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Rumor Mill separates fact from fiction Roper Rumor: Why is there always a Roper Care Alliance vehicle in the driveway to the dirt parking lot (former Detox) next to CMH in the  mornings? Truth: Roper parks a vehicle in this location each day as their employees are going to and from the county garage. This is to provide an added measure of security for employees who have to walk to the garage. This is similar to the escort service we provide our employees who have to walk to distant garages.  Time Clock Rumor: I would love for you to clear up an ongoing debate at the time clocks. Rumor has it that if we clock out before 7:23, we lose our differential for 3 - 7 p.m. Then someone interjected that they heard we lost it if we clocked out before 7:23 and 30 seconds into that minute. Could someone please clear this up for us.  Truth: The Authority's Time and Attendance system (STAR) rounds time in seven and one half-minute increments to the nearest quarter of an hour. If, for example, an employee clocks out prior to 7:23, this time would round back to 7:15. Likewise, clocking out at or after 7:23, the time would round up to 7:30. In regard to shift differential, eligibility is based on an individual's work profile as well as hours worked. For additional information, contact Vickie Nash 953-8744. New Medical Center Lights Rumor: Several inquiries have been received by the Rumor Mill about various aspects of the new lights placed around the Medical Center. While not qualifying as rumors, these inquiries indicated a widespread interest in the facts and, thus, the Medical Center wished to post the following response. Truth: There have been several inquiries concerning the ultraviolet lights that have been placed throughout the Medical Center. These lights are designed to attract and trap flying insects. They have been placed at entrances and in specific areas that  have had recurring flying insects problems. The bulbs emit ultraviolet light which is safe to  look at. The lights have been examined by University Safety. It has been determined that their installation and operation are in compliance with applicable safety codes and requirements. They present no hazard to patients, staff, or visitors. This particular model light is also in service at Roper Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, Summerville Medical Center, and Trident Medical Center. If you have questions, call Ron Zaal, manager, Environmental Services, at 792-4579.  Pot Holes at Hagood Parking Lot Rumor: Are the pot holes being repaired? Truth: The City has scheduled repairs for the Hagood/Fishborne lot this weekend (May 3),  weather permitting. Potholes in the Lockwood Lot (Adjacent to Harborview Tower) are also to be repaired this weekend. Rumor Mill Groundrules Rumor: I have heard that many inquiries submitted to the Mill are not  responded to? Truth: The Rumor Mill was set up to respond only to rumors that meet the posted Ground Rules. Increasingly the mill has been receiving questions, suggestions, and complaints. When these are submitted anonymously, there is no way to respond. When a submittor provides their name, the Mill is always pleased to forward the item to the  appropriate MUSC or MUHA official for a direct response.  Supervisors Rumor: I was recently told by a supervisor that it is OK for a supervisor to have an administration assistant make personal appointments such as doctor, nail and hair, pick up and  deliver lunch to the supervisors office and check on dry cleaning. Please clarify the rules on this matter. Truth: An employee, if she or he wishes, may assist a manager with non-work-related appointments and schedules. However, the employee cannot be required to do personal chores for a manager as part of the job requirements and the employee should not conduct such personal business during normal work hours. If an employee elects not to provide such assistance, the manager cannot retaliate against an employee through lowered evaluations or other means. Day Care Rumor: I overhead some nurses talking about the proposed day care. They were commenting that the day care will only be open from 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. And, that a child has to be there full-time (Monday-Friday). Is this true? If it is, how is this catering to the needs of staff who often work 12-hour shifts three days per week? Can you clear this up? Truth: The initial pilot program is planned as day care and we are requesting that the providers offer a minimum of 12 hours available care. No specific hours have been set and no determination has been made about part or full-time enrollment. The proposed space at the Church of the Holy Communion is currently under review for upgrading to fully meet all necessary codes. Once this is complete we will work to identify a day care provider group.  (See the article regarding the proposed day care center which ran in The Catalyst May 2: http://www.musc.edu/catalyst/archive/2003/co5-2childcare.htm.) BSN Rumor: We heard a rumor that MUSC is getting rid of their BSN program. Is this true? Truth: This is absolutely not true. In fact, with the success of the MUSC College of Nursing South Carolina Collaborative, the CON will be doubling its number of baccalaureate graduates. Beginning in January 2004, we will be admitting 50 students  each fall semester and a new cohort of 50 students each spring semester. The result is that by 2005, we will be graduating 100 new baccalaureate nurses each year. In addition, we will be placing our RN-BSN program online, thus making the baccalaureate degree available to registered nurses across the state without leaving their current community or  place of employment.  Clinical Associates Rumor: I have heard that other institutions give special recognition to the  clinical associates of  the year. This would be a good incentive here for the CA's to keep up the good work.  Truth: Clinical associates are valued members of our health care team. Clinical Services has an interdisciplinary Retention Committee that looks at methods to improve retention. We are sending your suggestion to this committee for consideration, and sincerely appreciate the thoughtful suggestion.  Confidentiality Rumor: I have heard several people debating about whether or not a MUHA employee can legally access OACIS for their child's (under 18) lab results. As a legal representative and an employee, are you allowed to check the computer for your child's information? Some say yes, some say no.  Truth: An employee may access his or her child's lab records, provided the child is 16 or younger, via OACIS. An employee may access his or her own records via OACIS; however, he or she may not access his or her spouse's records without the spouse's authorization and consent.  New Hospital Rumor: True or False—the Wellness Center will be demolished to make room for the new hospital?  Truth: False. The first phase of the hospital construction will involve removal of two wings of the Alumni House Building, the old part of the center. The programs in this space will be relocated to other space. The main part of the Wellness Center will not be affected by the hospital construction until the third phase, which will not occur until 10 to 15 years from now. The university is committed to replacing the Wellness Center with a new facility at that time. Residency Programs Rumor: I have heard that the College of Pharmacy residency program is  in danger of termination. Is this true and are other residency programs in danger as well? Truth: On May 19, CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) issued a proposal to eliminate passthrough, reasonable cost reimbursement by Medicare for pharmacy residency programs and other allied health educational activities. The anticipated date of implementation is Oct. 1. Before this happens, the pharmacy community (including our university) is mounting a vigorous national effort to communicate with CMS to prevent this cut. MUSC has the largest pharmacy residency training program in the United States, and will take every appropriate action to delay and/or stop any such action.  Reproduced from http://www.musc.edu/rumor/.  Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.