YNHHS reminds employees about policy on giving and receiving gifts

Yale New Haven Health’s Gift and Gratuities Policy provides guidelines for employees on accepting and giving gifts and gratuities. These policies are in accordance with YNHHS’ values, Code of Conduct and Standards of Professional Behavior, along with federal anti-kickback laws.

YNHHS has a system-wide Gift and Gratuities Policy to avoid a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest. The policy ensures that all employees practice and demonstrate equal treatment, unbiased professionalism and non-discriminatory actions in relation to all patients, vendors, suppliers, donors (potential and current) and any other individual or organization.

The policy defines “gifts” as tangible and intangible items of value without compensation. These include, but are not limited to: discounts, free or below-market-value goods or services, perishable and consumable goods, free promotional items and invitations/tickets to events or other benefits.

Key Gift and Gratuities Policy guidelines include:

• YNHHS employees may not give gifts to patients.
• YNHHS workforce members may not solicit or accept unsolicited gifts, regardless of amount.
• Patients who wish to give gifts or donations should be advised that the YNHHS policy does not allow its workforce to accept gifts. Patients can be directed to the appropriate development or foundation office, which can accept the gift on behalf of the organization.
• Deviation from our procedures is a policy violation.

For more information, see the YNHHS Gift and Gratuities Policy, available on the employee intranet under “Policies” in the top navigation bar. You may also email [email protected]; or speak to your delivery network’s compliance and privacy officer.