Boston Medical Center Code of Conduct for Patients, Staff, and Visitors

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Boston Medical Center is committed to providing exceptional care to our patients and their loved ones in a safe environment. Our Code of Conduct outlines what we can all do to keep our patients, staff, and visitors safe while on our campus. In order to provide the best environment for patient care, we expect:

  • Everyone to create a safe, inclusive, equitable and healing environment.
  • Everyone to use respectful language and be considerate of others.
  • Patients to participate in their care. This includes staying in designated care areas and asking questions if you need help understanding your treatment.
  • Campus to be smoke-free. Our buildings are smoke-free inside and out.

We do not allow:

  • Violence, threatening behavior, or abusive language. We have a zero-tolerance policy.
  • Weapons of any kind.
  • Offensive comments or gestures about age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, ability, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, marital status, or other personal traits.
  • Lewd/sexual behavior or language.
  • Alcohol or illegal drugs.
  • Damaging or theft of any items or equipment.
  • Disrupting other patients’ care or violating their privacy.
  • Use of recording devices in patient care areas, without permission.

Code of Conduct violations

  • Failure to comply with this code of conduct could result in discharge from the hospital or your appointment. Repeated violations of the code of conduct may lead to review of your status as a patient for non-emergency care.
  • Visitors who fail to comply with this code of conduct may be asked to leave our campus and may be restricted from visiting in the future.
  • Violations of this code of conduct that are of a criminal nature may result in referrals to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
  • Staff are held accountable to the high standards outlined in the employee code of conduct policy.
  • If you are a patient or visitor and you witness or are the target of any of these behaviors, talk to a member of your care team or call Patient Advocacy at 617-414-4970.
  • If you are a staff member and you witness or are the target of any of these behaviors, contact your Manager or your Human Resources Business Partner.