I. Purpose of policy
To allow for and maintain a work environment that enables individuals with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities.
II. Policy scope
This policy applies to the following positions at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic and Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital (collectively, “Dartmouth-Hitchcock” or “D-H”): Physicians/Fellows/Residents, Associate Providers, Non-Provider Staff, Temporary Staff, Per Diem/PRN Staff, Volunteers, Travelers, Students and Leased employees.
Nothing in this policy provides any contractual rights regarding employee accommodation, nor does anything in this policy alter or modify the employment-at-will relationship between D-H and its employees.
III. Definitions
All definitions shall be interpreted consistent with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, and its applicable regulations, as well as applicable state law. To the extent the state and federal laws differ, D-H shall interpret the definition in the manner that affords the greatest employment opportunity to employees.
IV. Policy statement
Dartmouth-Hitchcock is committed to equal opportunity in employment for persons with disabilities and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and any other applicable state and federal laws. Accordingly, Dartmouth-Hitchcock shall not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in regard to application, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, training, or other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. Moreover, it is Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s policy to provide reasonable accommodations in employment to qualified individuals with disabilities so that they can perform the essential functions of the job unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on D-H’s operations or would change the essential functions of the position. Retaliation against an individual with a disability for utilizing this policy or seeking a reasonable accommodation is prohibited.
Requesting an Accommodation. Individuals with any questions or requests for accommodation should contact the Benefits Department at 653-1400. Once a request for an accommodation is received, Human Resources engages in the interactive process with the employee, the employee’s home department, the employee’s provider, and any other relevant and necessary parties until a determination can be reached upon whether a reasonable accommodation can be made for the employee.
Employees are required to cooperate fully with D-H in the procurement of medical records so that D-H can fully comply with applicable law. This means that the employees are required to supply D-H’s Benefits department or its designee with any and all records that D-H lawfully requests as part of the interactive process and to execute any medical authorizations or release forms provided by D-H, its designee or a medical care provider. All medical information will be maintained consistent with applicable privacy policies.
Safety Standards. All employees are required to comply with Dartmouth-Hitchcock safety standards. Deviation from Dartmouth-Hitchcock safety standards places undue burden upon Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Dartmouth-Hitchcock shall not undertake to accommodate any individual if that accommodation causes a direct threat to the safety of that individual or others in the workplace, including patients and colleagues. Individuals who are currently using illegal drugs are excluded from coverage under this policy.
Retaliation is prohibited. D-H will not tolerate any form of retaliation against an applicant or employee on the basis of a disability, a request for a disability accommodation, or participation in a complaint or investigation of disability discrimination.
Questions. Individuals with any questions or requests for accommodation should contact the Benefits Department at 653-1400 or dhbenefits@hitchcock.org.
V. References
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) / Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) Civil Right Act of 1964, Title VII
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA)
D-H Policy ID: 448