Dear Colleagues:
A series of weather emergencies has revealed a lack of understanding by many School of Medicine employees about their responsibilities for ongoing operations when The Johns Hopkins University is officially closed.
We need to correct this ongoing problem. In accordance with JHU policy, all departments’ managers and supervisors are responsible for defining staffing requirements and for designating SOM ‘required attendance’ employees. These ‘required attendance’ employees must report to work and/or remain at work regardless of the existence of an emergency (weather or otherwise). This ‘required attendance’ designation is to be confirmed in writing to the employee, including the consequences of failure to report to or remain at work. It is advisable to speak with employees in advance of the designation.
Departments are expected to designate as ‘required attendance’ all SOM employees involved in clinical operations. Other examples of ‘required attendance’ include those whose presence is vital to the operation of a work group or whose presence allows continuation of any service deemed to be critical. In addition, all clinical faculty are expected to report to work and to remain at work during emergency situations.
Simply stated, unless we announce that outpatient clinics will close, I expect that all School of Medicine clinics will remain open, that all administrative offices needed to support these clinic areas remain open and that supporting services are available.
If there are questions about this policy, please contact SOM’s Human Resources Department at 410-614-0711 (payroll) or 410-955-2586 (director's office).
Sincerely,
Edward D. Miller, M.D.
Dean/CEO
Johns Hopkins Medicine
