Human Resources Questions for Dentists: Doctor forms needed for pregnant employee?

Handling a small business and issues that come up with staff members can be daunting for some dentists. After all, they went to dental school, not business school. That's why the experts from Bent Erickson & Associates are here to help. Because no dentist wants to get in trouble due to mishandling staff issues.

This article originally appeared in the Principles of Practice Management e-newsletter. Subscribe to this informative twice monthly practice management ENL here.

QUESTION: There is a pregnant employee in our office. In the coming months, she will need to assist me with an important conference. This will require a lot of walking and standing for long hours. What forms should her treating physician complete to ensure she is capable of managing this situation while pregnant?

ANSWER: Unless the employee is indicating that the conference will be a problem, or that she can't do certain things, there are no forms for the treating physician to complete. Until or unless she indicates any problems, she should be treated normally and just like any other employee. It should not be assumed she cannot function normally because she's pregnant, nor should she be treated differently. These two things can lead to discrimination issues.

If she does indicate that she cannot perform certain job duties while at the conference, then a note from her treating physician explaining the limitations is required in order for you to make reasonable accommodations.

QUESTION: I work in a state where breaks and lunch periods are required. My employees prefer to skip their breaks and instead add them to their meal period so they can have an extended lunch. As long as they receive the correct total break time, is this allowed?

ANSWER: No. Employees are required to take all breaks separately and during the proper time periods.

QUESTION: How long does an office need to keep all vacation request forms?

ANSWER: Vacation request forms are not regulated by any law, nor are they a part of any documentation requirement. Therefore, there is no specified period of time for keeping the request forms on file. You can purge these documents when you think it’s a reasonable time to do so.

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Human Resources Questions for Dentists is provided by Rebecca Boartfield and Tim Twigg of Bent Ericksen & Associates. Tim Twigg is president and Rebecca Boartfield is a human resources compliance consultant with Bent Ericksen & Associates. For 30 years, the company has been a leading authority in human resource and personnel issues, helping dentists deal successfully with the ever-changing and complex labor laws. To receive a complimentary copy of the company’s quarterly newsletter or to learn more about its services, call (800) 679-2760 or visit bentericksen.com.