Clergy Visitation Identification Badge

The purpose of the clergy visitation identification badge is to identify those clergy or lay representatives who have been assigned by their congregation to visit patients.  Wearing this badge will enable the badge holder to make emergency visitation AFTER REGULAR VISITING hours.  Clergy are encouraged to wear their identification badge whenever they are visiting in one of the hospitals.

Clergy visitation identification badges are honored by all ARHA member hospitals as well as most other hospitals in Northeast Ohio.

Badge Application Process

Clergy interested in applying for a visitation identification badge may do so by contacting ARHA at 330-873-1500.  An application will be mailed to you or you can email arha@arha.org and the application form will be emailed back.

Applicants must return the following via regular mail:

Mail all forms to:

      The Akron Regional Hospital Association

      Attention: Clergy ID

3200 West Market Street, Suite 200

Akron OH  44333

Phone: 330-873-1500

 Fees

Review Process

Applications are reviewed for completeness upon receipt.  Should any of the required materials be missing, the application (along with any enclosures) will be returned to the applicant and the applicant notified what materials are missing.  The application cannot be considered for review and/or approval until all information has been received.

Once an application is complete, the number of badges issued to the congregation is reviewed.  Badges are issued according to the number of congregants.  Limits on badges are listed on the table shown below.

Badge Limits:

These guidelines include the total number of badges issued for a congregation, whether the badges are for ordained clergy, licensed clergy, retired clergy, or lay pastoral visitors.

Appeal Process

If an applicant is denied a visitation identification badge, he/she may appeal the decision rendered by the ARHA Credentialing Committee.

Compliance Agreement for Clergy Visitation to ARHA Hospitals

Persons wearing the Clergy Hospital Visitation Identification Badge are expected to comply with some basic guidelines for pastoral visitations.  Failure to do so may result in the revocation of clergy privileges and the surrender of the Identification Badge.

1.            I will comply with each hospital’s rules for visitation by clergy visitors.

2.            While in the hospital, I will wear my identification badge in a clearly visible location with the photograph exposed.

3.            I will visit only members of my own religious institution, their immediate family members or persons requesting my presence.

4.            I will respect the wishes of the patient who does not want a clergy visit.

5.            I will not interrupt or interfere with any medical treatment or examination; I will cooperate with treatment plans.

6.            I will wear the necessary clothing, gloves, and masks to eliminate passing of infection by observing the notices on patient’s doors.

7.            When a patient’s door is closed, I will request a member of the hospital staff to check if it is all right for me to visit.

8.            In intensive care units, and outside regular visiting hours, I will identify myself to the staff on the floor before visiting.

9.            I will limit the use of my parking privileges to my professional function as a clergy visitor.

10.          I will surrender my badge and notify the Akron Regional Hospital Association when I am no longer affiliated with the congregation that is identified on the badge.

11.          I understand that disrespect and rudeness directed to any person at ARHA, the hospital staff (s) or patient (s) may result in the loss of ARHA hospital visitation privileges.

12.          I understand that I must come to ARHA for my photo to be taken for this ID within the 3-month approval period or the new/renewal application will be null and void and will result in a loss of my total new application or renewal fee.

13.          I agree not to disclose any information regarding any patient admitted to this hospital – including that the patient is or was hospitalized, the reason for hospital treatment, or the patient’s medical condition – without the express consent of the patient or, if the patient is a minor or unable to give consent, the legal guardian.

For Clergy: Guide to Hospital Clergy Visitation