Clinic staff regularly interact with the public. Rudeness, insensitivity, or failure to maintain patient confidentiality negatively impact a clinic. Disciplinary actions for such conduct should be included in the staff handbook and reviewed with each new staff member during orientation.

Staff use of drugs or alcohol within the clinic setting is prohibited for the safety of the patients and the reputation of the clinic; use is usually grounds for termination. Tobacco use may also be restricted by the clinic or by state or local laws. Prohibiting tobacco use protects staff and patients from exposure to secondhand smoke, helps prevent accidental fires, and prevents unsightly spitting of snuff or chewing tobacco.

Contractors and volunteers should be held to the same standards of conduct as salaried staff. Contracts and volunteer agreements should reference the clinic’s standards (e.g., the staff handbook) and spell out the actions the clinic will take if standards are not met.

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