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Currents To MUSC Employees: At our March 20 communications meeting, Joe Good, general counsel for MUSC, discussed the State Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its requirements. Mr. Good explained that the FOIA was enacted a number of years ago and its purpose is to ensure that public business is conducted in an open manner. The FOIA stipulates the types of information that must be made available and the time frame required for responding to requests.  Key elements of the FOIA are outlined below.   The Medical Center (Hospital Authority), like the university, is covered by the FOIA and we are held accountable for producing appropriate information when requested. Mr. Good emphasized that we cannot disregard requests for information or delay in our response, even though at times the requests may seem unduly burdensome or unreasonable.     Mr. Good explained that, under a new institution-wide policy, all FOIA-based requests are to be routed to the MUSC Office of General Counsel to ensure compliance with the FOIA. General counsel will provide the concerned department or individual with appropriate guidance for preparation of the information.    It is anticipated that in the near future the Hospital Authority will establish a legal affairs office. Once this office is established, then FOIA requests related to the Medical Center should be routed to that office and the MUSC Office of General Counsel will be appropriately informed.     On another matter, MUSC employees Blondell Simmons and Kim Benke were given the quarterly AREA awards at our communications meeting.  Please join me in congratulating Ms. Simmons and Ms. Benke for a job well done. Thank you very much. W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and  Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center   Freedom of Information Act outlined Upon receipt of a written request for information, the public body must notify the person making the request of its determination regarding the availability of the information.   Any person has a right to inspect or copy public records or copies may be provided at a reasonable cost.   Examples of information covered: minutes of board meetings employees’ names and salaries (or salary ranges) policy manuals and procedures final rulings in grievance proceedings papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings or other documentary material Examples of information not covered: pending contracts to purchase real estate medical records peer review and quality assurance records research data trade secrets Use of information for commercial solicitation is prohibited.   For the complete text version of the Freedom of Information Act, please refer to Section 30-4-10 through Section 30-4-165 of the S. C. Code of Laws. AREA/Applause awards announced Two MUSC employees were recognized at the March 20 communications meeting as recipients of the first quarter AREA/Applause awards. The AREA awards—which stand for accountability, respect, excellence and adaptability—are given to employees who have gone above and beyond their job description and have demonstrated actions exemplary to the mission, visions and values of the Medical Center and Medical University.  Blondell Simmons, administrative specialist, Radiology, was recognized by a fellow employee as well as a patient. Simmons came to the aid of this patient who had become ill in the waiting room. She not only helped care for the patient, but also cleaned up the patient and provided a clean set of clothes and assisted with obtaining a ride home. Simmons has been recognized many times by other patients and staff members and according to her manager, excels in all aspects of the Medical Center's values. Kim Benke, clinical nurse, 8D, was recognized by a patient's mother. Benke, who works nights, had taken the family's clothes home to clean since they had only planned on a 24-hour stay. In addition, she helped the family obtain food and, as stated by the mother, was wonderful with the care she provided to her daughter. Her manager also said that Benke receives many compliments and is a valuable employee to the unit.   The AREA/Applause awards give recognized employees a $50 gift certificate to either Citadel or Northwoods mall, a personal plaque and their name inscribed on a public plaque outside the cafeteria. The recipients were announced by Ann Benton, director of Occupational Therapy. Employees help out during flood Pam Verdery, manager, and Allyson Ferguson, program coordinator, Construction and Design, are recognized for their quick action in pulling a pregnant patient and her spouse out of a car on Ashley Avenue during the flood on March 20.