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To: Health First Associates
From: Paula Just, Chief Experience Officer
Subject: What you need to know.
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Dear Health First Associates,
Here are this week’s highlights of what’s coming up and other important news.
All the best,
Paula
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Did you hear the big news?
About general increases, cashing in PTO, and changes to our 2024 associate health plan benefits?
If so, it's worth repeating.
Health First is Brevard’s trusted wellness and health organization—and a big reason why is because of YOU. Our community trusts us because of your compassion and dedication. You have again risen to the occasion this year to care for our co immunity and each other. We truly value and appreciate the contributions of each and every associate.
Healthcare has changed tremendously over the past few years. Many organizations are experiencing major challenges getting back to normal after the pandemic, our changing workforce, and the cost of goods and services. We are looking at every opportunity to improve, and together we are making good progress.
If you haven't already, please take a couple of minutes to read the email from last Thursday or watch this video from Brett and me with details about our general increases, PTO cash in, and 2024 associate health plan benefits.
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BE A FLU FIGHTER
Flu shots. At an Associate Wellness clinic near you.
At Health First, all associates, providers, volunteers, and contractors receive a flu vaccination. Every year. To make it extra easy and convenient, our Associate Wellness team is making the rounds throughout October, providing vaccinations on-site at the hospitals and many other locations.
This year, the deadline to get your flu vaccine is Tuesday, October 31.
For any questions you might have—about medical and religious exemptions and more—visit the intranet at HF.org/FightTheFlu. Our flu vaccine policy is also there.
Wellness begins with we.
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ASSOCIATE WELLNESS
Returning to work after illness.
During the pandemic phase of COVID-19, we were constantly learning as new information became available. And as we learned, we made a lot of adjustments—guidelines for masking, quarantining, and checking in with Associate Wellness. Now that the pandemic phase (officially, the Public Health Emergency) is over, we’re all learning how to live with COVID—so far, it looks like it will behave like the flu, flaring up here and there, but never completely going away.
From an Associate Wellness perspective, that means that like flu, COVID falls under our regular policy for Associates with Communicable Diseases (IC 03.080 PRO). That’s the policy that explains when you need to stay home from work, and when it’s safe to return after being out sick. It helps give time for you to recover, as well as protect your co-workers, customers, and patients from exposure.
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New badges, new photos.
By now, you should have received your automated email from Veonics (which is not SPAM or phishing) with the opportunity to update your current badge photo if you want to.
With a number of associates accessing the CELLfie website at the same time last week, there was a delay in the site displaying current badge photos for some associates. The Veonics team is currently working to resolve the issue.
- If you want to upload or take a new photo via the CELLfie site, you may continue with the prompts listed in the email.
- If you want to have a new photo taken, you may do so in person during the times and locations listed in your email.
- If you want to keep your current badge photo, no further action is necessary and you no longer need to select “Use Photo” on the CELLfie site. Your current photo will automatically rollover to your new badge.
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As a reminder, you have until Friday, October 13, to update your photo if you choose to. Watch for distribution information about the new badges—it's coming soon.
Questions?
Didn’t receive an email from Veonics or have questions? Contact the Health First Badging Office at [email protected].
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We are excited to announce that Health First is implementing an upgrade to the IDN phone system, beginning in November. This update will use modern technology and streamline your communication needs. The project will include replacing existing desktop phones, while others will be upgraded to cloud-based software applications. The rollout begins next month and will wrap up in early 2024.
Please note that phone numbers will not change.
Be on the lookout for more information as we dial up the project next month, starting with Health First Medical Group locations.
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COMPLIANCE CORNER
Incidental disclosures vs. HIPAA violations.
While we treat our patients, it is important we take measures to protect their privacy. However, there are instances, outside of our control, where patient information might inadvertently be heard or viewed. These are considered "incidental disclosures."
Incidental disclosures happen, not on purpose, but as a byproduct of an appropriate disclosure—the disclosure could have the potential to become a HIPAA violation if reasonable safeguard measures are not taken. Incidental disclosure is allowed only when it is unavoidable and occurs as a result of a permissible activity.
Examples of incidental disclosures:
- Someone inadvertently overhears a confidential conversation between a provider and a patient or another provider.
- An individual may see another person’s X-ray on a board at a hospital.
- Conversations between nurses may be overheard by those walking past a nurses’ station.
As a healthcare professional, how can I minimize incidental disclosures?
- Always obtain permission to discuss a patient’s information in front of others, especially family members and visitors who aren’t involved in the patient’s care.
- Avoid sensitive conversations about PHI in public or semi-public areas.
For more information on Health First’s HIPAA privacy program, please visit our Privacy page on The Current.
To schedule Privacy training for your department, please contact the Privacy team at 321.434.7543 or [email protected].
Enter to win.
Complete this month's puzzle (hint: the answers are sprinkled throughout this article) and email it to us at [email protected] for a chance to win a $20 gift card.
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PeopleSoft Self Service downtime October 14.
PeopleSoft Self Service will be down Saturday, October 14, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., for maintenance.
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In the news.
Discover how we’re celebrating National Midwifery Week by providing compassionate care to both babies and women.
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