Question

Sarah Egan is the office manager in Dr. Williams’s practice. Nell Jacobs, who has worked as a CMA (AAMA) in the office for one year, has frequently been absent or tardy on Mondays. Sarah suspects that Nell has a drinking problem. However, Nell has never arrived at the office intoxicated—until today. Sarah has just observed Nell stumbling in the parking lot when getting out of her car. Her speech is slurred, and her breath has a fruity odor that Sarah thinks could be alcohol. Nell does not appear to understand anything that Sarah is saying to her.
Question;

Given the situation, as the office manager, what should Sarah do immediately regarding Nell?

If Sarah decides to send Nell home, should she call Nell’s husband to come and get her, or, perhaps, insist that Nell go home in a cab?

Does Sarah have an obligation to tell Dr. Williams about her suspicions regarding Nell?

Should this incident become part of Nell’s employment record?

Is this incident grounds for firing an employee?

Because Nell is a CMA (AAMA) and works with patients, is it within Sarah’s rights to demand a blood and urine screening for alcohol and drugs?

Should the police be notified of the incident?

If Nell is indeed intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is Sarah obligated to refer Nell to counseling at an alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility?

Answer 1

1.-Sarah must immediately confront Nell, just to know if she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, ask her directly if she has consumed any substance that puts the practice of her profession at risk.2.-Then you should call a relative, in this case, her husband to inform him and ask if he can go for her, or if she should be sent home in a cab.3.-Sarah must notify Dr. Williams about the situation and suspicions due to late arrivals and absences on Mondays.4.-The incidents of this type on the part of the medical personnel are much more delicate and put much more in risk than another employment, for that reason, Sarah should first speak with Nell, when she is in her 5 senses to obtain an explanation and a possible solution, a warning in time can avoid future inconveniences.5.-The incident is grounds for firing under any circumstance, but that decision is made, generally based on previous incidents, on the employee's performance and the employee's seniority in the job, in other words, even if it is grounds for firing, it is not something that will be generated automatically.6.-Sarah has the right to demand a blood test to rule out the use of substances that alter or put at risk the medical practice, and could have fatal consequences for any patient.7.- The police should not be notified, since no fault occurred in the workplace.8.-If Nell is really intoxicated by using drugs or alcohol voluntarily, Sarah could refer her to a rehabilitation center, as a condition to keep her job, although she could not force her to go to a center, it could condition her to return to work, accept professional help.