Mobile Application Location Services Policy

Scroll down for frequently asked questions.

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to clearly explain how location services are used within the Field Service Location (FSL) mobile application and how these features promote transparency and accuracy. This policy is intended to align with the federal mandate 21st Century Cures Act which requires Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for fraud prevention and verification of services rendered.

Scope
This policy applies to all caregivers using the 24 Hour Home Care’s FSL mobile application for timekeeping purposes, viewing available appointments, and other work-related functions. It covers how and when location data may be accessed and stored when using the app.

Policy
The FSL mobile application’s location data is accessed only during specific, user-initiated actions and is controlled by the caregiver through their personal device settings. Generally, caregivers cannot disable geolocation for mandatory EVV timekeeping because federal law requires location data at the start/end of shifts to confirm services for Medicaid/Medicare, but they can turn it off after clocking in/out. Further, the system only tracks location during the actual clock-in/out process, not continuously throughout the day, and data is kept secure.

1. Clock In / Clock Out Functionality

• When a caregiver clocks in or clocks out, the app retrieves the device’s current location at that single moment in time.
• This location is captured as GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) and is saved only with the corresponding time entry.
• There is no continuous tracking, background monitoring, or live location streaming before, during, or after a shift.

2. Viewing Available Appointments

• When caregivers use the radius filter to view available appointments, the app temporarily uses the device’s current location to display nearby opportunities.
• This location information is not stored, retained, or saved in Salesforce or any other system.

3. User Control of Location Services

• Location access for the app is fully controlled by the caregiver through their phone’s operating system settings.
• The app can only access location data if the caregiver grants permission.
• If location services are disabled, no GPS coordinates will be captured or saved during clock in or clock out events.

Privacy & Caregiver Recommendations
Caregivers who have concerns about location access are encouraged to manage their phone settings based on their comfort level:

• Only While Using the App – Limits location access to when the app is actively open and in use. Location is captured only at the exact moment you clock in and clock out for a visit
• Never / Disabled – Prevents the app from accessing location data entirely, including for clock in/out events. Turning it off during the shift will likely prevent you from clocking out correctly and will flag non-compliance. 

Commitment to Privacy

The company is committed to respecting caregiver privacy and limiting data collection to what is necessary for operational and compliance purposes. The mobile application is designed to support accurate timekeeping and scheduling. It is not to track caregiver movement or location outside of specific, caregiver-initiated actions.