MA Responds Volunteer Terms of Service
In times of emergency the need for volunteers to assist in providing aid to victims and families becomes critical. MA Responds is an integrated program that pre-registers medical and non-medical volunteers who have chosen to volunteer with participating locally organized Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units, the state unaffiliated volunteers, and other volunteer groups. Please read the MA Responds Policy and Procedures Manual for further information about the MA Responds Program.
By using or registering on the MA Responds Site you agree to these terms and conditions ('Terms of Service') and the site Privacy Policy. You agree to accept notices electronically. Each time you use the site, you reaffirm your acceptance of the then-current Terms of Service. If you do not wish to be bound by these Terms of Service, you may discontinue using the site. You cannot use, access data or credentials, sign up, or register on the site until you have accepted these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these Terms of Service, do not use this site. You may not use the site for any illegal or unauthorized purpose.
I hereby certify that all statements made in my application are true and I agree and understand:
By registering on the site and using the site, I represent and warrant that I am eligible to register as a member of one of the participating organizations.
Any misstatement of material facts may cause forfeiture of my eligibility and removal from enrollment as a volunteer in the MA Responds system. I understand that there may be penalties associated with knowingly providing false or misleading information.
Submitted information is my responsibility. MA Responds does not accept any responsibility for the information submitted by me or my sponsoring organizations.
Submitting an application does not guarantee my selection for placement as a volunteer.
By registering with or using the MA Responds website, I consent to the collection and use of my Registration Information and the transfer of this information to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and authorized third parties for processing and storage. I authorize the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and/or affiliated MA Responds programs to consult with any representative(s) of the medical/professional or administrative staff of any health care organizations with which I have or have had employment, practice, association or privileges, and any other organizations (including without limitation state licensing boards and the National Practitioner Data Bank) and individuals who have information bearing on my credentials, competence, professional performance, clinical skills, judgment, character, and ethical qualifications, and to inspect such records which shall be material to the evaluation of my professional qualifications and competence to carry out the duties of a MA Responds volunteer, as well as to my moral and ethical qualifications.
Any health care organizations with which I have or have had employment, practice, association or privileges, and any other organizations (including without limitation state licensing boards and the National Practitioner Data Bank) and individuals who have information bearing on my credentials, competence, professional performance, clinical skills, judgment, character, and ethical qualifications are authorized by me to provide and/or release information (both written and oral) to MA Responds bearing on my credentials, competence, professional performance, clinical skills, judgment, character, and ethical qualifications. Such information includes but is not limited to information regarding any and all malpractice actions, pending or final disciplinary actions, alterations in privileges, and any information with respect to whether I am able to perform the essential functions of a MA Responds volunteer with or without a reasonable accommodation, according to accepted standards of professional practice and without posing a direct threat to patients or staff (including without limitation information regarding any impairment due to the use of drugs or alcohol).
My medical malpractice liability insurance carrier is authorized by me to release information regarding any claims or actions for damages pending or closed, whether or not there has been a final disposition.
I must notify MA Responds at maresponds@mass.gov as soon as I become aware that any health care organization, hospital, or any licensing, certifying, or regulatory authority has taken disciplinary action of any kind against me, or that there is a material change to any of the information I submitted either directly or through my employer or any other entity as part of the MA Responds application.
That a Nationwide Sex Offender Search will be conducted about me, using the information I provided at the time of registration on MA Responds, along with publicly available information.
I will submit a separate form authorizing a Massachusetts Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI) check.
I retain the right to refuse to serve as a MA Responds volunteer under any circumstance and for any reason and I can withdraw my application or discontinue my enrollment as a volunteer at any time by emailing the MA Responds program at maresponds@mass.gov
The username and passwords associated with my profile and registration information must remain confidential. I will notify MA Responds at maresponds@mass.gov as soon as possible when I learn about or suspect any unauthorized use of my username or password.
Participation in MA Responds does NOT confer malpractice liability insurance or Workers' Compensation coverage on me. I should consult with my employer or insurance carrier to determine whether I will have any coverage when I am volunteering with MA Responds.
There are NO employment protections or rights through the MA Responds Program.
Failure of me or DPH to insist upon compliance with any of these Terms of Service at any time shall not waive compliance with such Terms of Service at any other time. No waiver by me or DPH of any default or breach by the other shall constitute a waiver of any subsequent default or breach.
Any actions arising out of my access to the MA Responds website or activities as a MA Responds volunteer shall be governed by the laws of Massachusetts and shall be brought and maintained in a state or federal court in Massachusetts which shall have exclusive jurisdiction thereof.
I release from liability any and all individuals and organizations that, in good faith and without malice, provide information to DPH for the purpose of evaluating this application. I also release from liability DPH, their respective medical/professional staffs and their respective agents and representatives for their acts performed in good faith and without malice in connection with the evaluation of my professional skills, competence, character, credentials and qualifications and the exchange of information with respect to my professional skills, competence, character, credentials and qualifications.
I will use the MA Responds site for lawful purposes only. I will not post on or transmit through community areas (e.g., message boards, e-mail, calendars) or other means, any material that (1) violates or infringes in any way upon the rights of others, (2) is unlawful, threatening, abusive, defamatory, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, vulgar, obscene, profane, indecent, or otherwise objectionable, (3) encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, (4) gives rise to civil liability, (5) violates any policies posted in any community areas or (6) otherwise violates any law. I also will not undertake any conduct that restricts or inhibits any other user from using or accessing the data on the site. Further, I agree not to collect or distribute information about the site users unless prior written permission is obtained from DPH. I agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell, or exploit for any commercial purposes any portion of the site, or access to the site. All trademarks appearing on the site and on any site products are the property of their respective owners.
With the widespread use of cell phone cameras and other digital media devices, the MA Responds program cannot entirely prevent third parties from photographing or videotaping volunteers at public events. I understand that if I have concerns, it is my responsibility to prevent my image from being recorded or used.
Confidentiality of Medical Information / HIPAA Agreement
Consistent with applicable state and federal laws, the Principles of Ethics of both the American Medical and Hospital Associations, and established MA Responds policies and procedures, individuals who may come in contact with patients, information, and records, whether medical, financial, or any other, whether in electronic, written, or oral form, must agree to protect confidential information.
I understand that the unauthorized access, use, copying, disclosure, or dissemination of any confidential information or records whether stored in hard copy, film, or electronic form is strictly prohibited. I will not share or release any username or passwords.
I acknowledge my legal and ethical obligation to maintain the confidentiality of all personal data pertaining to the MA Responds program, my volunteer program, its volunteers, and its patients/clients.
I understand that accessing confidential information about other individuals or allowing access by unauthorized individuals, whether intentional or not, or any other breach is grounds for my immediate and permanent dismissal as a volunteer and will be investigated and possibly reported to applicable federal and state authorities.
I agree to safeguard all confidential information as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). I understand that I may visit the HIPAA website at www.hhs.gov/hipaa for further information.
I will contact MA Responds immediately at maresponds@mass.gov if I believe any confidential information may have been compromised.
I understand that I must continue to adhere to these Terms of Service even after I leave the MA Responds Program.