POLICY 06:30:00

VOLUNTEER WORKERS

Purpose
To establish institutional guidelines to be followed for individuals who may serve Pellissippi State Community College in a volunteer capacity. Such individuals are not considered to be employees, however legislation which was passed in May 1986 extended state claims coverage to individuals who are participants in volunteer programs operated by state entities.

Policy
Pursuant to T.C.A. 8-42-101(3)(B), individuals serving in volunteer status at Pellissippi State Community College are immune from suit in the same manner as state employees for actions taken in the course of performing volunteer services. In order for potential claims against volunteers to be paid, state entities, including TBR institutions, are required to report information on volunteer programs to the Division of Claims Administration. If Pellissippi State fails to register the volunteer, and the state pays attorney fees or a judgment based on the volunteer’s actions, then the costs and awards will be funded through Pellissippi State’s budget. Medical professionals providing direct health care as a volunteer, are only considered a “state employee” under the defense reimbursement provisions for purposes of medical malpractice.

Procedures
A Volunteer Agreement/Statement of Understanding form is forwarded to the Human Resources Office to be submitted to the State Board of Claims for processing. The volunteer shall not perform work or service prior to completion of the Statement of Understanding/Agreement and approval by Human Resources.

Source: Tennessee Board of Regents Guide P-010

Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, March 4, 1996
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, March 6, 1996
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, October 10, 2001
Reviewed: President’s Staff, October 9, 2006
Approved: President Allen G. Edwards, October 9, 2006
Editorial Changes: July 1, 2009
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, November 24, 2014
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise, Jr., November 24, 2014
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, May 23, 2022
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise Jr., May 23, 2022