Volunteers and Observers

Departments may receive requests from individuals to volunteer services or observe faculty members. Many rules and regulations must be followed to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and hospital accreditation standards as well as ensure the safety of volunteers, staff and patients. The Volunteer Office located in Chandler Hospital will provide necessary orientation and ensure proper procedures, such as acquiring an I.D. badge, obtaining necessary health screenings, etc., are completed.

If department intends to host a volunteer or an observer, contact Volunteer Services at 859-323-6023 or UK.Volunteer@uky.edu to receive information and set up an interview.

Restrictions for Volunteers
In order to ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws, University rules do not allow volunteers to provide services and perform duties for which the University has paid positions performing the same duties. If you need an interpretation as to whether volunteer responsibilities conflict with this rule, contact Volunteer Services at 859-323-6023 or UK.Volunteer@uky.edu.

Information Required by Volunteer Office

• Name
• Purpose for Shadowing/Observing
• Duration of Shadowing/Observing
• Statement Assuming Responsibility
• Stated non-Family Member

Volunteer Office Responsibilities

• Parental authorization if under 18 years of age
• Review and sign behavioral standards
• Review and sign HIPAA documentation
• Review Chandler orientation packet
• Parking, codes, sexual harassment, etc
• University Health Services
• Send volunteers for all health screens
• General Safety Review
• Needle sticks
• No touching or transporting of body fluids or specimens
• Fire safety and other safety codes
• I.D. Badge obtained from Security (Observer)
• Maintain file on each volunteer
• Volunteers may be subject to criminal background checks and drug screenings beginning August 1, 2009

Safety Issues

• Labs are responsible for providing lab safety orientation
• In event of an injury to volunteer/observer:
• Protocol is for individual to report to University Health Services or Emergency Department
• UK HealthCare pays first $1,000 of any medical bills
• Additional losses can be submitted to Board of Claims (same as visitor)

Volunteer Opportunities Website