Why you need this policy: Now that medical marijuana is legal in many states, it’s important that you adjust your zero tolerance drug policy to address, if not accommodate, it. How this policy helps you: This model policy provides the appropriate language to use for your state. How to use this policy: Modify your existing workplace drug policy to include medical marijuana … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Medical marijuana
Compliance
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
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
Are your patients happy? Here’s how to find out
Monitoring the pulse of patient satisfaction is crucial to the health of your practice. Indeed, patient satisfaction can mean the difference between a thriving, profitable practice and one that’s barely breaking even. And since patients have a significant effect on the work environment, their satisfaction impacts your staff’s morale. In order to accurately … [Read more...] about Are your patients happy? Here’s how to find out
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
Model Form: ABC Medical Office notification to applicants of pre-employment screening
Why you need this screening notification: Collecting information about job applicants from social media websites like Facebook can get you into legal hot water. That's because the information you collect may be considered protected, personal information to the extent applicants can show they had a reasonable expectation of privacy in the material. How this screening … [Read more...] about Model Form: ABC Medical Office notification to applicants of pre-employment screening
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
Reports provide detailed analysis of telemedicine by state
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA), a leading international resource and advocate promoting the use of advanced remote medical technologies, recently released two state policy reports which identify gaps in coverage and reimbursement, and in physician practice standards and licensure. These reports compare state policies on a report card, assigning each state grades … [Read more...] about Reports provide detailed analysis of telemedicine by state
Consider an employee complaint line
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen A client told me that they eliminated their 800 number complaint line. When I asked why, they said, "All we got were complaints!" I disagreed. Whether they are from employees or customers, complaints are invaluable because the feedback provides an opportunity for examination. I realize the protocol might be slightly different for a medical office, but … [Read more...] about Consider an employee complaint line
Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?
Although back-to-school season rolls around every year, it always seems to bring a level of stress for working parents. And is it any wonder? A new schedule and new commitments require finding ways to meet all the demands of daily life. For households with two working parents, it can be extremely difficult; and for single-parent households, even more so. It's easy for employers … [Read more...] about Are you violating state “time off” requirements for employees who are parents?