$49.99
Here are Three Protective Agreements I think can prevent a multitude of the problems many of you are facing or have faced in the past as described in my blog post “Chiropractic Nightmares…”
1) Establish an Employee Confidentiality Agreement: While might seem basic to have your employees sign something that states they can’t blab info or dump data, but if it occurs, you have at least protected your end from needless additional punishments or penalties via HIPAA or the consumers. Also, you need to demonstrate ongoing training in these matters, so having employees sign such an agreement (along with actual training) provides a paper trail of your compliance in this regard.
2) Utilize a Non-Compete Clause for All Associate Doctors: Sure, it may work out. You may even be partially at fault if it doesn’t work well. But protect your practice and livelihood if it does not. Some states limit the usage of these agreements, but in general, something is better than nothing. And I have witnessed the successful enforcement of non-competes which served their legally binding purpose along with stiff financial consequences for their violation.
3) Establish Appropriate Technology Policies: I use the word “technology” because really you have to have written guidelines for proper usage of the internet, of computers (and passwords), of cell phones, voice mail, email, downloads, instant messaging, etc. The least of your troubles (but the most common) is employees wasting time while surfing or emailing for personal reasons. As above, it can get a whole lot uglier than that, so to prevent this, put a policy in place!
Hindsight is 20/20 Wisdom
According to every chiropractor who e-vented (vented via email) their security and/or employee problems, you will undoubtedly and repeatedly kick yourself for future fiascos in this department – especially after reading this blog and being warned! Skip e-mailing me about how ridiculous it is that we have to do this and how deplorable society has become. I agree and the entities that make these rules don’t care. You just need to protect your asset numero uno.
Here are your options:
Have your attorney draft the Three Protective Agreements for you and sleep soundly knowing you’ve done your part.
Search the internet for these agreements – make sure they are up-to-date! Most technology agreements, for example, that I have seen online are outdated either have no reference to what we do as chiropractors (translated HIPAA!) or do not contain clauses for relatively new “social media” provisions, online downloads policies or even instant messaging.
For those who’d like to save time and searching, you can obtain a copy of my Three Protective Agreements that I use with my clients, updated and ready-to-go. Simply, open the Word Document, change the names and any relevant info to your clinic and you are on your way! For those who would like to have an attorney review your document, this will save you time and money from having them draft one from scratch.
Cost $49.99 — Three Protective Agreements (click to Buy)
