RehabFAQs

do we have to retain an employee who is out due to attending rehab?

by Dr. Jamar O'Conner MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Under California law, are employers required to provide leave time for employees to attend a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program? Yes.

What should I do if my employee enters rehab?

Mar 07, 2016 · Advertisement. As the supervisor of an employee who enters treatment, it's important to meet this decision with compassion and support. It's also natural to have a host of conflicting feelings about your employee entering rehab. Understanding how to constructively address these concerns -- and questions from curious coworkers -- is essential to ...

Can I work while in rehab?

Feb 26, 2020 · Rehab treatment could be the last stop in ensuring you keep your job. About 76 percent of those with substance addictions are actively employed, but most employees with addictions avoid treatment for fear of losing their jobs or hurting their careers.

Do you need a leave of absence for substance abuse rehab?

Aug 16, 2017 · Absences May Have to Tolerated However, absences during an agreed-upon period of leave for detoxification, rehabilitation, or treatment for alcoholism normally would be considered part of the employer's obligation to reasonably accommodate the employee's condition, and should not be counted against an employee under an attendance policy.

Can I keep my job while receiving substance abuse treatment?

May 21, 2018 · Federal, state, and local laws provide various types of overlapping job-protected leave for employees with medical issues. So, employers who are considering terminating an employee who is out on medical leave, or who has requested medical leave, should keep reading to ensure a termination doesn’t result in a wrongful termination claim.

What happens when you get out of rehab?

After completing detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation, a person in recovery will return to normal life. This includes work, family, friends, and hobbies. All these circles and events can trigger cravings and temptations. Research suggests most relapses occur in the first 6 months after treatment.Dec 14, 2021

Does my job have to let me go to rehab?

You can be fired for going to rehab if you don't follow the formal FMLA process for requesting a leave of absence. If you enter a treatment facility first, then tell your employer afterward, you're not protected under this law.May 22, 2017

Is addiction a protected class?

Current illegal drug use is not protected, but recovering addicts are protected under the ADA.

Is drug addiction a disability?

Are Substance Use Disorders Considered Disabilities? In short, yes. Diagnosable drug and alcohol addictions, or substance use disorders (SUDs), are considered disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.Mar 10, 2022

Can you work in rehab?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals in addiction recovery from being discriminated against in the workplace. This means that your employer can't fire you based on your decision to attend rehab.Oct 29, 2021

Should I tell my boss IM in recovery?

Why Should You Tell Your Employer You're in Recovery? It's not always important to disclose your history of addiction to an employer. If you're strong in recovery and your job doesn't interfere with your success in any way, you probably don't need to mention it.Oct 13, 2021

Can you report drug use to OSHA?

The number is: 800-WORKPLACE.

What determines if a health care worker is qualified to perform a job within the meaning of the ADA?

To be qualified to perform a job under the ADA, an individual must satisfy the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements (“qualification standards”) of the position held or desired, and be able to perform the job's essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.Feb 26, 2007

Does addiction fall under ADA?

Addiction is generally considered a disability because it is an impairment that affects brain and neurological functions. The ADA applies to addiction to alcohol and to the illegal use of drugs differently.

Do drug addicts get PIP?

PIP may be paid to people with mental health issues such as people who have a chronic addiction problem to drugs and or alcohol. People experiencing from mental health conditions such as depression, stress, anxieties, personality disorders and other mental health issues may well qualify for financial support.Sep 19, 2020

Is methadone an opiod?

Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist that eliminates withdrawal symptoms and relieves drug cravings by acting on opioid receptors in the brain—the same receptors that other opioids such as heroin, morphine, and opioid pain medications activate.

Is alcoholism a disability under Social Security?

In a nutshell, you can't receive Social Security disability benefits based on alcoholism. If alcoholism is your only impairment, you don't qualify for disability benefits.

How much does substance abuse cost the US?

Substance addiction costs the nation about $276 billion per year, mostly in lost work productivity and health care costs. Many employees in the workforce struggle with substance addictions. Additionally, it is more cost-effective to provide treatment and rehabilitate a substance-addicted employee than to replace the individual. Therefore, many employers provide employee assistance programs (EAPs).

What is EAP in employment?

Therefore, many employers provide employee assistance programs (EAPs). EAPs provide a variety of options and services for substance abuse and mental health related problems, including on-site, in-person and telephone-based services.

What are the added pressures of high stress occupations?

The added pressures of high-stress occupations can contribute to the development and progression of a substance addiction. For professionals with demanding or high-stress positions, there are treatment programs tailored to their needs. Professional programs include general treatment and specialty treatment groups that address the unique challenges that may contribute to substance abuse issues. Facilities that offer such programs typically work with professionals to provide a plan that suits their mental and physical health needs as well as their job-related obligations.

Why do I leave my job?

Absences because of substance abuse. Punctuality problems. Inability to keep a job/frequently changing companies. A prolonged pattern of such behaviors can ruin your work reputation and lead to your termination. Employers are protected by federal law that allows them to create a drug-free workplace.

How do I know if I'm being abused in the workplace?

Signs that substance abuse may be affecting your job performance include: Performance issues.

How many hours can you work to qualify for FMLA?

For an employee to be eligible for FML, he or she must have worked at least 1,250 hours and held employment at the company for a year or more.

What is a facility admission team?

Facility admission teams work with individuals entering treatment to address any concerns they may have. Case managers will also act on clients’ behalf to assist with legal and job-related tasks, as well as update individuals’ employers and properly document an employee’s treatment progress.

What is a last chance agreement?

Often, a "last-chance" agreement between an employer and employee can document the employee's treatment and rehabilitation obligations and support disciplinary action if the employee does not live up to his end of the agreement.

What is the purpose of a no alcohol policy?

By adopting strict no-alcohol and drug policies for the workplace and using last-chance agreements to document an employee's rehabilitation obligations, employers will be well prepared to take disciplinary action, if necessary.

Can an employer terminate an alcoholic employee?

If a job requires a valid driver's license, for example, an employer would be permitted to terminate an alcoholic employee who lost a driver 's license as a result of a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Can an employer give an employee a second chance?

However, courts normally do not expect an employer to grant a second chance to an employee who suffers a relapse after participating in rehabilitation. Courts also agree that employers do not have to excuse a violation of company policy as a reasonable accommodation for an alcoholic employee. Often, a "last-chance" agreement between an employer ...

Do employers have to tolerate drinking?

Employers not Required to Tolerate Drinking on the Job. Although employers are expected to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities, nothing in the ADA requires an employer to tolerate drinking or drug use on the job, or an employee who comes to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Can an alcoholic manager win an ADA lawsuit?

For example, an alcoholic manager who claims that his alcoholism led him to drink, and that he sexually harassed his secretary while intoxicated, could not win an ADA lawsuit if the employer terminated him for the harassment.

Can an alcoholic be protected by the ADA?

Alcoholic employees may be protected by the ADA if they can prove that they are "substantially limited in a major life activity" or that they are "regarded as" such. For example, an alcoholic employee may be substantially limited in his or her ability to walk, talk, think, or work as a consequence of uncontrolled drinking.

What are some examples of when employees cannot be fired?

Examples of when employees cannot be fired: They are on FMLA leave, or. They can perform the essential functions of the job with a reasonable accommodation, but the employer refuses to provide accommodation. Examples of when employees can (possibly) be fired:

What is FMLA in California?

Likewise, California imposes similar requirements on employers with five or more employees. Federal Family Medical Leave Act (50 or More Employees) The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) applies to companies with 50 or more employees and contains very specific requirements for managing employees with medical issues.

How many hours does FMLA cover?

For covered employers, FMLA provides job-protected unpaid leave for employees working at least 1,250 hours over the preceding year who need to take leave when dealing with medical issues (including caring for children, spouses, or parents) and/or for parents to bond with a newborn or adopted child.

What is short term disability?

Short-term and long-term disability insurance policies offer income protection (cash benefits) to people who are unable to work for medical reasons. Generally, these policies do not offer job protection. In many cases, an employer may fire an employee receiving disability benefits.

How long do you have to give lactation breaks after giving birth?

NOTE: Additionally, the Affordable Care Act requires employers to provide lactation breaks for nursing mothers in a private space (other than a bathroom) for at least a year after giving birth. State law may impose additional requirements.

Why is a contracting company in a bind?

Consider the following commonplace examples: A contracting company with 15 employees is in a bind because its only licensed electrician is having heart surgery and will not be able to work for 2-3 months.

Can an employee take unpaid leave after PTO is exhausted?

Once PTO time is exhausted, the employee might be allowed to take unpaid leave at the discretion of the employer. In granting unpaid leave requests, employers must avoid treating similarly situated employees differently. Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Policies.

Why is recognition important for staff retention?

Recognition for a well-executed job is also critical for staff retention. Employees can quickly get frustrated and disheartened if their boss never provides positive feedback, fails to recognize their performance or takes credit for their work. Managers who value staff retention help employees expand their abilities.

What is employee retention?

It’s important to get the best people in the first place, aka “A players.”. A players combine experience, skill, and character; they are mature individuals who value collaboration and teamwork, and want to work with other talented people who drive and inspire them.

Why is it important to include employees in decisions?

When you include employees in important company decisions, you show that you trust them and value their input. On the other hand, when you make decisions behind closed doors, you create a barrier between management and employees that saps confidence and leaves employees questioning why they’re working with you.

Why is it important to reward good work?

It’s important to reward good work with annual salary increases and promotions on a regular basis. Career development is important for high performers, and when your best employees can reach the next level of their career with you, they’ll stay with you.

Why is it important to give employees extra responsibilities?

Giving employees extra responsibilities can increase their engagement and emotional involvement in your organization, driving retention. Famed digital agency Big Spaceship offers food for thought. Employees at Big Spaceship are encouraged to operate more-or-less autonomously, as experts in their own domain.

How to reduce employee attrition?

If you want to reduce employee attrition, it’s important to build your company culture around fundamental humanistic values like trust, transparency, and happiness: These values should be actively worked into day-to-day operations, rather than simply imagined by leadership.

Why do people leave a company?

Many employees leave because they feel like they’re not learning anything. LinkedIn Learning’s 2018 workplace development report found that 93% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career.

What happens if you get injured at work?

He might add medical restrictions that limit your work activities like carrying, lifting, squatting or sitting for long periods. In most cases, your employer keeps your position open unless your injury keeps you from work for a longer period. Check with your state's workers' compensation or labor department if there are requirements your employer must abide by after a workplace injury.

What is modified or light duty?

Modified or Light Duty. When your doctor places medical restrictions that affect your ability to do your regular job, your employer might elect to place you in a different position that involves modified work or light-duty. It might incorporate some of the same tasks you previously did or be a whole new job.

What is workers compensation?

Workers' compensation laws vary by the state. Employer-paid workers' compensation insurance programs are designed to provide support and payment for workplace injuries as set at the state level.

Can an employer keep your job open after an injury?

In most cases, your employer keeps your position open unless your injury keeps you from work for a longer period. Check with your state's workers' compensation or labor department if there are requirements your employer must abide by after a workplace injury. Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com. Loading.

Can you get a year's wages if you are fired?

Some states, such as Wisconsin, have laws that make it possible for you to capture up to a year's wages if your employer fired you for an unreasonable cause after a workplace injury.

Can a medical injury cause you to lose time?

Medical only injuries do not result in lost-time from the job. These types of injuries usually don't affect an employee's ability to complete their job. In these cases, because an employee doesn't miss time from work, he doesn't lose his job. He receives medical treatment for his injury and might have work restrictions until he is well.

What happens if an employee refuses to admit substance abuse?

If an employee demonstrates obvious signs of an apparent substance abuse or dependency problem, but refuses to admit it, an employer will have the right to hold them out of work (with or without pay) and insist that the employee participate in a medical assessment to confirm the ability to attend work safely.

What is a good rule of thumb for a disability?

A good rule of thumb is to ask the employee for “just enough” information to understand how the disability will affect the employee’s ability to work and what accommodation may be required.

How does alcohol affect the workplace?

Employees with alcohol and drug problems can have a significant impact on the workplace and negatively impact attendance, performance, behaviour and safety.

What is medical confirmation?

medical confirmation concerning the general nature of the disability and the employee’s specific functional limitations; a prognosis for recovery (the extent to which improvement is anticipated and/or possible, and the associated timeframe) and the potential for relapse; functional limitations or restrictions that may be considered permanent; and.

Does accommodation cause hardship?

While the extent of accommodation should not cause the employer or business any undue hardship, the underlying principle is that every reasonable effort will be made to support the disabled employee, and the employer will act in sincere good faith in doing so.

How often should HR keep policies?

HR should keep these policies on record, and all employees should have it in their custom policies and procedures handbook. If an employee fails to follow procedure, employers are not obligated to hold their job. Company policy should comply with the current laws. It’s best to audit it every two years or so.

How many days does an employee have to work to get FMLA?

To qualify for FMLA status, employees must work for at least a year, for 1,250 hours or more during that year. That equates to about 156 days. Employers are only mandated to follow the FMLA if the company has 50 or more employees.

What are the medical conditions covered by FMLA?

The medical conditions covered by the FMLA include: Birth and Bonding Time ( Maternity Leave) Miltary Duty or Care of a Service Member. Serious Health Condition of the Employee or Employee Family Member.

How long does it take to get FMLA?

Employers may also ask for verification, at which time, employees must produce it within 15 calendar days. Once the leave ends, employers must reinstate the employee. They must offer either the same job or a comparable one.

What is a history of disability?

A history of a disability (i.e., cancer) Has a physical or mental impairment that is non-transitory (lasts six months or less) or minor. The law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations so that the employee may perform his or her job. That accommodation may include time off.

How much does it cost to lose productivity with an absentee?

But absent employees (especially in key positions) can cost you big. This study shows how companies $450-550 billion in lost productivity with absentee or disengaged employees.

How often should a company audit its policies?

Company policy should comply with the current laws. It’s best to audit it every two years or so. Nobody wants to be on the wrong end of a retaliation suit. You should include notification procedures, specific lengths of time off, and any accommodations for disabled employees.

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