Creating
an Employee Handbook
A
smoothly operating medical practice depends on employees who know their
responsibilities. Putting together a short and simple handbook that’s
customized to your practice can help your office function cohesively and
cooperatively.
Operations and Expectations
An employee handbook isn’t a procedures manual. Rather, it’s a guidebook
explaining practice operations to your staff, your expectations for them and
their place within the practice. Typically, an employee handbook contains
information for new and current staff members covering the practice’s
mission, benefits, vacations, work schedules, job descriptions and other
expectations, performance reviews and grounds for termination. Additional
information that might be included:
Organization chart
Attendance rules
Dress requirements
Rules for personal phone and computer use
Patient confidentiality requirements
Guidelines for using office equipment and supplies
A handbook should also
include a few disclaimers. For example, it should state that it is not
intended to be all-inclusive and is subject to revision at any time. Other
statements may be needed for your legal protection, such as that you retain
the right to terminate employment at any time for any reason. For these,
consult your attorney, who should review your handbook to ensure that it is
in line with federal and state law before you present it to your staff.
Helpful Tools
Books and software packages are available to help you put your manual
together. And, if you can borrow the manual of another practice or a
company, much of it may apply to your practice. It’s a good starting point.
Recognize, however, that no general template can serve as a complete model
for your handbook. You’ll need to cover the specific operations and policies
of your practice without becoming overly detailed. Aim for a “big picture”
perspective that will allow some management flexibility in administering the
handbook’s polices. Keep the language both short and simple. And plan to
periodically review the content and update it as necessary.
Health Care Commentaries is provided by Somerset’s Health Care Team for our clients and other interested persons upon request. Since technical information is presented in generalized fashion, no final conclusion on these topics should be made without further review. For additional information on the issues discussed, please contact a member of our Health Care Team. This document is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.
Somerset CPAs, P.C.
3925 River Crossing Parkway, Third Floor
Indianapolis, Indiana 46240
317.472.2200 • 800.469.7206 • FAX 317.208.1200
http://healthcare.somersetcpas.com