Reminder: Photo identification badge policy allows last name omission to enhance employee and student safety

To enhance the safety of employees and students, Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine implemented a policy in 2020 allowing their last names to be omitted from photo ID badges. Those who choose this option will have the last four digits of their Penn State identification number displayed on the front of their badge as a unique identifier.

Employees, faculty and students who want a first-name-only badge may visit the ID Badge Office at their convenience. The Healthcare Facilities Act requires employee identification badges to feature a “recent photo,” which the Pennsylvania Department of Health defines as one taken within the past four years, so a new photo will be required when the badge is issued. Employees working at clinic locations outside Hershey should coordinate with their site manager for a replacement badge.

This badge policy aligns with legislation amending the Commonwealth’s Health Care Facilities Act, aimed at better protecting health care professionals in the workplace.

“The ability for employees to opt out of displaying their last name on their badge is an important safety measure,” said David Swift, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Penn State Health. “With the ease of accessing personal information through social media and online searches, this measure helps reduce risks such as stalking, harassment and other security threats.”

College of Medicine staff and students can get a new ID badge at the ID Badge Office in the main building at the College of Medicine, Room CG608.

For all ID Badge Office locations and hours, visit Access Control on the Infonet.

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