🎁Product Samples & Gifts
This section outlines guidelines for offering product samples ethically and compliantly, including documentation, patient consent, disclosure, and prohibitions on accepting gifts or compensation.
👉 This section covers:
Product Samples & Ethical Guidelines
Samples can be a valuable way to support your patients and add an extra layer of care that also benefits your private practice. As an independent contractor, you are permitted to offer free product samples, provided you follow HIPAA compliance and document all recommendations appropriately.
Guidelines for Offering Samples
When providing samples, you must:
Document clearly in your clinical note:
The product name.
The potential value or benefit to your patient.
Your rationale for recommending it.
Note: If you use the Berry Street AI Assistant during sessions, document the sample in the Goals section so you can follow up on your client’s experience.
Communicate transparently with your patient:
Clarify that the product is a free sample and that you receive no compensation or kickback from the company.
Note: If you have any relationship with the company, you must disclose this and document it in the clinical note.
Obtain and document patient consent:
Ask for permission before sending a sample.
If client information must be shared with a company to receive a sample, inform the client and document their agreement.
Maintain professional integrity:
Only offer samples you genuinely endorse.
Recommending products you do not stand behind can undermine patient trust and breach ethical obligations.
Accepting Gifts or Monetary Contributions
Providers must not accept gifts, monetary contributions, or any form of compensation from clients or their families. This includes—but is not limited to—cash, checks, gift cards, or material items of value.
Accepting gifts poses an ethical conflict of interest, potentially compromising the therapeutic relationship and creating a perception of obligation.
If a client wishes to express appreciation, encourage them to do so in non-material ways, such as:
Providing feedback or testimonials, or
Expressing gratitude verbally or in writing.
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