Federal & State Regulations for Hospital Volunteers

Whether it is directing the delivery of in-patient gift baskets and flowers or providing magazines to patients waiting in clinics, hospital volunteers complement the work of clinicians and administration staff. Regulations regarding volunteers vary from state to state.

Safety Management

• Legislation and associated policies regarding volunteers protect both patients and volunteers. Patients are protected through policies ensuring volunteers are not involved in the delivery of clinical services and background checks on new volunteers. Volunteers are protected through training surrounding mental health and legal issues related to the delivery of care in the clinic setting.

Privacy

• Privacy is paramount in a hospital setting. Volunteers adhere to the same privacy standards and expectations as other employees. The issue of whether an age-specific policy for hospital volunteers should exist has been presented by some industry leaders. Another common debate involves what duties volunteers may perform in a unionized environment. This is a contentious topic, with specifics varying from state-to-state and no federal override.

Knowing the Law

• Hospital volunteers are bound by hospital policies and state regulations and legislation as well as federal legislation. Individuals managing hospital volunteers should include a presentation on state and federal regulations and legislation during volunteer orientation. Volunteers sign waivers noting their compliance with such laws in some major hospitals. Volunteers are bound by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, as outlined by the United States (U.S.) Office of Health and Human Services. They are also managed by federal regulations regarding hospital volunteers in part 57 of the Public Welfare Act.