NEED HELP FAST
njjel
1,235 Posts
A key employee has been out on FMLA leave and I have just received the certification of health from their doctor (through the employee). Since this is a key employee, who, if anyone, is entitled other than myself to know what the form says? certainly I have to tell the higher ups if and when this ee can return to work and what should my response be if they ask me what the medical issue is? The people who might ask me this are also my superiors.
Comments
If they ask simply remind them that this is a confidential matter and they would not like you to be telling others about their personal situations should it become necessary. Then smile and suggest tell them they can ask the employee if they wish to at their earliest opportunity.
Chances are your managers will not ask, as they know the rules already. If they do ask, they should be embarrassed that you had to remind them and will want to get out of the conversation quickly.
If they are still insistant then something is wrong. I would then ask what their business need is. I know it is tough to put yourself on the line sometimes, but if you want to maintain your integrity and be worthwhile in your job, that is what you have to do.
Good luck!!!
Nae
"I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. Plus the HIPAA police will be beating the door down looking for me. Seriously though, I am bound by law to keep that information private. Just like when you tell me something confidential, I keep it to myself. If I were to reveal to you her medical condition, you would hold my confidentiality suspect, and I can't have you thinking that about me and not trust me anymore."
Slicker than deer guts on a door knob.
I would then contemplate the lack of respect shown you and possibly plan my exit. But you're then doing it on your terms, not theirs.
>one Hipaa compliance officer. What is wrong
>with designating whomever you directly report
>to?
That's what we did here. The President of the Company is designated to receive the info as are the HR Manager, Benefits Coordinator and Payroll Manager.