works hard to provide quality comprehensive care at little or no cost to you. We ask that you follow your treatment plan.
  • Examples: get prescribed medicines and take as directed; complete test and lab orders before appointments; call for appointments before you run out of refills.
• You may not see another physician for other than emergency medical services without telling NHC first. We will arrange needed healthcare referrals. Seeking care from another primary care physician may result in being discharged from NHC.
• You must notify NHC after any emergency room visit and hospital admissions.
• You must get a referral from a NHC primary care provider to see a specialty provider.
• The volunteers you see at NHC do not have your medical records at their offices. Do not call doctors at their offices. All phone calls and correspondence should be directed to NHC.
• The clinic does not provide emergency medical services, OB/ GYN care, STD treatment, Pain Management, prescriptions for narcotic or psychiatric medications. We do not complete school, sports, work, DOT or disability determination physicals. We do not provide care that is covered through Vocational Rehabilitation, Worker’s Compensation, or an insurance settlement.
• Choose carefully and prepare for your appointments! NHC tries to serve as many patients as possible with the limited resources we have, but appointments are limited. There may be times when you ask for a service and be told that there is a long wait for an appointment. For the same reason, you may be told that you cannot be seen twice in the same month, so others may have a chance to be seen once. Come to each appointment prepared with all your questions and always bring all medication containers.

Our ability to care for patients is severely affected when a patient does not keep their scheduled appointment (no call/no show). Please call ahead and cancel as soon as you know you will not be able to make it to an appointment. Failure to keep a scheduled appointment is taken very seriously as appointments are in high demand.

• Appointments that are not cancelled 24 hours in advance will be considered a “no call/no show.”
• After the 1st “no show,” patients will receive a phone call warning them of the policy.
• After the 2nd “no show,” patients will receive a written warning.
• After the 3rd “no show” in a 12 month period, patients are discharged.
• Excessive cancellations (3 or more) will be considered a “no show” and may result in discharge.
• If dismissed for missed appointments, you will be eligible to reapply one year after the dismissal date.

If you arrive over 10 minutes late for an appointment, we cannot guarantee we will be able to see you that day. We will do our best to work your visit in around other scheduled appointments.

NHC is closed for major holidays, bad weather and in cases where there is a lack of volunteers. If Brunswick County Schools are closed for weather, please contact the clinic as we may also be closed.

You may need services that must be provided outside of NHC. Charges for these services belong to you. The local hospitals work with us to provide basic testing at little or no cost to you, but you must not ignore any bills you receive. Call phone numbers listed on the bills. Negotiation of any fees, payment plans and services outside of NHC is between the patient and the provider. Do NOT list NHC as the insurer or guarantor on any forms. NHC does not cover emergency room expenses or ambulance services.

If NHC makes a referral appointment for you and you fail to keep it or cancel it, then you will be subject to the same “no show” consequences as you would at NHC. NHC will not reschedule the appointment, so you will need to do that yourself and set up private pay arrangements.

NHC does not provide transportation.

As a NHC patient in good standing, you will automatically qualify for the Cape Fear HealthNet (CFHN) program. CFHN may be able to assist you with transportation, scheduling specialty doctor appointments, or durable medical equipment with a referral from NHC.

Please ask your NHC provider for a referral or additional information.

• Current patients may be eligible for a limited number of free medically necessary prescriptions through NHC.
• We only keep certain medications in stock. The clinic does not prescribe or fill narcotic, controlled or psychiatric medications.
• Every effort is made to prescribe generic medications when the clinic is not able to cover the cost.
• The NHC pharmacy cannot fill prescriptions written by doctors outside of the clinic.
• You must contact NHC for refills of medications before you run out. If you have refills, call the clinic with all prescription numbers or drop off bottles before noon on the Tuesday or Thursday before you run out. Be sure to list all medications and supplies you need. If you call or drop off requests after 12pm, they will not be available until the next pharmacy day.
• If you do not have refills, you must call the clinic at least 2 weeks before you run out to schedule an appointment. A new prescription usually cannot be written without a visit.
• Medications may only be picked up when a pharmacist is in the building. Pickup times may change based on volunteer availability. If you are unable to pick up your medications, then you must give written permission for another individual to pick up your medications and make sure the individual has a valid photo ID with them at the time of pick-up.
• If we have prepared your medication and you fail to pick it up within 21 days, then the medicine will be returned to the shelf and you may be responsible for buying it at another pharmacy.
• The clinic will not pay for over the counter medications.
• NHC will not replace lost or stolen medications.

• Special clinics m example: Diabetic, Urology or other services may be offered at special times based on volunteer availability.
• Clinics are held at various times at the preference of the volunteer.
• Patients must have current eligibility to receive an appointment.
• NHC does not guarantee these services will be available or that a request can be honored.
• Missed appointments for these specialty services will be rescheduled only one time for the next available appointment. Further services must be done at a private provider at the patient’s expense.

NHC provides eye exams for current NHC patients for medical eye care such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and non-urgent eye injuries. NHC eye doctors do not write prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. Contact your local Lions Club for Vision Assistance if you need help with glasses.

NHC provides basic exams, x-rays, extractions, and limited additional services for adults 18-64. Additional services may be provided as available.

NHC dentists may decide not to do complicated extractions. NHC does not provide IV or gas sedation. NHC does not assist with dentures, partials or other prosthesis.

• Be patient. Be understanding. Be appreciative. Short tempers and angry patients discourage volunteers from coming back. Remember to say thank you.
• Take care of our clinic. Pick up after yourself, your children and others.
• Be prepared when you come to your appointments. Complete testing as requested and bring all medications, glucose meters, blood pressure and blood sugar records.
• Although your services are free, you can help to keep the clinic open by donating whatever amount you can. Ask your church to support NHC with a donation or special offering. Remember to name NHC for memorials or honorariums. At Christmas, birthdays or the loss of a friend or loved one, send a monetary gift to the clinic as a way of paying tribute to that special person in your life.
• Although patients cannot volunteer to provide direct patient services, there are other ways to volunteer. Ask a staff member how you can help.
• Tell the community about the difference New Hope Clinic makes in your life. Your personal testimony has a lot of power!

It is the goal of New Hope Clinic to ensure the safety of the employees, volunteers, clients and others on the property at all times.

• Volunteers are to maintain a professional demeanor when at the clinic or when representing the clinic.
• NHC will not tolerate staff/volunteers that are impaired by or under the influence of alcohol or drugs while working.
• NHC has zero tolerance for workplace violence. This means any form of abusive behavior or threats against staff, volunteers or clients will not be tolerated at any time. Persons experiencing any type of treatment that is abusive, threatening or disrespectful should notify their supervisor or the Executive Director immediately.
• Smoking is not allowed in NHC buildings or while on NHC grounds.

   NHC is designated as totally weapon free. A concealed weapon permit does not give anyone the right to bring weapons onto Clinic grounds

New Hope Clinic believes in promoting diversity within its staff and Board of Directors. As such, it is the policy of NHC to grant equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The Executive Director of this organization is responsible for ensuring compliance with these policies. Incidents that involve discrimination or harassment should be brought to the immediate attention of your supervisor. New Hope Clinic, Inc. will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination or harassment and any such conduct may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

No volunteer will be retaliated against by discharge, threats or other negative job action for reporting what they perceive to be inappropriate and/or illegal behavior. Any volunteer who feels that he or she has been retaliated against should immediately contact the New Hope Clinic, Inc. Executive Director.

It is the policy of NHC to prohibit any form of harassment in the workplace, whether by supervisors, coworkers, employees, or patients. No volunteer is expected to endure insulting, degrading or exploitative treatment. Any volunteer who believes he or she has been subjected to any unwelcome sexual advances or propositions, insulting or degrading conduct, verbal abuse, or the display of sexually suggestive
pictures or objects should report the alleged act immediately to his or her supervisor or NHC’s Executive Director.

Any volunteer who, after an appropriate investigation, is found to have engaged in sexual or other types of harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination.

While volunteering at NHC, you may have access to confidential information. This is information not generally known to persons outside of NHC. We treat our confidential information as valuable information, which if disclosed to outside third parties could cause harm to NHC and our ability to do business.

Confidential information may include contact information such as donor lists, contracts, purchasing agreements, client lists, donor information, expansion discussions, employee information, compensation information, and any information deemed of vital interest to NHC.

Maintaining client/patient confidentiality and dignity is of utmost importance to NHC. Client/patient records are kept on any individual requesting our services. The staff and volunteers will consider all information gathered about a client/patient as private and confidential. All medical and financial records are the property of NHC.

Because of the nature of our work, it is imperative that New Hope Clinic HIPAA Compliance Policies and Procedures are always applied. Under no circumstances should clients be discussed outside the Clinic. Neither should cases be discussed within the Clinic with anyone who is not directly involved. Do not discuss a case because of personal curiosity. Joint conferences for the purpose of discussing clients must be held in private and should be done on a “need to know” basis. No client information will be provided to outside agencies except with the client’s express written consent or as outlined in the NHC Notice of Privacy Practices (ex. for emergency medical care).

It is our policy to provide confidential information on a need to know basis and anyone who receives or has access to confidential information is prohibited from disclosing it with persons or organizations outside of NHC without expressed authorization. Violation of our confidential information policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Volunteers should only act as official representatives of the clinic if they are assigned to by their job description or supervisor. They should not engage in any act which may affect or hold the organization liable.

Social Media

Review the New Hope Clinic Social Media Policy before posting any social media content related to the clinic or anyone associated with it.
Volunteers/staff posting on behalf of New Hope Clinic are to respectfully and professionally represent the organization, adhere to the terms and conditions of any third-party sites, and take full responsibility for their communication.

In order to maintain a professional atmosphere, New Hope Clinic expects its staff and volunteers to be punctual for their scheduled shifts. If the volunteer cannot make their shift, or if they foresee that they will be excessively late, they should contact their supervisor or the Executive Director as soon as possible. Volunteers must sign in and sign out on the sheet at the Front Desk. This is to record accurate volunteer hours and to ensure safety in the case of an emergency evacuation.

New Hope Clinic is a medical office and therefore staff and volunteers are expected to maintain a neat professional appearance while on the job. Staff is expected to wear appropriate medical or business casual attire.

Name badges or clothing identifying medical and non-medical staff must be worn when working in contact with patients/clients.

NHC is a respected organization in our community, and we know we maintain our positive image because our employees and volunteers conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. We reserve the right to apply the necessary corrective action upon the violation of our rules and regulations. Corrective action may include verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension and termination.

It is the policy of NHC to encourage staff to bring to the attention of management their complaints about work related situations. It is important for employees to have a process for resolving misunderstandings that cannot be handled through normal channels with their supervisor. The Executive Director’s door is open and employees are encouraged to present their concerns to him/her.

All volunteers of NHC are responsible and accountable for the security of NHC property entrusted to them. Keys, access codes and passwords are to be safeguarded at all times.

Failure to secure organization property will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Employees and volunteers are expected to take part in maintaining a clean, hazard-free, and safe environment. All employees and volunteers are required to complete OSHA Safety Training annually.

Fire
In case of a fire, leave by the nearest exit and proceed to the designated meeting area (the empty field behind the parking lot). Receptionists should take volunteer and patient sign-in sheets.

Patient Aggression
In case of patient aggression, remain calm and attempt to diffuse the situation yourself or with a coworker or the Executive Director. If the situation escalates, call 911 or press the silent alarm button found at the front desk to call the police.

Biohazardous Spills
In case of a biohazardous spill, staff trained in infection control should retrieve the spill kit located in the top cabinet of the Nurse’s Station and follow the instructions provided. Report any injuries immediately.

Extreme Weather
In case of extreme weather, the Executive Director will determine whether or not to close the clinic. He/she will then attempt to notify all volunteers prior to regular opening hours. Notice will be posted with local media. Volunteers should use their discretion in deciding if it is safe to travel to the clinic. If they decide not to go in, they must attempt to contact their supervisor or the Executive Director as soon as possible.

Because of the importance of providing equal employment opportunity and the need to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society, we recognize that our continued success depends upon the full and effective utilization of all employees. New Hope Clinic, Inc. recognizes the importance of diversity and equal opportunity for employees as well as those to whom we provide products and services.

Our policies prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, veterans status or any other protected status under federal, state, and local law and affirms our commitment to be an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to ensuring that all matters related to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotion, and all other employee actions and treatments on the job are free from discrimination and harassment.

The Executive Director of this organization is responsible for ensuring compliance with these policies. Incidents that involve discrimination or harassment should be brought to the immediate attention of your supervisor. New Hope Clinic, Inc. will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination or harassment and any such conduct may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

No employees will be retaliated against by discharge, threats or other negative job action for reporting what they perceive to be inappropriate and/or illegal behavior. Any employee who feels that he or she has been retaliated against should immediately contact the New Hope Clinic, Inc. Executive Director.

It is the policy of NHC to prohibit any form of harassment in the workplace, whether by supervisors, coworkers or non-employees. No employee is expected to endure insulting, degrading or exploitative treatment. Any employee who believes he or she has been subjected to any unwelcome sexual advances or propositions, insulting or degrading conduct, verbal abuse, or the display of sexually suggestive pictures or objects should report the alleged act immediately to his or her supervisor or NHC’s Executive Director.

Any employee who, after an appropriate investigation, is found to have engaged in sexual or other types of harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Absenteeism and tardiness increase the workload of fellow employees and adversely affect productivity and the quality of service to our clients. Therefore, all employees are expected to report to their assigned place of work when scheduled. If for some reason you cannot be at work, you must notify your supervisor immediately. Failure to notify your supervisor of any anticipated delay in reporting to work, absence from work or excessive tardiness may be grounds for disciplinary action.

If you fail to report into work for three consecutive days without notification, NHC will assume you have voluntarily quit your position with NHC.

While employed by NHC, you may have access to confidential information. This is information not generally known to persons outside of NHC. We treat our confidential information as valuable information, which if disclosed to outside third parties could cause harm to NHC and our ability to do business.

Confidential information may include contact information such as donor lists, contracts, purchasing agreements, client lists, expansion discussions, employee information, compensation information, and any information deemed of vital interest to NHC.

Maintaining client/patient confidentiality and dignity is of utmost importance to NHC. Client/patient records are kept on any individual requesting our services. The staff and volunteers will consider all information gathered about a client/patient as private and confidential. All medical and financial records are the property of NHC.

It is imperative, because of the nature of our work, that New Hope Clinic HIPAA Compliance Policies and Procedures are always applied. Under no circumstances should clients be discussed outside the Clinic. Neither should cases be discussed within the Clinic with anyone who is not directly involved. Do not discuss a case because of personal curiosity. Joint conferences for the purpose of discussing clients must be held in private and should be done on a “need to know” basis. No client information will be provided to outside agencies except with the client’s express written consent.

It is our policy to provide confidential information on a need to know basis and anyone who receives or has access to confidential information is prohibited from disclosing it with persons or organizations outside of NHC without expressed authorization. Violation of our confidential information policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

All employees are expected to present a neat appearance while on the job. Staff is expected to wear appropriate medical or business casual attire.

Name badges or clothing identifying medical and non-medical staff must be worn when working in contact with patients/clients.

NHC maintains complete official personnel records on each employee that contains information required by law and for business reasons. You are responsible for keeping your personnel record up-to-date. If your name, marital status, address, phone number or other such vital information changes, you need to promptly notify your supervisor so your records will be current.

NHC is a respected employer in our community, and we know we maintain our positive image because our employees conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. We reserve the right to apply the necessary corrective action upon the violation of our rules and regulations. Corrective action may include verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension and termination. Three written warnings within a 12-month period may result in termination.

Termination of employment includes voluntary resignation, retirement, and discharge. As an at-will employee, you or NHC may end your employment at any time with or without good cause. Employees who voluntarily terminate their employment will have been deemed to have done so in good stead by giving a full two weeks working notice. Failure to provide the working notice will result in the forfeiture of accrued but unused vacation days and ineligibility for re-employment.

It is the policy of NHC to encourage employees to bring to the attention of management their complaints about work related situations. It is important for employees to have a process for resolving misunderstandings that cannot be handled through normal channels with their supervisor. The Executive Director’s door is open and employees are encouraged to present their concerns to him/her.

All employees of NHC are responsible and accountable for the security of NHC property entrusted to them. Keys, access codes and passwords are to be safe guarded at all times.

Failure to secure organization property will result in disciplinary action up to and including terminatio

This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

New Hope Clinic, Inc. is required by law to protect the privacy of your personal health information, provide this notice about our information practices, and follow the information practices that are described below.

Each time you visit the clinic, a record of the visit is made. Typically this record contains your history, symptoms, examination and test results, diagnoses, treatment and plan for your future care or treatment. This information, often referred to as your health or medical record, serves as a:

• basis for planning your care and treatment
• means of communication among the health professionals who care for you or your child
• tool in educating health professionals
• source of data for medical research
• source of information for public health officials

Understanding what is in your record and how your health information is used helps you to ensure it is correct, better understand how your health information is shared with others and allows you to make informed decisions when authorizing disclosure to others.

We will not use or disclose your health information without your authorization except as described in this notice.

Treatment: We will use your health information for treatment. For example, we will record information we obtain during the visit in the medical record and share this information with other members of your healthcare team. We may provide a copy of your health information to other physicians that we refer you to assist in treating you.

Health Care Operations: We will use your health information for regular health operations. For example, we may use the information in the record to assess the care and treatments provided in our clinic.

Business Associated: There are some services provided in our practice through contacts with business associates. Examples include our accountants, consultants and attorneys. When these services are provided, we may disclose health information to our business associates so they can perform the job we have asked them to do. To protect your information, we will require they appropriately protect this information.

Communication with Family: Health professionals, using their best judgment, may disclose to a family member, other relative or close personal friend or any other person you identify, health information relevant to that person’s involvement in your care.

Research: We may disclose information to researchers when their research has been approved by an institutional review board that has reviewed the research proposal and established methods to ensure the privacy of the information.

Funeral Directors: We may disclose health information to funeral directors and Coroners to carry out the duties consistent with the law.

Organ Procurement Organizations: Consistent with the law, we may disclose health information to organ procurement organizations for their designated services.

Marketing: We may contact you to provide appointment reminders or information about treatment alternatives or other health-related benefits and services that may be of interest to you.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA): We may disclose to the FDA health information relative to adverse events with respect to food, supplements, product and product defects, or post marketing surveillance information to enable product recalls, repairs or replacement.

Workers Compensation: We may disclose health information to the extent authorized by state law governing workers compensation health care services.

Correctional Institution: We may disclose to correctional institutions information regarding the care we have given when they are responsible for you.

Law Enforcement: We may disclose health information for law enforcement purposes as required by law or in response to a valid subpoena.

Reports: We may disclose health information when directed by the appropriate federal oversight agency to any complaints, surveys or requests.

Although your health record is the physical property of the clinic, the information in the health record belongs to you. You have the following rights:

• You may request that we not use or disclose information for a particular reason related to treatment, health care operations, and/or to a particular family member, other relative or close personal friend. We ask that such requests be made in writing on a form we will provide. We will review each request individually to determine if we can honor your request.
• If you would like to make a request to receive information from our office in another manner, you may request that we provide it by an alternative means. Such a request may be made in writing on a form we will provide. We will attempt to accommodate all reasonable requests.
• You may request to inspect and/or obtain copies of your information. We may charge you a reasonable fee for copies. We will attempt to provide you with the information within (30) days of your request.
• If you believe that any information in the record is incorrect or if you believe important information is missing, you may request that we correct the existing information or add the missing information. Such requests must be made in writing on a form we will provide. You may request this form at the front desk.
• You may request a written accounting of all disclosures made of your protected health information. We will keep an accounting of these disclosures made OTHER THAN those disclosures for treatment or health care operations as defined above for six years. We will respond to your request within thirty (30) days if possible. If you request an accounting more than once in a twelve-month period, you may be charged a reasonable fee.
• You have a right to obtain a paper copy of this notice.
• We must obtain a written authorization from you to disclose information for purposes other than treatment or health care operations. You have the right to revoke this authorization, except to the extent we have already used or disclosed the information.

If you are concerned that New Hope Clinic, Inc. may have violated your privacy rights or if you disagree with any decisions we have made regarding access or disclosure of your personal health information, please contact our privacy officer at the address listed below. You may also send a written complaint to the US Department of Health and Human Services. For further information on New Hope Clinic, Inc.’s health information practices or if you have a complaint, please contact the following person:

Privacy Officer
New Hope Clinic, Inc.
201 W Boiling Spring Rd.
Southport, NC 28461
Phone (910) 845-5333 Fax (910) 845-5366

New Hope Clinic, Inc. may change or update this policy at any time. When changes are made, a new “Notice of Privacy Practices” will be posted in the waiting room and patient exam areas and will be provided at your next visit. You may also request an updated copy of our notice at any time.

At New Hope Clinic we believe in open communication and you are encouraged to tell the world about your work and share your passion. However, new ways of communication are changing the way we talk to each other and even to our patients, target audiences and partners. In order to avoid any problems or misunderstandings, we have come up with a few guidelines to provide helpful and practical advice for you when operating on the internet as an identifiable employee or volunteer of New Hope Clinic. It is perfectly fine to talk about your work and have a dialogue with the community. However, you are expected to follow the terms of the confidentiality agreement you have signed. Please act responsibly with the information you are entrusted with.

• Volunteers and employees should only act as official representatives of the clinic if they are assigned to by their job description or supervisor. Very few people are official spokespersons for New Hope Clinic, so if you are not one of them you must make clear that you are speaking for yourself and not for the clinic.
• You are personally responsible for the content you publish on blogs, websites or any other forms of user-generated media. Common sense is a huge factor here. If you are about to publish something that makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable, review it. If you are still unsure and it is related to New Hope Clinic, talk to your supervisor. When you discuss New Hope Clinic related matters on the internet, you must identify yourself with your name and, when relevant, your role at New Hope Clinic. You can use a disclaimer like "The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent the position, strategy or opinions of New Hope Clinic." Please always write in the first person and don't use your clinic email address for private communications.
• Volunteers and employees should not engage in any act which may affect or hold the organization liable. Even if you act with the best intentions, you must remember that anything you put out there about New Hope Clinic can potentially harm the clinic. As soon as you act on the clinic's behalf by distributing information, you are upholding the clinic's image.
• Messages from our Executive Director to employees and volunteers are not meant for the media. If we as an organization wanted a newspaper to know how our Director sees the future of the clinic, we will publish a media release and tell them.
• Be aware that others will associate you with your employer when you identify yourself as such. Please ensure that your Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram profiles and related content are consistent with how you wish to present yourself with patients and colleagues.
• Don't cite or reference patients, partners or suppliers without their approval. When you do make a reference, where possible, link back to the source.
• Respect your audience and think about consequences. Don't use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conduct that would not be acceptable at New Hope Clinic. You should also show proper consideration for others’ privacy and for topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory.
• New Hope Clinic is not to be affiliated with any political or religious party. Therefore you may not advocate any such group while identifying yourself as a representative from the clinic.
• Do not comment on work-related legal matters unless you are an official spokesperson, and have the legal approval by New Hope Clinic to do so. Talking about revenues, future programs, unannounced financial results of fundraisers or similar matters will result in disciplinary action and could have legal consequences for the Clinic. Stay away from discussing financial topics and predictions of future performance at all costs.

Employees and volunteers shall not post confidential information on New Hope Clinic’s or personal social media accounts. This includes:

• Financial information
• Legal matters
• Campaign benchmarks
• Unreleased advertising or promotions
• Circulating rumors
• Colleagues or patient’s personal information

Employees and volunteers posting on behalf of New Hope Clinic are to respectfully and professionally represent the organization, adhere to the terms and conditions of any third-party sites, and take full responsibility for their communication.