According to news reports, nearly half of Texas was under flood watches or warnings at the beginning of June 2016. Does your practice have a policy for inclement weather and similar disaster or emergency conditions?
TMA’s Policies and Procedures: A Guide for Medical Practices, recommends the following policy:
Based on management’s determination, the practice closes when inclement weather conditions pose a hazard for staff and patients.
1. When inclement or adverse weather conditions result in the practice closing for the day, all staff scheduled to work that day are paid.
2. Should the practice close for the day, management notifies patients and the practice’s answering service.
If the practice remains open and staff are not able to come to work for any part of the day because of adverse weather conditions, staff must notify management. Generally, exempt and nonexempt staff must use their accrued paid time off to be paid for any hours missed.
Many practices rely on TMA’s customizable policies and procedures guide to create policies and procedure of their own. You’ll find more human resources information and resources from TMA at www.texmed.org/HRhelp. And don’t miss TMA’s Human Resources Seminar for physicians and office managers. Registration is now open for this half-day seminar in Dallas, Aug. 25; Austin, Sept. 28;
and Houston, Oct. 21.
Published June 7, 2016
TMA Practice E-Tips main page
Last Updated On
December 07, 2016
Originally Published On
June 07, 2016