Hospital Policies

Resource Detail

West Ascension Parish Hospital policies and public notices are consolidated here for easier review. Expand a section below to read the policy, notice, related contact information, and available documents.

Facility and Safety Policies

Safety, visitor conduct, campus restrictions, and workplace violence prevention.

West Ascension Parish Hospital is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and respectful environment for employees, patients, visitors, medical staff, vendors, contractors, students, and volunteers.

This policy establishes expectations, prevention strategies, reporting requirements, response procedures, and post-incident follow-up related to workplace violence.

Scope

This policy applies to all workforce members and all individuals present on hospital property or while engaged in hospital business, including off-site activities, outreach events, and hospital-sponsored programs as applicable.

Policy Statement

West Ascension Parish Hospital has zero tolerance for workplace violence, threats, intimidation, harassment, or disruptive behavior that creates a risk to the health or safety of any person.

Acts or threats of violence may result in removal from the premises, disciplinary action up to and including termination, notification to law enforcement, and any other action permitted by law or hospital policy.

Definition of Workplace Violence

Workplace violence includes violent acts, threats of violence, intimidation, harassment, physical assault, verbal abuse that escalates to a safety risk, stalking, brandishing of weapons, destruction of property, or any behavior that places another person in reasonable fear of harm.

This may include actions by patients, family members, visitors, coworkers, supervisors, contractors, vendors, or any individual interacting with the hospital.

Examples of Prohibited Conduct

Physical assault or attempted assault
Threats, intimidation, coercion, or aggressive behavior
Verbal abuse that creates fear of harm
Stalking or harassment
Possession or use of dangerous weapons except as authorized by law and policy
Intentional damage to property in a threatening context
Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith

Responsibilities

Role	Responsibilities
Leadership	Promote a culture of safety, enforce policy requirements, support reporting, coordinate corrective action, and participate in risk assessments and prevention efforts.
Human Resources / Safety / Security	Support training, maintain reporting processes, investigate incidents, coordinate response measures, and monitor trends for prevention and improvement.
Employees and Workforce Members	Treat others respectfully, remain alert to warning signs, follow de-escalation procedures, report incidents immediately, and cooperate in investigations.

Prevention and Preparedness

Ongoing education and training on workplace violence prevention and response
Orientation for permanent and temporary employees
Annual training for healthcare workers who provide direct patient care
Assessment of workplace risk factors and security concerns
Review of alarms, panic buttons, communication systems, and security measures
Post-incident debriefing and support resources

Reporting Requirements

All incidents, threats, attempted acts, or behaviors raising a reasonable concern for safety must be reported immediately to a supervisor, Security, Administration, Human Resources, or designated hospital leadership.

When there is an immediate threat, staff should call 911 and/or Security without delay.

Response Procedures

Take immediate action to protect life and safety
Contact 911 and/or Security during active or imminent threats
Remove individuals from danger when safe to do so
Use de-escalation techniques when appropriate
Notify hospital leadership and follow emergency response procedures
Preserve evidence and document the incident
Arrange medical care and emotional support for affected individuals

Non-Retaliation

West Ascension Parish Hospital prohibits retaliation against any person who, in good faith, reports workplace violence, requests assistance, contacts emergency services, participates in an investigation, or raises a safety concern.

Corrective Action

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment, contract termination, removal from assignment, loss of privileges, removal from the premises, or notification to law enforcement.

Patient Care Considerations

When workplace violence involves a patient or patient representative, the hospital will balance safety interventions with the patient's clinical condition, rights, and care needs.

Staff should consider factors such as medical condition, behavioral health needs, pain, intoxication, cognitive status, fear, or communication barriers while maintaining safety.

Signage and Public Notice

The hospital may post signage stating that abuse, threats, or assault of healthcare staff will not be tolerated and may result in removal, criminal prosecution, or other action as appropriate.

Documentation, Review, and Improvement

The hospital maintains records related to workplace violence reports, investigations, education, prevention efforts, and follow-up actions as required by law and hospital practice.

Trends and contributing factors are reviewed periodically to improve prevention strategies, staffing considerations, security measures, and environmental controls.

Related Policies and References

Emergency Management / Incident Response
Security Management
Employee Conduct / Code of Conduct
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Behavioral Health / De-escalation Procedures
Human Resources Corrective Action Policies

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Compliance and Patient Notices

Public notices, financial assistance, compliance information, and nondiscrimination information.

West Ascension Parish Hospital is committed to conducting its operations with honesty, integrity, accountability, and respect for the patients, families, visitors, and communities we serve.

Our Compliance Program supports ethical conduct, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, accurate documentation and billing practices, quality care, and responsible business operations.

We are committed to maintaining an environment where concerns may be reported and reviewed appropriately, and where individuals who raise concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation.

Our Commitment

Complying with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and healthcare program requirements.
Maintaining accurate and complete medical, billing, and business records.
Preventing fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct.
Promoting ethical and lawful conduct in all areas of hospital operations.
Responding appropriately to reported concerns or suspected violations.
Protecting individuals who report concerns in good faith from retaliation.

What This Means for Patients

Care is delivered in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
Billing and claims are submitted accurately and honestly.
Documentation is complete, truthful, and appropriate.
Patient concerns are taken seriously and reviewed appropriately.
Suspected improper, unethical, or unlawful conduct may be reported without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

Examples of Concerns You May Report

Suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Billing concerns or charges that appear inaccurate.
Unethical conduct or improper business practices.
Falsification of records or documentation concerns.
Conflicts of interest.
Concerns regarding regulatory compliance.
Retaliation for reporting a concern.

Reporting a Compliance Concern

If you have a compliance concern, you may report it to:

Compliance Officer: Quincy Richard Jr., Esq.
Hospital: West Ascension Parish Hospital
Address: 301 Memorial Drive, Donaldsonville, LA 70346
Email: quincy.richard@westaph.org

If your concern relates to your care or experience as a patient, you may also use the hospital's patient complaint and grievance process.

Non-Retaliation

West Ascension Parish Hospital does not tolerate retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports a compliance concern, asks a compliance-related question, or participates in a review or investigation.

Privacy-Related Concerns

Questions or concerns specifically related to the privacy or security of your health information are addressed under the hospital's separate Notice of Privacy Practices.

Review of Concerns

All compliance concerns will be reviewed appropriately and handled as confidentially as possible, consistent with the hospital's ability to investigate and respond.

Accessibility

Translated versions of this Compliance Program Notice are available upon request to support accessibility for all patients and visitors.

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West Ascension Parish Hospital is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their financial situation.

This Financial Assistance Policy Plain Language Summary explains how eligible patients may receive free or discounted care for emergency and other medically necessary hospital services provided by West Ascension Parish Hospital.

Important: This summary is intended to explain the Hospital's Financial Assistance Policy in plain language. It does not replace the full Policy.

Free copies of the full Policy, application, provider list, and this summary are available upon request and at www.westaph.org.

Services Covered

This Policy applies to eligible emergency and other medically necessary hospital services provided by West Ascension Parish Hospital.

Financial assistance does not apply to services that are not medically necessary, elective services not approved under the Policy, or services excluded by the full Policy.

Provider Notice: Services provided by certain contracted, independent, or non-hospital physicians or providers may not be covered under this Policy.

A list of providers covered and not covered by the Policy is available upon request and on the Hospital's website.

Who May Qualify for Financial Assistance?

Financial assistance is based on household income, household size, insurance status, and applicable medical expenses.

Patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or unable to pay for eligible hospital services may apply.

Category	Eligibility Criteria	Potential Assistance Available
Financially Indigent Patients	Uninsured or underinsured patients with household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).	100% discount of eligible hospital charges.
Medically Indigent Patients	Patients whose unpaid medical bills from any provider within the past 6 months exceed 20% of annual household income.	Patient responsibility may be limited to up to 20% of annual household income for medical bills. Remaining eligible balances may be waived subject to Policy review.
Household Income Between 201% and 400% of FPL	Uninsured or underinsured patients with household income between 201% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.	Sliding-scale discount based on household income and household size as described in the full Policy.

Limitation on Charges for Eligible Patients

Patients approved for financial assistance will not be charged more for emergency or other medically necessary hospital care than the amounts generally billed to individuals who have insurance coverage for such care.

The Hospital will not use gross charges as the amount a Financial Assistance Policy eligible patient is personally responsible for paying.

Emergency Medical Care

West Ascension Parish Hospital provides care for emergency medical conditions without discrimination and regardless of whether a patient is eligible for financial assistance.

The Hospital will not engage in actions that discourage individuals from seeking emergency medical care.

How to Apply for Financial Assistance

Obtain a free copy of the Financial Assistance Policy, application, provider list, and summary online or in person.
Complete the Financial Assistance Application.
Submit the completed application with supporting documentation to Patient Financial Services.
The Hospital will review the application and notify the patient of the determination or request additional information if needed.

Where to Submit the Application

By Mail:

West Ascension Parish Hospital
Attn: Patient Financial Services
301 Memorial Drive
Donaldsonville, LA 70346

Information That May Be Requested

Recent pay stubs or wage statements
Most recent federal income tax return
Social Security, disability, unemployment, or benefit statements
Proof of household size or dependents
Insurance information or denial letters
Medical bills from this Hospital or other providers

The Hospital may consider other information when standard documents are unavailable.

Billing and Collection Protections

The Hospital will make reasonable efforts to determine whether an individual is eligible for financial assistance before engaging in extraordinary collection actions, consistent with applicable law and the Hospital's billing and collection practices.

Patients are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but assistance may still be available after billing has begun.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Patient Financial Services
West Ascension Parish Hospital
301 Memorial Drive
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
Phone: 225-474-2191
Website: www.westaph.org

Language Assistance and Translations

Translated copies of this summary, the full Financial Assistance Policy, and the application are available in Spanish upon request from Patient Financial Services.

Additional language assistance may be available upon request, consistent with applicable language-access requirements and the needs of the community served by the Hospital.

Availability of Free Copies

At the Admissions Desk
In the Emergency Department
Through Patient Financial Services
By mail upon request at no charge
On Hospital website (see documents below)

Financial Assistance Documents

Financial Assistance Policy Financial Assistance Policy Summary Financial Assistance Application

Privacy and Website Policies

Patient privacy, website cookies, and related information practices.

This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

West Ascension Parish Hospital is required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected health information ("PHI"), provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices, and follow the terms of the notice currently in effect.

PHI includes information that identifies you and relates to your past, present, or future physical or mental health condition, the provision of healthcare to you, or payment for your healthcare.

How We May Use and Disclose Your Information

We may use and disclose your PHI, without your written authorization, for the following purposes:

Treatment: To provide, coordinate, or manage your care and related healthcare services.
Payment: To bill and collect payment for healthcare services and supplies.
Healthcare Operations: For quality improvement, credentialing, auditing, compliance, training, and other operational activities.

Additional Uses and Disclosures Permitted by Law

Public health activities
Health oversight activities
Judicial and administrative proceedings
Law enforcement purposes
Coroners, medical examiners, and funeral directors
Organ and tissue donation
Approved research activities
To avert a serious threat to health or safety
Workers' compensation and government functions
Individuals involved in your care or payment for your care

When using or disclosing PHI, we will make reasonable efforts to limit the information to the minimum necessary for the intended purpose when required by law.

Uses and Disclosures Requiring Your Authorization

Other uses and disclosures not described in this notice will only be made with your written authorization unless otherwise permitted or required by law.

You may revoke your authorization at any time in writing, except to the extent action has already been taken based on your authorization.

Your Rights Regarding Your Health Information

You have the right to:

Inspect and obtain copies of your medical records and certain PHI.
Request amendments to your PHI if you believe information is incorrect or incomplete.
Request confidential communications in a specific way or location.
Request restrictions on certain uses or disclosures of your PHI.
Receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your PHI.
Receive a paper copy of this notice upon request.
Choose someone to act on your behalf when legally authorized.
Be notified following a breach of unsecured PHI when required by law.

Requests to exercise these rights should be submitted in writing to our Privacy Officer.

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with West Ascension Parish Hospital's Privacy Officer or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.

We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Privacy Officer

West Ascension Parish Hospital
301 Memorial Drive
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
HIM Director: LaWanda Sanders
Email: lawanda.sanders@westaph.org

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.

Changes to This Notice

We reserve the right to change this notice and to make the revised notice effective for all PHI we maintain. The current notice will be available at the hospital and on our website.

Accessibility

Translated versions of this Notice of Privacy Practices are available upon request to support patient access and understanding.

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Hospital Policies