AT THE WORKPLACE

Sarah Egan is the office manager in Dr. Williamss 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 intoxicateduntil 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.

Questions:

• Given the situation, as the office manager, what should Sarah do immediately regarding Nell?
• If Sarah decides to send Nell home, should she call Nells 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 Nells employment record?
• Is this incident grounds for firing an employee?
• Because Nell is a CMA (AAMA) and works with patients, is it within Sarahs 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?