Executive Summary: ** 2021 Town of Franklin Housing Production Plan (HPP) ***

The Town of Franklin Housing Production Plan (HPP) is a proactive strategy for meeting the housing needs of the community, and in particular, for planning and enhancing its affordable housing inventory. This document, an update to Franklin’s first HPP that was approved by Town Council in 2011, has been designed to expand upon the concepts outlined in the previous 2011 HPP, serve as an update with more recent data, and explore incentives and other options to increase Franklin’s affordable housing supply.

Since 2011 the Town has made good progress implementing its affordable housing goals and increasing the number of SHI Eligible Housing units. In 2019, the Town surpassed the State-mandated target of 10% affordable housing of its total year-round housing units under M.G.L. Chapter 40B. This Housing Production Plan (HPP) is intended to direct housing development and preservation in such a way that the Town will remain above 10%, and therefore be in control of its 40B destiny. In addition the strategies included in the updated HPP provide the Town’s residents with options not previously not pursued.

Previous Affordable Housing Planning. The Town has made affordable housing planning a priority for much of the last twenty-five years. The Town of Franklin’s 1997 Master Plan prioritized creating affordable housing for the community’s senior population, which is summarized in Goal 1 of the Housing Element: “Ensure that housing opportunities for the elderly are sufficient in number and type to meet the projected growth in their population”.
In 2004, the Housing Element of Franklin’s Community Development Plan, “Affordable Housing, Strategy and Development Action Plan” identified several goals the Town still needs to address, including: Increase housing opportunities for low, moderate, and middle income households; Ensure the Town meets the 40B goal for subsidized housing; Increase housing opportunities for seniors; and Encourage development of multifamily housing.

In 2011 the Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Action Plan, Franklin’s first Housing Production Plan was approved by DHCD. The Plan had several similar goals to those mentioned above including Encourage development of multifamily housing; Increase housing opportunities for seniors and the elderly, but focused much effort on utilizing zoning to create greater housing density, use Zoning “By Right” as a tool, and Amend the zoning by-laws to allow Assisted living and other elderly housing facilities. The biggest priority of the 2011 HPP was creation of a Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. A summary of the Plan’s Housing Implementation Strategy is included in this document as Attachment B.

The most recent housing related planning was during creation of Franklin’s 2013 Master Plan. Substantial public input was gathered and Master Plan Committee developed housing goals that reflected the needs of the community. Housing related Goals, Objectives and proposed actions from the Master Plan’s Implementation Element are included in Attachment C of this document. 

The most relevant housing goals for the purposes of this HPP are as follows:

• Goal 1: Provide the appropriate mix of housing alternatives that meet the needs of Franklin based employment
• Goal 2: Support development of affordable housing opportunities for low, moderate and middle- income households.
• Goal 4: Encourage, rezone as required, and support housing appropriate for expected future demographics.

The above goals have influenced the development of the HPP’s goals detailed in Section 2.

Find the full copy of the Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf

Info on the public comment period

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/2021-draft-housing-production-plan-open.html

Executive Summary: **2021 Town of Franklin - Housing Production Plan - Public Review Draft**

FM #547 - Finance Committee Meeting - 05/19/21 (audio)

 FM #547 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 547 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held Wednesday, May 19, 2021

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the Finance Committee members were in the Council Chambers along with the Town Administrator and other town personnel; the public participated via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting held Wednesday, May 19. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/283f0265-082d-43a9-b960-80d825899321

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Meeting agenda -> 

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/5-19-21_fincom_agenda.pdf

Recap of the meeting ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-finance-committee-further.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #547 - Finance Committee Meeting - 05/19/21 (audio)

Friendly reminder: What not to flush

What Not To Flush

The Franklin Sewer Division has experienced increased issues with sewer backups due to non-flushable items in the sewer system.  When flushed down the toilet, items such as baby wipes, hand wipes, floor wipes, rags, etc. often get stuck in our sewage pumps, which can damage the pumps and potentially cause sewer backups.  In addition to the costly pump repairs, sewer backups can result in damage to nearby homes and businesses and can have environmental impacts if the sewage is discharged into the environment.

Please DO NOT FLUSH:

• Paper towels, disposable wipes, washcloths and rags
• Synthetic materials such as plastic, which do not decompose or dissolve
• Feminine products
• Cotton balls
• Diapers and baby wipes
• Unused Medications
• Syringes
• Fats, Oil and Grease 

We thank you for your help in keeping our sewer system running smoothly!!

Paper towels, disposable wipes, washcloths and rags are becoming more and more of a problem for sewer systems with the increase in "disposable" wipes.  These wipes may be disposable but that does not make them flushable!  Please do not flush swiffer wipes, baby wipes, diapers, disposable toilet bowl cleaners or any other non-toilet paper product.  These items cause major problems in our sewer pumps and we are not alone.  As discussed in a USA Today article tilted "Wipes in the Pipes Snarling Sewers" (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/16/wipes-pollution/2522919/) , this issue is is affecting sewer systems across the country.  So please do your part and don't flush wipes!

Fats, Oil and Grease are some of the primary causes of blockages in sanitary sewer collection systems. Too often grease is washed into the plumbing system usually through the kitchen sink. When grease cools it lines the pipes, decreasing the opening until the pipe blocks up completely and sewage backs up into homes, businesses or manholes.  Do not pour grease down the drain. Instead, pour it into a disposable container, let it cool, and dispose of it in the trash.  The City of London was recently in the news for a 15 ton grease ball stuck in their sewer system - to learn  more check out this article from the Water Environment Federation magazine.

Unused Medications are often disposed of in the toilet, but it is important to remember that treated wastewater eventually ends up in our rivers and streams.  A 2002 USGS study found that 80% of streams in the U.S. have measurable concentrations of prescription drugs.  To help reduce our impact on the environment, please dispose of unused prescription medications properly.  Ask your pharmacy if they have a take-back program, or dispose of unused medications in the Take-Back Container at the Franklin Police Department located at 911 Panther Way.

Syringes can be safely disposed of at the Franklin Police Department, 911 Panther Way. Syringes will not be accepted unless they are in an approved sharps container.  

If you own a business here in Franklin, please print and post our What Not to Flush Flyer https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/files/what-not-flush-flyer.

Want to learn more about how sewage is treated?  Franklin's sewage is treated at the Charles River Pollution Control District in Medway.  Click here for a general overview of how the treatment system works.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

Shared from the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/help-us-keep-our-sewer-system-running-smoothly-learn-what-not-flush

Download the "What not to Flush" flyer:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJrzqnr0t8Nuv-LzOBmHzucwKiGVAWSn/view?usp=sharing

 

Waltham is looking for donated Prom Dresses

Via Lisa Buccella <lisabill5@comcast.net>

Sharing this post from a friend who is a teacher in Waltham:

************************************************************

Prom is happening in Waltham this year, but because it was so uncertain, all of the school's usual donation events didn't happen this year so it's a bit of a scramble. But as always there are some awesome teachers looking to make things happen!

So if you have a recently worn prom dress (under 5 years old and no bridesmaid dresses) that you could donate to Waltham High we definitely have some girls who could use them.

**********************************************************

She told me the "boutique" will be set up at school on Tuesday so the girls can "shop". They are looking for floor length dresses only -

If you have any dresses, let me know and I can make sure they get to her by Tuesday morning so they can set it all up.

My heart to all the students and especially the ones from the Class of 2020 and 2021! They can all add perseverance to their resumes!

Ticks, in abundance

"A late-summer drought virtually eliminated ticks in parts of New England but they’re back with a vengeance this spring.

Dog ticks, which do not carry Lyme disease like deer ticks do, have been especially active since early spring in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

And people who've been getting outdoors because of the pandemic are discovering the arachnids on themselves and on pets.

“People are outdoors a lot more because of COVID so we’ve all discovered this newfound love relationship with nature, which is really cool and I’m really happy about. So there’s just a lot more chances for ... human interactions with ticks,” said Patti Casey, environmental surveillance program manager for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture."

Continue reading the article online  (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/22/metro/after-an-absence-ticks-are-back-new-england-theyre-hungry/

Nick Gaspar fund raising apparel

"Nick Gaspar is an 8th grade student at the Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin who is passionate about sports, especially basketball and lacrosse. Nick was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and he and his family need all of the support that we can give right now.

We've launched an online store in support of Nick - all of the profits of which will go supporting Nick and his family. We ask that you consider making a purchase and sharing this post to help support Nick's fight! #1NickStrong18 "

The Custom Apparel link for #1NickStrong18 apparel

https://www.customapparelcai.com/nickstrong

Shared from Facebook: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4069043063217071&id=795325087255568

Similar update from Franklin Police Twitter:   https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1395395250995318785

Nick Gaspar fund raising apparel

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 25, 2021

Franklin School Committee

May 25, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Call to Order 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Retiree Recognition

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/retiree_list.xlsx.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption

I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. IJNDB - Acceptable Use Policy

2. IJNDB-E1 - Acceptable Use Student Agreement Grades 6-12

3. IJNDB-E2 - Acceptable Use Student Agreement Grades K-5

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_2nd_reads.pdf

B. Policy Elimination

I recommend elimination of Policy GBAC - Policy for Conditions for Employment as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_elimination.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Reopening School Status Update – May 21, 2020-2021

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_may_21_2020-2021.pdf

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes for your May 11, 2021 meeting as detailed.

B. Transfers

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

C. Scholarship

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,500.00 from Sheila Lima for a scholarship as detailed.

D. JFK Gift

I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $3,590.44 from the JFK PCC as detailed:

$1070,.80 - Supplemental Supplies

$2,519.64 - Supplemental Supplies

E. Districtwide Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Norfolk County District Attorney for in-house enrichment as detailed.

F. JFK Donation

I recommend acceptance of the donation of Table Talk Pies, valued at $63.00 for the JFK 4th graders as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.

B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc includes connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-25-21.pdf

The meeting packet folder containing the documents released for this session

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-25-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 25, 2021

Pantherbook Student Profiles: Sydney Hawkins, Emma Myers

 

"Sydney Hawkins can be described in one word: dedicated. 

Sydney is a senior at FHS and has recently committed to MIT. She will be studying biological engineering and playing lacrosse. 

Pantherbook reached out to Sydney to learn more about this impressive commitment. "

Continue reading about Sydney

https://franklinpanthers.us/uncategorized/2021/05/14/student-spotlight-sydney-hawkins/

"When Emma Myers was 7, she told her mom she wanted to be an artist. Ten years later, she’s stuck to that, having recently committed to Lesley University to major in Fine Arts and minor in Art Therapy.

Emma is excited to explore the career opportunities an art degree will offer her. “I want to be an art teacher, I want to be an art therapist, I want to be a tattoo artist on the side…” she says. “And of course I want to freelance so I can continue creating my art.”

Emma works in most art forms excluding clay, but her favorite mediums are charcoal or pen and ink drawings. "

Continue reading about Emma

https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2021/05/19/student-spotlight-emma-myers/

Ellis Paul Virtual Festival starts Sunday, May 23, 2021

A fabulous lineup - don't miss it

Ellis Paul Traveling Medicine Show Virtual Festival View this email in your browser Ellis Paul Traveling Medicine Show Festival Starts Sunday May 23 Fabulous performers putting on a virtual festival including many Circle of Friends favorites. See the image above for the lineup.  Purchase a ticket and you can re-watch until June 21st! https://www.tribalmischief.com/traveling-medicine-show-festival The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society.  Please visit http://www.circlefolk.org/  for more information.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

The Introduction to the **2021 Town of Franklin - Housing Production Plan - Public Review Draft**

"A Housing Production Plan (HPP) is a community's proactive strategy for planning and developing affordable housing. The Plan includes strategies that a community uses to enable it to meet its affordable housing needs in a manner consistent with MGL Chapter 40B and related Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) regulations.

HPP regulations became effective in 2008 when the DHCD promulgated 760 CMR 56.00, Comprehensive Permit; Low or Moderate Income Housing. Regulation that pertain specifically to the development of a Housing Production Plan is contained in 760 CMR 56.03(4). DHCD has developed Guidelines (updated October 2020) to assist Massachusetts communities with HPP development; the Guidelines are included as Attachment A. Additional HPP related information, including links to Chapter 40B and 760 CMR 56, are available at www.mass.gov/dhcd.

M.G.L. Chapter 40B requires that each Massachusetts town and city have a minimum of 10% of its total year-round housing units as affordable housing. The HPP’s most important purpose is to develop goals and strategies that will result in the community reaching the 10% Statutory Minimum set forth in 760 CMR 56.03(3)(a).

DHCD uses the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) to measure a community's stock of low-or moderate- income housing for the purposes of M.G.L. Chapter 40B. A community’s HPP must contain a numerical goal for annual housing production that will increase the “number of SHI Eligible Housing units by at least 0.50% of its total units (as determined in accordance with 760 CMR 56.03(3)(a)) during every calendar year included in the HPP, until the overall percentage exceeds the Statutory Minimum”.

If a community has a DHCD approved HPP and is granted certification of compliance with the plan by DHCD, a decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) relative to a comprehensive permit application will be deemed "consistent with local needs" under MGL Chapter 40B. "Consistent with local needs" means the ZBA's decision will be upheld by the State’s Housing Appeals Committee.

According to the DHCD web page, as of December 21, 2020, 11.96% of the Town of Franklin’s total year- round housing units are on the Chapter 40B Subsidized Housing Inventory. Therefore, the Town of Franklin is in compliance with Chapter 40 B, and is not immediately under pressure to increase the number of affordable units on its SHI.

However, the Town of Franklin’s total year-round housing units are based on the 2010 U.S. Census, and hundreds of housing units have been permitted and constructed over the last 11 years. According to Town estimates, the Town of Franklin will likely still have over 10% affordable units on its SHI, but the percent will likely be much lower than the 12% mentioned above. Once the Town receives its 2020 Census data this HPP will be updated and if necessary the updated plan will be resubmitted to DHCD for review and re-approval.

Implementing the goals and strategies outlined in this HPP will assure the Town of Franklin maintains at least 10% affordable units on its SHI, but it will also help to make progress in facilitating the development of a diverse housing supply for Franklin’s low and moderate income residents. In addition, the research, documentation and strategies developed during the HPP process will be utilized in the near future during the Town of Franklin’s Master Plan update process."

Find the full copy of the Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf

Info on the public comment period

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/2021-draft-housing-production-plan-open.html

The Introduction to the **2021 Town of Franklin - Housing Production Plan - Public Review Draft**

P.A.W.S. Event Sunday! May 23, 2021

View this email in your browser What do a Police Officer, State Representative, and Child Psychiatrist all have in common? They want to talk with YOU! PREVENTION. ADVOCACY. WELLNESS. SUPPORT. JOIN US TOMORROW: MAY 23, 2021 for a fantastic day of speakers including: Norfolk Police Sergeant Michelle Palladini State Representative Jeffrey Roy Child Psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite, MD Danny Lagarce, peer in recovery Reverend Tiffany Spigarolo Emma Kucich, SAFE Coalition Emilee Purdy, New Hope Community Liaison All attendees will be mailed a P.A.W.S. l SAFE Coalition swag bag! SIGN UP HERE https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4AZj39OLs9iW_-WGNngj_ecPKx_savIBctv1QNIY4EdT3Jg/viewform

CDC Reports: masks and ventilation improved school COVID-19 case load; care in handling backyard poultry

 

"Schools in Georgia that required teachers and staff to wear masks and improved ventilation reported fewer COVID-19 cases, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study released on Friday.

The research, conducted by the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health, determined that COVID-19 incidence was 37 percent lower in schools that mandated masks for teachers and staff. Schools that implemented at least one ventilation strategy saw a 39 percent reduction in coronavirus cases among students and staff.

The ventilation improvements ranged from dilution methods, which refer to running fans and keeping doors and windows open, to filtration with or without purification. Schools that used dilution methods saw 35 percent less COVID-19 incidence, and others that used dilution and filtration methods together saw 48 percent fewer cases."

Continue reading the article online

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/554732-cdc-study-schools-that-required-masks-improved-ventilation-reported-less

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory on Thursday warning people against getting too close to backyard poultry, citing concerns that the chickens may be spreading salmonella.

In an investigation notice, the CDC noted that backyard poultry owners should take precautionary measures when handling their animals after 163 confirmed cases of salmonella were reported in 43 states.

"Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them," the CDC wrote. "This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick."

Continue reading the article online

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/554669-cdc-urges-against-kissing-and-snuggling-poultry-in

 

"Where's The Toast?" Memory Cafe' with Tom Madden Monday, May 24 - 2 PM

Please Join us on Monday, May 24 at 2 PM as Tom Madden entertains us with songs from the 50's.  Tom has been performing on vocals, keyboard, trombone and guitar and entertaining people for over 30 years.  

This months Memory Cafe' is generously sponsored by Salmon at Medway.  Please share this link with others who would enjoy an hour of music, socialization and entertainment. 

If you would like a sneak preview at Tom's music you can go to his page with this link: http://www.tommaddenmusic.com/   

We look forward to seeing you on Monday!

Memory Cafe' with Tom Madden Monday, May 24

Click below to join our Memory Cafe Monday May 24th at 2pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86744691359?pwd=b1pqRlczU2ZyZ29RT3IzY1B6d2VJQT09

Meeting ID: 867 4469 1359
Passcode: 510923

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,86744691359#,,,,*510923# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,86744691359#,,,,*510923# US (New York)


Meeting ID: 867 4469 1359
Passcode: 510923
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdK4piGK8M

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

Supportive Day Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

The Franklin Food Pantry is hiring a Client Services Coordinator

"Are you passionate about people and the community? The Franklin Food Pantry is looking for a Client Services Coordinator to join our team. Our vision is to build a community in which everyone in need has an improved quality of life through nutritious food and supportive resources. We are looking for a collaborative, team player who believes in our vision is adaptable and has a singular client focus.

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Client Services Coordinator is responsible for providing outstanding service to our clients while leading a shift of volunteers during pantry operations. This position is the primary point of contact for all volunteers and clients at the Pantry and exemplifies a positive attitude at all times fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for clients, volunteers, donors and co-workers.

This is a part time, 20 hour per week position."

Shared from Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/1219015755/posts/10226221870312729/

Direct link to Indeed to apply https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=client%20services%20coordinator%20franklin%20food%20pantry&l=Franklin%2C%20MA&vjk=97a9ff36f8085198&fbclid=IwAR2dZBfr-9rbiWZUqKnoL_BuXPPbnSyMjdZlXkxghuelGRd0H6yf3tyDxK8

hiring a Client Services Coordinator

Washington Post: "Explaining HIPAA: No, it doesn't ban questions about your vaccination status"

"As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to relax safety measures for people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus and the country begins to reopen, many employers, businesses, families and friend groups are finding themselves in the at-times uncomfortable position of having to ask about others’ vaccination statuses."

"HIPAA, also known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and its subsequently added Privacy Rule include provisions to protect a person’s identifying health information from being shared without their knowledge or consent. The law, though, only applies to specific health-related entities, such as insurance providers, health-care clearinghouses, health-care providers and their business associates."

Shared from The Washington Post:  Continue reading the article online  (subscription may be required)   https://twitter.com/washingtonpost/status/1396178093463805952