Application Form - South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society

Volunteers have an ethical and professional obligation to maintain confidentiality of any and all information gathered through the course of a placement and to disclose this information only as required for their duties. Volunteers must respect and maintain the confidentiality of all information related to the clients they visit, as well as sensitive program information, even after death.

POLICY

1. All client information within volunteer visitation program is considered confidential.   It is expected that volunteers will comply with this at all times.
2. Volunteers are not permitted to take pictures or video during the visit with their own device. 
3. Failure to maintain confidentiality can result in disciplinary action and may result in dismissal from the program.

PROCEDURE

1. The Volunteer Visitation Program Coordinator will review the Confidentiality Policy and Procedures with successful applicants prior to receiving placement. 
2. Successful applicants will sign an official Pledge of Confidentiality upon successful entry to the program. 
3. The Volunteer Visitation Program Coordinator will revisit the Confidentiality Policy with all volunteers annually.
4. Should a volunteer breach confidentiality, they are expected to inform the Volunteer Visitation Program Coordinator as soon as possible.
5. If a volunteer is found to have breached confidentiality, corrective action will take place according to South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society Volunteer Visitation Program, Policy and Procedures Corrective Action Policy.
6. Should a breach of confidentiality be suspected, it is essential that the Volunteer Visitation Program Coordinator be informed as soon as possible (within 48 hours), and the Volunteer Visitation Program Coordinator will then discuss the breach and consequences with the Palliative Care Team.