Accepting gifts in the workplace.

1-800-226-6113 to cover gifts from patients as well. There is no problem with taking the occasional plate of cookies or handknitted scarf from a grateful patient, but anything more elaborate or expensive should generally be subject to the same discrimination as gifts from employees. Occasionally, employees will innocently accept a gift that exceeds corporate gift limits because they are unfamiliar with the gift and unaware of its value. A fine bottle of wine, for example, can easily exceed the “token” limit, but anyone other than a connoisseur might not know it. Thus, it is a good idea not to accept any unconventional gift from a vendor or patient without checking your corporate gift policy first. If the gift must be declined, a simple explanation of company policy will usually suffice to prevent hurt feelings. Depending on how your hospital’s policy on gifts is written, the Medical Laboratory Professionals Week luncheon might be permissible. It differs from the iPod in several important ways. Luncheons, especially for professional recognition, are customary in business, do not generally exceed the “token” limit on a per-plate basis, and are less likely to affect the judgment of the individuals responsible for making business decisions. Most corporate gift policies make entertainment — including meals — subject to the same general limits as other gifts but provide somewhat more leeway for them for these reasons. Even so, extravagant meals, especially if limited to managers and supervisors or meals that include alcohol, may be prohibited. Employees need to understand the importance of knowing the details of their institution’s policy on gifts, because failing to adhere to the policy can result in disciplinary action. If the transgression is egregious enough, or if there are repeated instances, an employee can face dismissal. This is an area where the old axiom “when in doubt, don’t” is the best advice. l Accepting gifts in the workplace