All seven of the courts that have confronted this issue in the past decade have ruled that employers can enforce zero tolerance drug policies to fire employees for lawful use of medical marijuana. Here’s the rundown: 2013: COLORADO (Federal Court) What Happened: Brewery employee with hepatitis C, fired after testing positive for marijuana, claims use was legal under … [Read more...] about Is firing employees for medical marijuana discrimination?
Compliance
Office handbook: danger in saying too much or too little
While most offices have an employee handbook, few realize the responsibilities and even dangers it creates. A handbook ensures that both employer and employee understand the full picture of the employment. It tells what the office expects of the employee in terms of behavior, and it tells what the employee can expect of the office in terms of salary, benefits, and so … [Read more...] about Office handbook: danger in saying too much or too little
How to deliver bad news to 3 kinds of underperforming employees
The talk of management isn't easy. Here are three especially difficult conversations to be prepared for: the poor performance discussion, the no-raise-for-you discussion, and the we're-having-layoffs discussion. Business consultant, corporate trainer, and psychotherapist Linnda Durre, PhD, of Winter Park, FL, outlines what to say, and what not to say, to get the message … [Read more...] about How to deliver bad news to 3 kinds of underperforming employees
Boost revenue by training all staff on coding
Recently, we told you about the importance of getting the right people to handle your coding and billing. But the work doesn't stop once you've hired the best staff or outsourced with a reputable billing company. To keep on top of changes and compliance issues, training is essential. Here are answers to the classic five Ws: Who, What, When, Where, and Why, and the bonus, H: … [Read more...] about Boost revenue by training all staff on coding
Model Policy: Medical marijuana
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
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