One of the most common ethical questions we receive is in relation to health service staff (particularly nurses) accepting gifts from thankful patients and their families - such as a box of chocolates.
These are generally considered to be a modest and token offer, as per the following definition used by the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) in their resource suite:
"Token offer is an offer of a gift, benefit or hospitality that is offered as a courtesy or is of inconsequential or trivial value to both the person making the offer and the individual. Whilst the primary determinant of a token offer is that it would not be reasonably perceived within or outside the organisation as influencing an individual or raising an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, it cannot be worth more than $50 (including cumulative offers from the same source over a 12 month period). This does not apply to a person employed under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 in a Victorian Government school, who receives an offer from or on behalf of a parent, guardian, carer or student intended to express appreciation of the person’s contribution to the education of a student or students, in which case it cannot be worth more than $100."
However, it is also important to comply with your own health services policies and practices, including completing any relevant declarations or registers.
For more information, check out the VPSC Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Resource Suite.