A gift is defined as anything of value that is given by a business or individual that does or seeks to do business with Mount Sinai to either the recipient or his/her close family members, and for which the recipient neither paid nor provided services.
Gifts from vendors are strictly prohibited regardless of value, including but not limited to:
- Cash in any amount
- Any product or service, or discounts on products or services
- Prizes
- Gift certificates
- Tickets
- Loans
- Meals
- Transportation
- Hotel accommodations
- Use of a company's vehicles or vacation facilities
- Stocks or other securities, or participation in stock offerings
- De minimis gifts, e.g. trade show trinkets distributed to large numbers of people by vendor representatives. Excluded from this prohibition are materials of modest cost which have a clear educational value, such as patient-friendly booklets describing organ systems.
- Group gifts from vendors meant to be shared by all members of the staff, e.g. flowers, chocolates, etc.
- Vendor invitations to be their guests at charitable events sponsored by Mount Sinai, e.g., the Crystal Ball, to which the vendor has purchased tickets.
If unsolicited gifts arrive via the post office or private carrier, the department head or administrator will advise on the best method for returning the gift.