The holiday season is here – a time for kindness, gratitude and a little extra cheer! As we celebrate, please remember to follow Yale New Haven Health’s Gifts and Gratuities Policy, which helps us maintain fairness, transparency and integrity all year long.
What counts as a gift?
A gift is anything of value given without something of equal value in return. This can include items such as pens, notepads, coffee mugs, food, entertainment, travel, cash or gift cards.
Gifts between employees
Employees are welcome to exchange gifts with coworkers as long as they are personally purchased and modest in value.
Gifts from vendors
Gifts from vendors should never be accepted, regardless of value. During the holidays, vendors sometimes send perishable items such as fruit baskets, candy or cookies. If the perishable item cannot be returned, it should be shared with everyone in the unit, department or practice.
Gifts from patients to employees
Departments, clinical units or practices may accept occasional perishable items such as cookies, pizza, snacks, etc. that can be shared among all staff members. Individual gifts to employees should be politely declined.
Gifts from staff to patients
Staff should not give gifts to patients unless specifically allowed under the YNHHS Patient Assistance to Promote Continuity of Care Policy.
