Community Code of Conduct
Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) is committed to advancing health and wellness for everyone in our community. BHS joins many health systems across the nation in adopting a Community Code of Conduct, which will help us to create welcoming, inclusive, and personalized care environments that are safe and healing for all patients, visitors, providers, clinicians, nurses, and staff.
We expect all people (including staff, patients, volunteers, vendors, and guests) to be respectful and courteous. Words or actions that are disrespectful, racist, discriminatory, hostile, or harassing are not welcome at BHS. Examples include:
- Violence, foul language, threatening, or abusive behavior toward staff, patients, or visitors
- Physical, verbal, or sexual assault/abuse of any kind
- Offensive comments about others’ race, accent, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal traits
- Refusal to see a clinician or other staff member based on personal traits. However, BHS will consider concerns about clinical assignments and accommodate if protected under patients’ rights.
- Disrupting another patient’s care or experience
- Possession of weapons or firearms
- Taking unauthorized photos or videos of patients, visitors, and/or staff
Any person who witnesses the above behaviors is encouraged to notify a member of BHS staff, who will take action to assist and promote a safe, healing environment for all. If we believe that any person has violated this Code of Conduct, that person will be given the chance to explain their point of view. We will carefully consider their response before we make any decisions. The following potential outcomes could occur:
- Patients who violate the Code of Conduct may be asked to continue their care plan elsewhere and their future ability to obtain non-emergency care at the facility may require review. However, WE WILL ALWAYS CARE FOR ANY PATIENT IN AN EMERGENCY, REGARDLESS OF PAST CONDUCT.
- Any visitor who violates the code of conduct may be asked to leave and future visits may be restricted.
- BHS may report violations of personal conduct to appropriate authorities, such as law enforcement.
- Other actions as appropriate to ensure the safety and security of patients, staff, and visitors.
Thank you for helping to create a welcoming, inclusive, and personalized environment at BHS. If you have any questions about this Code of Conduct, please contact us at DEIOffice@bhs1.org.
Click here to download a printable copy of the BHS Community Code of Conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Why was the Community Code of Conduct created?
Berkshire Health Systems is committed to the safety and wellbeing of patients, staff, and members of the community. BHS joins health systems nationwide in taking this step to ensure care environments are safe for all.
02
Who does the Community Code of Conduct apply to?
The Community Code of Conduct applies to everyone that interacts with Berkshire Health Systems, including staff, patients, visitors, vendors, and volunteers.
03
When will the Community Code of Conduct go into effect?
The Community Code of Conduct will be in effect beginning October 2, 2023.
04
What will be the consequences if a person violates the Community Code of Conduct?
If we believe that any person has violated this Code of Conduct, that person will be given the chance to explain their viewpoint before we make any decisions.
In response, the following potential outcomes could occur:
- Patients who violate the Code of Conduct may be asked to continue their care plan elsewhere and their future ability to obtain non-emergency care at the facility may require review. However, we will always care for any patient in an emergency, regardless of past conduct.
- Any visitor who violates the code of conduct may be asked to leave and future visits may be restricted.
- BHS may report violations of personal conduct to appropriate authorities, such as law enforcement.
05
What photos and videos are considered authorized?
Massachusetts prohibits the recording, interception, use or disclosure of any conversation, whether in person or over the telephone, without the permission of all the parties. Before photos and videos can be considered authorized, they must have the expressed approval of all parties captured.
When taking photos or videos, it is also important to be mindful of patients in the surroundings as well as patient information that may be captured without the patients’ consent.
06
How is the Community Code of Conduct being shared with patients and community members?
The Community Code of Conduct is available on BHS’s website, with printouts also available for patients to take when they come to any BHS facility for care.
Patients and community members will be made aware of the Community Code of Conduct’s launch through patient portal updates and anticipated media coverage.
07
Is the Code of Conduct subject to change? What is the process for reviewing it on a regular basis to ensure it’s up to date?
The Community Code of Conduct is a living document that will be updated to reflect updates to industry wide regulations, as well as situations encountered by the system.