Guidance on Vendor and Research On-Site Requirements

UMMS’s guidance on Vendor and Research On-Site Requirements, provides criteria for entry into our facilities by vendors and research personnel who are not employed by UMB or UMMS. The purpose of the guidance is to allow clinical operations and research functions to occur while protecting the safety of staff and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The protocols outlined in this policy pertain to vendors who are responsible for making deliveries to internal locations throughout UMMS facilities, sales representatives in both clinical and non-clinical areas, and research personnel who are not employed by UMB or UMMS. Every person who enters any UMMS facility is expected to wear a mask at all times, and those entering clinical care areas must abide by all current UMMS PPE utilization and conservation policies. Vendors and research personnel are also required to complete a screening for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival.

This guidance was updated on September 29, 2021, to reflect that vendors must now meet the vaccination expectations documented in the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy.

Click here to view Guidance on Vendors and Research On-Site Requirements.

FAQs

Are research personnel not employed by UMB and UMMS permitted to work on-site at this time?

Yes. However, study monitors and other research personnel not employed by UMB and UMMS must follow local policies and procedures to secure prior approval for on-site work.

What are the criteria for permitting vendors to enter UMMS facilities?

Only those vendors whose work supports surgical or procedural cases, or other mission-critical needs, are currently permitted to enter UMMS facilities. In these cases, vendors must check-in using IntelliCentrics and are required to remain in their designated workspace. They are not allowed to use other areas of the facility, including the cafeteria and lounge areas, unless required for deliveries they are making. All sales pitches and meetings should be conducted by phone or teleconference at this time.

UMMS vendors are also required to meet the vaccination expectations outlined in the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy. This means that, effective October 1, 2021, all vendors who enter UMMS facilities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption and undergo weekly serial testing. Please review the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy in full for additional details, including information about limited exemptions.

How does international travel impact vendors and research personnel?

Vendors and researchers who have traveled outside of the United States cannot enter a UMMS facility for 14 days following their return.

What steps are we taking to protect staff and patients as these individuals resume work in our facilities?

All vendors and research personnel who are approved to enter our facilities are required to wear masks at all times, and those entering clinical areas are also expected to adhere to our PPE utilization and conservation policies. Additionally, these individuals are required to complete a screening for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival. Prior to entry, they will need to confirm they are not sick, do not have a fever or respiratory issues (including coughing and shortness of breath), and that they have not traveled outside the United States in the past 14 days. As of October 1, 2021, vendors and research personnel who enter our facilities are also required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption and undergo weekly serial testing. Please review the COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy for additional details.