Testing positive for cannabis is a ticket for termination under the kind of "zero tolerance" policy that has come to pervade the American workplace. But what if employees are medical cannabis patients? Situation Reggie Sturd, an employee of ABC Corporation, tests positive for marijuana. He denies using or being high at work and claims he has permission under the state medical … [Read more...] about Can your medical office employees be fired for using legal medical marijuana?
Risk management
Start local managers group to make job easier
"It doesn't matter if there are three people or five or 20," says the manager of an internal specialty medical office in Tennessee. It's worth the effort to set up a local management group. She did that in her area years ago and still finds it useful. The setup was not difficult. It was just a matter of calling the other managers and saying, "Why don't we get together and … [Read more...] about Start local managers group to make job easier
Safety Briefing: Prevent needlestick injury and exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Why you need this safety briefing: Health care workers are at risk of exposure to deadly bloodborne pathogens through needlestick injuries and injuries from other sharps. How this safety briefing helps you: This is a safety talk that you can present to your medical office staff. This safety briefing is an introduction to the topics of needlestick injuries and bloodborne … [Read more...] about Safety Briefing: Prevent needlestick injury and exposure to bloodborne pathogens
What happens outside the office is still relevant
By Steve M. Cohen bio Whether it's an after hours party or sporting event far from work, incidents that are away from the office may still be relevant to managers. One of my clients had an employee who was attending a son's baseball game on a summer evening. The employee was in the stands, enjoying a few too many beers, and became very vocal, profane, and … [Read more...] about What happens outside the office is still relevant
Model Form: Hepatitis B vaccine declination
Why you need this form: Employees may decline being vaccinated against Hepatitis B and you must prove you offered the vaccination. How to use this form: Use this model form, which comes right out of the OSHA standard, to comply with the written declination rules. … [Read more...] about Model Form: Hepatitis B vaccine declination
Medical leave gets formal for 50 employees and up
By Steve M. Cohen bio When it comes to sick leave in your office of 50 or more employees, you have to follow the doctor’s orders regardless of whether or not you think the reason for the leave is justified. Because most office managers are so singularly focused on their practice, they are appalled to learn of all the limitations placed upon them by … [Read more...] about Medical leave gets formal for 50 employees and up
Flu, not Ebola, poses biggest threat to workplace productivity
With the country’s attention focused on the Ebola virus, many American’s may overlook the fact that flu season is right around the corner. And, while it is impossible to predict how this flu season will compare to previous years, one thing is certain: Employers nationwide are likely to see millions of lost work days and billions of dollars in lost productivity. … [Read more...] about Flu, not Ebola, poses biggest threat to workplace productivity
Whatever you call it, negative workplace behavior is expensive
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Whether you call it harassment, bullying or something else, negative workplace behavior can be expensive for any business. Unhappy employees today are also more likely to seek legal recourse against their employers, a fact that even medical office managers should keep in mind. Although the medical field is highly professional, it's also staffed with … [Read more...] about Whatever you call it, negative workplace behavior is expensive
How to protect your practice against costly pregnancy discrimination claims
"I'm having a baby!" When an employee utters those words, it's time for congratulations. It's also time for caution. The danger is pregnancy discrimination, and it happens often because employees are well attuned to their rights. The protection comes from the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. It applies to offices with 15 … [Read more...] about How to protect your practice against costly pregnancy discrimination claims
Ebola: what medical office managers and staff need to know
As concerns about Ebola dominate the news and social media, and have become a topic of discussion at medical workplaces, it is important to separate fact from speculation. Medical Office Manager shares the following information from the World Health Organization (WHO) to help you and your staff better understand Ebola and its potential impact. Key facts Ebola virus disease … [Read more...] about Ebola: what medical office managers and staff need to know