Elk Grove Foot and Ankle Clinic Employee Handbook

Employee Handbook: Elk Grove Foot and Ankle Clinic (EGFAAC)

1. Welcome & Introduction

Welcome to the Team!

Welcome to EGFAAC. We are thrilled to have you join our practice. This handbook is designed to provide you with a clear understanding of our culture, our expectations, and your benefits.

Nature of Employment ("At-Will" Statement)

Employment with EGFAAC is "at-will." This means that either the employee or EGFAAC may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Nothing in this handbook shall be interpreted to be a contract for continued employment.

2. Our Identity

Our Mission Statement

To provide our patients with the highest quality podiatric care in a compassionate, ethical, and transparent manner, while fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration among our staff.

Our Core Values

• Compassion: Treating every patient’s pain and concerns as if they were our own.

• Ethics: Doing the right thing for the patient, every time.

• Transparency: Being radically honest about treatments, outcomes, and medical costs.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Supporting one another to ensure the clinic runs smoothly.

3. Workplace Policies & Conduct

Attendance and Punctuality

Reliability is essential for patient care. Employees are expected to be at their stations and ready to work at their scheduled start time. If you are unable to report to work, you must notify your supervisor at least 1 hour before your shift begins.

Dress Code & Professionalism

As a medical office, a professional appearance is required.

• Clinical Staff: Clean, wrinkle-free scrubs and closed-toe medical shoes.

• Administrative Staff: Business casual attire.

• Identification: Name tags must be worn at all times.

• PPE: Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn during all applicable procedures.

Confidentiality and HIPAA Compliance

Patient privacy is our highest priority. Unauthorized access, discussion, or disclosure of patient information (medical, financial, or personal) is strictly prohibited and is grounds for immediate termination. All staff must complete HIPAA training annually.

Social Media & Personal Cell Phones

To protect patient privacy:

• No Photos: Taking photos or videos inside the clinic is strictly prohibited unless authorized for clinical documentation.

• Social Media: Never post patient stories or images, even if names are omitted.

• Phone Use: Personal cell phone use should be limited to designated break periods and kept out of patient-facing areas.

4. California Labor Compliance

Meal and Rest Breaks

EGFAAC provides all employees with:

• A paid 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked.

• An unpaid, uninterrupted 30-minute meal break if working more than five hours. This break must begin before the end of the fifth hour of work.

Overtime

Non-exempt employees will be paid overtime in accordance with California law. All overtime must be pre-authorized by a supervisor in writing.

5. Employee Benefits & Leave

Paid Sick Leave & Vacation

EGFAAC complies with California Paid Sick Leave laws. Accrual rates and eligibility details are located in the Benefits Summary supplement.

Harassment-Free Workplace

EGFAAC is committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We prohibit harassment based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status. Any employee who feels they have been harassed should report it to Dr. Garvin immediately.

6. Disciplinary Procedures

We utilize a progressive disciplinary process to help employees succeed. Steps may include:

1. Verbal Warning

2. Written Warning

3. Final Written Warning/Suspension

4. Termination of Employment

   Note: EGFAAC reserves the right to bypass any steps depending on the severity of the violation.