QUESTION INDEX

1. Background Information
2. Registration Information
3. Legal Issues
4. Commitments
5. Training and Education
6. Contact Information

1.  BACKGROUND INFORMATION  

Q1.   What is the purpose of MI Volunteer Registry?
A1.   The purpose of the volunteer registry is to provide an electronic environment for volunteers to indicate their volunteer interests and contact information.  In the event of an accidental, natural or intentional public health emergency, or other public or health care disaster, the registry functions as the central location for volunteer information, which can be queried and appropriate volunteers contacted by e-mail or text pager (if appropriate).

Q2.  Where does support come from for the MI Volunteer Registry?
A2.    Funds from the Office of the Assistant for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Hospital Preparedness Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been allocated for the creation, development and maintenance of the volunteer database.  Volunteers, along with local and regional agencies, will be able to use the system without direct cost to them.

Q3.  What professions are being sought?
A3.   MI Volunteer Registry seeks people with all skill levels and experiences. Although the focus is on physicians, nurses, behavioral health professionals, and ancillary health professionals; other targeted professions and skill sets include security, clergy, interpreters, food service, clerks, and electricians to name a few.


REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Q1.  Who can register for MI Volunteer Registry?
A1.   MI Volunteer Registry is designed primarily for healthcare professionals, support persons, and Citizen Corps Program volunteers.  However, operators of retail food establishments, food processing plants, food distribution firms, as well as food industry association officials and regulatory officials may also register.

Q2.  Where can I register to be a volunteer?
A2.  To register, go online to: http://www.mivolunteerregistry.org .
Registering should take approximately 5-10 minutes.

Q3.  What do I have to do to qualify to register?
A3.   We are seeking people with healthcare backgrounds and experience who are interested in volunteering during an emergency.  We are looking for people with all skill levels and experiences.  Once you have filled out the necessary information for registration, the local, regional, or state health agency will review your information to determine if you are qualified to assist with potential volunteer activities.

Q4.  Can I register if I am not currently licensed?
A4.  Yes, there is a need for unlicensed health volunteers as well as general support volunteers. 

Q5.  If I am not currently employed, but keep my license current, can I register?
A5.  Yes, if you are retired or are not working in a health care field, please register.

Q6.  May I volunteer for the MI Volunteer Registry as well as for other organizations?
A6.  We understand that people may volunteer for many things. The MI Volunteer Registry can capture other commitments when identified by individuals.

Q7.  What if I am in the military?
A7.   If you have other priorities to work or volunteer in an emergency, please indicate that on the registration form.

Q8.  How many people are needed for the registry?
A8.   We would like to register as many people as possible so that communities will have immediate access to the health personnel that they will need in the event of an emergency.

Q9.  How will I be able to update my information?
A9.   You will have a secure password that will allow you to re-enter and modify your record at any time.  You will also receive periodic reminders to check the accuracy of your profile.

Q10.  Is it required that I register now or may I decide if and when a crisis occurs?
A10.  We strongly recommend registration prior to an event, however it is not required.  Advanced registration of health care volunteers will provide hospitals, public health, and emergency authorities immediate access to personnel that may be needed in the event of an emergency. 

Q11. Does registering obligate me to volunteer in an emergency?
A11.  No.  At the time when there is an emergency, you will be notified. You will be able to make the decision to volunteer when notified.


3.  LEGAL ISSUES

Q1.  Are there provisions for compensating me for time lost from work or other expenses?
A1.  At this point there are no provisions for compensating volunteers.

Q2.  What protection might be available for volunteers against liability lawsuits arising out of the volunteer work?

A2.   In Michigan, volunteers may be protected from civil liability through the following statutes.   However, if you have additional questions, you should consult with your own attorney.

Governmental Immunity Act, MCL 691.1401 to 691.1419 - While acting on behalf of a governmental agency, a volunteer is immune from tort liability if the volunteer is acting or reasonably believes he or she is acting within the scope of his or her authority, the governmental agency is engaged in the exercise or discharge of a governmental function, and the volunteer's conduct does not amount to gross negligence that is the proximate cause of the injury or damage. 

Liability of Certain Persons for Emergency Care, MCL 691.1501 to 691.1507 - Commonly referred to as The Good Samaritan Act, this statute protects certain licensed health professionals from civil liability when providing emergency care without compensation at the scene of an emergency, provided there was no provider/patient relationship established before the emergency.  This statute covers physicians, physician's assistants, registered professional nurses, and licensed practical nurses.

Emergency Management Act, MCL 30.401 to 30.421 - This statute provides general immunity from liability for Disaster Relief Forces while on duty.  During a declared state of disaster additional protections are provided to certain health professionals who render services and the Director of the Michigan State Police may issue a directive relieving volunteers of liability except for gross negligence.

Public Health Code, MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211 - Several sections of the Public Health Code grant immunity from liability:

Health Departments - The director or an employee or representative of the state health department or a local health department is not personally liable for damages sustained in the performance of departmental functions, except for wanton and willful misconduct (MCL 333.2228 and 333.2465).

Immunization Programs - When participating in an approved mass immunization program in this state, health personnel cannot be held liable except for gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct (MCL 333.9203).

Emergency Medical Services Personnel - Immunity from liability is provided except for gross negligence or willful misconduct (MCL 333.20965).

Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, Public Law 105-19, 42 USC Chapter 139 - Volunteers may also be protected from civil liability under this federal law. 

For Government Employees:

Interstate Emergency Management Assistance Compact, MCL 3.991 to 3.1004 - Michigan is a member of this multi-state compact, which is commonly referred to as EMAC.  Individuals who are deployed to other states under the compact are immune from civil liability except for willful misconduct, gross negligence or recklessness.  Deployment under the compact is through the EMAC Coordinator at the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division. 

Q3.  If I become injured or sick as a result of the volunteer work, are there any provisions for my medical care and related expenses?
A3.  MI Volunteer Registry is simply a database; it does not provide health or disability benefits.  Organizations that utilize volunteers might provide such benefits, but that will vary on a case-by-case basis.  Workers' compensation laws cover employees.  Therefore, unpaid volunteers are not usually covered by workers' compensation. 

If a person is deployed under EMAC, the National Medical Response System, or other governmental programs, and becomes a government agent or employee, then the person may become eligible for workers' compensation benefits. 

Q4.  Are there any eligibility restrictions for volunteering?
A4.  All health professionals are encouraged to enroll in MI Volunteer Registry.  When a volunteer's services are needed, an authorized user of the registry will contact the volunteer to inquire about availability and willingness to serve.  Depending on the circumstances, conditions could require certain skills, abilities or other criteria.    

Q5.  What precautions are being taken by the State to protect health volunteers against disclosure of personal information contained in the MI Volunteer Registry?
A5.  Only authorized system administrators will have access to your information. The registry is not open to the public for any purpose. The system is designed so the database of volunteers can be queried for the specific health professions needed following an emergency incident.


4.  COMMITMENTS

Q1.  What is the level or length of volunteer commitment in an emergency?
A1.   Once notified of the emergency or crisis, each volunteer will determine their current availability, based on the following:
-    What kind of incident are you willing to respond to?
-    What distance are you willing to travel?
-    How long are you willing to be deployed?

Q2.  What kind of tasks may I be assigned?
A2.  The type of tasks assigned may depend upon the situation or event.

Q3.  Can I be asked to volunteer out of State?
A3.  Yes, you may be asked but are under no obligation to volunteer out of state.

Q4.  Do I have to go out of state?
A4.  No, see above (A3).

Q5.  Under what conditions will I be contacted to provide emergency services?
A5.  You will be contacted in an emergency if local, regional, and/or state responder resources are not sufficient to meet the need for response and recovery efforts resulting from that incident.

Q6.  Will I get paid to volunteer?
A6.  No.  All volunteer work is unpaid.  However, being a volunteer is important!


5.  TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Q1.  What kind of training or additional responsibilities will I receive for dealing with emergencies?
A1.  There are no trainings or additional responsibilities that are required prior to an emergency at this time.  However, disaster training and participation in local and regional exercises is encouraged.  Specific opportunities will be posted on the news and announcement page MI Volunteer Registry.  We encourage volunteers to check this frequently.

Q2.  What kind of risks may I be exposed to in an emergency?
A2.   You may be needed in different types of emergencies, including floods, tornados, large fires, and events that may be chemical, biological or radiological in nature.  You will be offered training on how to help in an emergency, as well as how to protect yourself.

Q3.  How can I get information about local or regional preparedness contacts, activities, including training?
A3.  Information regarding preparedness training and activities can be found in the MI Volunteer Registry or at MI-TRAIN http://mi.train.org .


6.  CONTACT INFORMATION

Q1.  How will I be contacted in an emergency?
A1.  You will be contacted via e-mail or text pager. The e-mail or text message will provide all of the information about where to report, credentials to bring, and other necessary information relative to the situation.

Q2.  If I have questions or concerns once I have registered, whom do I contact?
A2.  If you have questions regarding MI Volunteer Registry, please email the help desk at help-mivolunteerregistry@michigan.gov   or call 866-636-6324.
Food industry questions can be directed to beseyk@michigan.gov or 517-373-2779.

Q3.  If I volunteer, will there be help available to take care of my family?
A3.   No, this is a personal responsibility and whether you chose to volunteer or not, it is important to develop an emergency plan for your family.  See the Family Preparedness Guide at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/familypreparedness_color_62898_7.pdf .

Disclaimer:  This FAQ is for informational purposes only.  Nothing within this FAQ is meant to provide specific legal guidance or advice to any person.  Rather, this FAQ is meant to serve as an assessment tool for individuals who are considering participation in the MI Volunteer Registry.  Readers should consult with their own attorneys about these laws and their applicability to particular situations or organizations
 

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