A: Assistify proudly provides in-home care and support throughout Jackson, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. Our Direct Care Workers bring compassionate, person-centered assistance directly to your home, ensuring comfort, dignity, and peace of mind. Whether you need daily care, occasional help, or respite support, we are committed to serving individuals and families across these communities with reliable, high-quality home care.

As Assistify Services workforce members, we must support and practice the AS vision, “We will be the trusted partner in health, leading the nation in superior care and value - one person at a time.”

1. Each patient is an individual with unique health care needs. We must provide the best possible care focused on these needs and recognize that effective quality and safe medical care requires a cooperative effort with the patient (or designated representative). This principle is carried out by:

• Providing the quality of care and comfort we want for our families and ourselves.

• Treating patients, families, guests and each other with respect and dignity.

• Courteously and sincerely smiling and greeting everyone, using their name when known.

• Using appropriate vocabulary when communicating with others, directly, by telephone or in writing.

• Satisfying each patient’s needs, providing genuine care and comfort, concentrating, in turn, on each patient’s welfare, and fulfilling even unexpressed wishes and needs.

• Providing personal service, identifying patient preferences and tailoring service to those preferences.

• Contributing to a proper atmosphere for patients and visitors through careful attention to personal appearance and the appearance of our facilities.

• Working together with coworkers, physicians, patients, family members, outside agencies, etc. as a team to collectively satisfy all patient needs.

• Receiving complaints and concerns non-defensively and communicating them to the appropriate person, ensuring the patient or family member receives a timely response.

• Providing all patients a level of care based on their diagnosis, treatment needs, care planning and other aspects of patient care.

• Examining and stabilizing patients who request emergency service without regard to ability to pay and only transferring the patient when the medical advantages outweigh the risks as determined by the physician or upon patient request.

• Basing all admissions on patient need, our ability to provide care at the admitting facility, and our contractual obligations to the patient’s health plan.

• Encouraging patients to participate in their own care, inquire about their medical care plan and provide advanced directives. We will provide appropriate information to patients so they can consent to treatment on an informed basis, and we will honor their decisions.

• Planning discharges in the best interest of the patient and developing these in collaboration with the patient/ family/ caregiver and the multidisciplinary health care team.

As the Assistify Services workforce, we must refrain from outside work activities or personal interests that result in or appear to be in a conflict of interest with Assistify Services and we must maintain the highest standards of business ethics.

Conflict of interest: We must refrain from participating in outside activities or having financial interests that influence or appear to influence our ability to make objective decisions for patient care and AS. We must never use our official position or influence to gain an improper advantage, economic or noneconomic, for ourselves or our family members, vendors, patients, customers or associates. (Note: unless otherwise stated, “family members” include parents, spouses, children, siblings, and domestic partners.)

Whenever we are involved in any situation that is or might appear to be a conflict of interest, we must disclose it to AS management. This includes disclosures in response to routine annual disclosure requests, as occurs annually for trustees and selected employees, and in addition, disclosure of any new situation that is or might appear to be a conflict of interest. If a conflict exists, AS will work with the workforce member to resolve it. If the conflict cannot be resolved, AS will take appropriate action such as ending a vendor relationship or terminating employment, depending on the circumstances and nature of the conflict. Advice on handling potential conflicts of interest may be obtained by contacting the Compliance department.

Requirements for specific types of business conduct and conflict of interest:

1. Gifts: All gifts, entertainment and business meals provided or received must be reasonable and small enough that they do not influence our decisions. We never accept anything of value in exchange for referrals or other business. A gift is any item of value (including marketing items, gift cards or food items, if the recipient is not expected to pay for the item.

   1. Gifts received from patients are not permitted. We may not accept or solicit gifts from patients in any form. Additionally, free health care items or services of any value purchased for or provided to patients or physicians unless specifically permitted by a Assistify Services policy - including waiving charges for professional services as “professional courtesy”.

   2. We recognize that certain items are appropriate and do not present a risk of influencing our decisions. We must communicate to vendors, physicians, patients and others that our values restrict what we can give and receive because we want our services and business relationships to stand on their own. When on-site, our vendor relations policy prohibits us from accepting any gift. Off-site, on occasion, we may accept gifts of nominal value ($100 or less), if acceptance will not influence the decisions we make regarding that vendor. Acceptance of such gifts must be disclosed on our annual COI disclosure statement and may not be brought on-site.

   3. Business Entertainment: We may accept occasional invitations from vendors to off-site social activities provided that we are accompanied by the vendor, and it is clear to all concerned that acceptance facilitates the business purposes of the relationship and in no way influences our decision-making on behalf of AS.

2. Donations: Donations, gifts or bequests to AS are encouraged. They must be freely given, intended to further the mission of the System, not intended to personally benefit an individual employee, and not linked to a contractual obligation or other AS business activity. All donations should be coordinated through the Philanthropy Department.

3. Expert Testimony: We are prohibited from serving as an expert witness if our testimony conflicts or could appear to conflict with the best interest of AS, or if payment for such services could in any way appear to influence our decision-making on behalf of AS. Expert testimony must be performed outside of work hours, not use any AS resources, and should be approved by your manager or department chair.

4. Loans: We may not accept loans from vendors of either a personal or business nature unless the vendor is a commercial lender, and the loan is based on prevailing market terms.

5. Nepotism: It is against AS policy for an employee to be placed under the direct supervision or being supervised by a relative, domestic partner or significant other.

6. Outside Employment and Consulting: We and our family members are prohibited from employment and consulting relationships (including speeches, presentations, written articles etc.) with a vendor if this could appear to influence our decision-making on behalf of AS. If we wish to participate in an employment or consulting relationship that does not influence our decision-making on behalf of AS, this: (1) Should be approved by your manager or department chair; (2) must be conducted outside of work hours and not conflict with our AS job responsibilities or the best interests of AS; (3) must not use AS resources or be conducted on AS property; and (4) must not utilize the services of any subordinate.(Note: Compensation for participation in marketing activities on behalf of Industry is prohibited; this includes what is most commonly referred to as industry-sponsored “Speaker’s Bureaus.”)

7. Physician Relationships: We must structure all business arrangements with physicians to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Such arrangements must be in writing, at market value, and approved by the AS Legal Department. Verbal arrangements are prohibited.

8. Prizes or Awards: If we receive a prize or award from a vendor, we must disclose this by requesting and submitting a completed conflict of interest disclosure form and abide by any decisions made as to the ultimate disposition of the prize or award.

9. Discounts from Vendors: Discounted purchases of goods or services from a vendor for personal use are not permitted unless part of an AS sponsored program.

10. Referrals: We must never compensate anyone in any way for patient referrals nor can we accept compensation for referrals we make.

11. Serving on Boards: If we sit on the board of directors or advisory board of an organization, we must abstain from decisions that impact or appear to impact the relationship between the organization and AS. If attendance at outside board activities is during AS time, compensation should not be offered or accepted. Any involvement on the board of an organization must be disclosed to AS.

12. Sponsorships: Vendor sponsorship of a function that benefits AS is allowed as long as it does not appear to create a conflict, is freely given, and is not linked to any contractual obligation of AS. Such sponsorships must be referred to the Office of Philanthropy or Corporate Accounting for specific guidelines and procedures. Vendor sponsorship of an outside function which personally benefits any employee or family member is prohibited.

13. Vendor Funded Travel: All vendor sponsored travel must be disclosed and fulfill a bona fide education or consultative purpose and directly benefit AS.

14. Vendor Relationships: The value of goods and services supplied by vendors must be judged by their utility, quality, and pricing, not on the ability of the vendor to influence us in any other way. At AS, we:

    • Restrict and monitor vendor access to our facilities, particularly to patient care areas.

    • Educate vendor representatives as to the conduct expected of them while on our premises and certify them as qualified to visit these facilities.

    • Communicate the strict guidelines as to what “donations” may be accepted from a vendor and by what process.

    • We must not conduct business on behalf of AS with a family member, other relative, or with a company of which we are an officer, director, principal, employee, or agent without first advising the Compliance Department so that appropriate advance approval can be sought, and management plans put into place.

15. Waiving of Charges: To comply with private insurance and government regulations, we, as health care professionals, may not waive charges for services as a “professional courtesy.”

As Assistify Services workforce members, we must comply with all AS policies and procedures designed to ensure proper and legal employment practice or appropriate standards of workplace environment.

1. Employment policy and practice: Diversity and Equal Opportunity Employment: AS respects and values the unique talents of all employees and is committed to creating an environment and culture that maximizes their personal growth and their contribution to serving the health care needs of our diverse communities. AS does not discriminate in the recruitment, hiring, promotion, termination or any other condition of employment or career development based on race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, height, weight, disability, citizenship, or veteran status. Unlawful discrimination includes harassment of individuals based on any of these factors.

   1. Sanctioned Individuals: AS screens for and does not employ individuals or entities ineligible to participate in federal or state health care programs.

   2. License and Certification Renewals: If we are required by law to be licensed, certified, or otherwise credentialed to perform our services, we must keep our licenses/ certifications current and report all status changes in license/certification as soon as possible following the change.

   3. Employment of Family Members: Though employment of our family members is acceptable, relatives must not work together in a supervisor/subordinate relationship. (Note: for employment purposes, family member is defined as first cousin or closer, naturally, by law or by marriage.)

2. Workplace environment

   1. Environmental Health and Safety: Keeping the workplace clean and safe helps everyone. We must learn the health and safety rules relating to our job and make sure we always follow them.

   2. Alcohol and Drug Abuse: When we report to work and while at work or on AS property, we must remain free from the effects of alcohol and drugs that could adversely affect our ability to perform our job.

   3. Harassment/Sexual Harassment: We must avoid behavior that might result in harassment of other employees, patients, or visitors. Harassment includes but is not limited to: verbal abuse, suggestive comments, inappropriate gestures and physical contact.

   4. Workplace Threats and Violence: AS intends to provide a safe and non-violent environment for its employees and customers. Threatening, harassing, intimidating, physically or verbally abusing or coercing AS employees, patients, guests, visitors, or supervisory personnel is considered a serious offense. Employee conduct of this nature will be promptly investigated with immediate and appropriate corrective action taken, up to and including termination.

3. Workplace Ethics: As Assistify Services workforce members, we must preserve and protect institutional assets by making prudent and effective use of resources and accurately reporting their use. Work Ethic: While at work, we must be personally accountable and responsible for the work we do, realizing that compensated time spent non-productively wastes AS resources.

   1. Theft and Waste: We must protect AS equipment and supplies from theft and waste. We are in violation of System policy if we steal or misuse money, information, equipment, or supplies, or falsify time sheets. We must spend AS assets as carefully as we would our own. Any employee who steals or misuses AS property, regardless of value, can be discharged and/or be subject to criminal prosecution.

   2. Internal Controls: AS has established control standards and procedures to ensure that assets are protected and properly used, and that financial records and reports are accurate and reliable. We all share responsibility for maintaining and complying with internal controls.

   3. Financial Reporting: All financial reports, cost reports, accounting records, research reports, audits, expense accounts, time sheets and other documents must be accurate and clearly represent the relevant facts. Improper or fraudulent accounting, documentation or financial reporting is contrary to the policy of AS and may be in violation of applicable laws. All transactions conducted in the name of AS are subject to established authorization and recording procedures.

   4. Travel and Entertainment: Travel and entertainment expenses should be consistent with job responsibility and AS needs and resources. We must comply with all AS and business unit policies relating to travel and entertainment.

   5. Advertising: AS does not allow the creation of marketing or advertising campaigns including media purchase and placement of advertising by staff outside the AS Marketing Department. All marketing content, images, audio and video or like material used by AS are the exclusive property of AS. Content cannot be used or duplicated without the express written consent of the AS Marketing Department.

   6. Corporate Identity: The AS trademark is the equity of the System and is what distinguishes the AS name in the mind of the consumer. The AS trademark is a corporate asset, registered with the Patent and Trademark Office. The AS logo must always be presented consistently, and its integrity must always be maintained in accordance with the AS Corporate Identity Standard Guidelines.