LifeCare Volunteers

Below are brief explanations of several LCFL policies that pertain to volunteers that we reviewed during orientation. If you would like a copy of the official policy, please contact your volunteer services coordinator.

STANDARD PRECAUTIONS & INFECTION CONTROL: I have reviewed the annual Infection Control training update and understand the importance of practicing these Standard Precautions as a volunteer of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

RECEIPT AND UNDERSTANDING OF ABUSE/NEGLECT POLICIES: I acknowledge that I have reviewed and read the abuse/neglect policy and the sexual abuse policy or have had them explained to me. I understand that the organization will not tolerate any employee, volunteer, board member, or third party who commits any type of abuse. Disciplinary actions will be taken against those who are found to have committed abuse and/or neglect, including sexual abuse.

I understand that it is my responsibility to abide by all rules contained in the policies and to report incidents of abuse as set forth in the policies.

HOSPICE PATIENTS’ BILL OF RIGHTS: I acknowledge that I have reviewed and read the Hospice Patients’ Bill of Rights and Responsibilities and understand that hospice organizations, staff and volunteers have an obligation to protect and promote the rights of their patients.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (CUSTOMER SERVICE/COMPLAINTS): I acknowledge that I have reviewed and read the Customer Service Satisfaction Program policy and understand its importance in providing quality service. I also understand the procedure for communicating, recording and dealing with unsolicited customer complaints.

EVENT REPORTING: I acknowledge that I have reviewed and read the Event Reporting policy and understand that I have a responsibility in participating in the identification, monitoring, investigation, reporting and documentation of all incidents, accidents, variance or unusual occurrences to patients, families or personnel.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: I acknowledge that I have reviewed and read the Conflict of Interest Policy and have signed the agency Conflict of Interest Agreement, disclosing in writing any direct interest or relation I or my spouse may have with private business entities, firms or corporations. I also understand that should new interests arise after signing the Agreement, i am to communicate and document them on a new form.

CORPORATE COMPLIANCE AND ETHICAL DECISIONS: I acknowledge that I have reviewed and read the Ethical Process for Informed Decision Making policy and the Corporate Compliance policy and understand the procedure for communicating and handling ethical issues,

CONFIDENTIALITY: I acknowledge that I have reviewed and read the Confidentiality policy, reviewed training on HIPAA requirements, and understand the necessity to guarantee and uphold patient/family privacy standards.

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES: I acknowledge that I have reviewed and read the Volunteer Guidelines, and understand the importance of adhering to all listed policies. I agree that per the stated guidelines. I am not to provide transportation, receive compensation, and administer or handle medication. I further agree that I will document all volunteer activity.

MORE VOLUNTEER POLICIES OF NOTE:

Active Volunteerism:  Volunteers are considered to be active in the following circumstances:

• the volunteer has provided any volunteer service during the past quarter
• the volunteer’s personnel record is current and compliance requirements are met
• the volunteer followed all agency policies and procedures

Volunteer Selection:  Selection of volunteers is based on the completion of the following requirements:

• application, including an acceptable criminal background check
• completion of volunteer orientation and initial competencies
• TB blood screen
• a review of agency policies and procedures
• an interview and observation by LCFL Volunteer Department staff

Please note that documentation of a COVID vaccination is no longer a requirement for volunteer participation.

Volunteer Utilization: LCFL will document and maintain a volunteer staff sufficient to provide services in an amount that, at minimum, equals five percent of the total patient care hours of all paid hospice employees. The five percent cost savings will be calculated separately for North Carolina and South Carolina, due to individual state requirements.

Also, following the death of a loved one, it is recommended that surviving family members wait a minimum of one year before becoming a patient care volunteer.

Volunteer Documentation: All volunteer hours and patient/family contacts are to be documented per established processes and should be submitted no later than one week after the date of service.