Chemically impaired nurse. The Employer and the Union recognize that alcoholism and chemical dependency are acknowledged to be chronic, treatable medical conditions. The Employer and the Union support efforts which will enable the chemically impaired nurse to remain in professional nursing practice so long as performance expectations are maintained. In recognition of this mutual interest, the Employer and Union support such efforts as:
Chemically impaired nurse. The Employer and the Union recognize that alcoholism and chemical dependency are acknowledged to be chronic, treatable medical conditions. The Employer and the Union support efforts, which will enable the chemically impaired nurse to remain in professional nursing practice so long as performance expectations are maintained. In recognition of this mutual interest, the Employer and Union support such efforts as:
a. Identification of the disease as well as the establishment of treatment options at an early stage to prevent or minimize erosion in work performance.
b. Participation in programs and services through which employees may seek confidential assistance and treatment in the resolution of chemical dependency problems.
c. Participation in the State Board of Nursing Substance Abuse Monitoring Program, including individually tailored return to work agreements. The Employer further acknowledges that alcoholism and chemical dependency are health conditions for which the employee is eligible to use accrued PTO and/or health leave of absence under the same terms as other health conditions. It is the intention of the Employer to work with an employee to adjust their work schedule on an ad hoc or temporary basis to support the chemically dependent employee’s participation in prescribed treatment programs. The Employer and the Union acknowledge that employees continue to be responsible for their job performance and compliance with the Employer’s policies and procedures and improvement of any unsatisfactory performance.
