It’s the season of giving

Holiday season is upon us and it’s important to note some essential requirements on giving and receiving gifts.

Patients, vendors and other health care providers or suppliers might want to thank you for your hard work, kindness and compassion with a gift in appreciation. In these situations, you should be aware of your responsibilities under Asante’s gifts from patients and gifts and courtesies from vendors policies.

Asante employees can accept gifts:

1. If the non-cash gift item is under the value of $75 (e.g., handmade goods, flowers, fruit baskets) from patients and less than $100 from a vendor once per year.
2. If the gift involves food that is shared with co-workers, even if its value exceeds $75.

Asante employees cannot accept gifts:

1. If the gift contains alcohol.
2. If it includes cash, gift cards or certificates, vouchers, coupons, gratuities or other monetary equivalents.
3. If it is intended to induce or reward referrals or influence business decisions.
4. If it promotes a vendor’s products or service.
5. If a gift is an invitation of entertainment or recreational activity, (e.g., sporting events, concerts, shows, golf outings, ski trips, fishing, hunting or boating).

If patients want to express their gratitude in the form of a cash or cash-equivalent “tip,” politely suggest they donate to Asante Foundation instead.

Physicians should refer to Asante’s non-monetary compensation and incidental benefits policy before accepting any incidental benefits from an Asante entity.

If you have any questions about gifts, email co********@as****.org.