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06/10/20 bs Accommodations - Pharmacy Employees
June 10, 2020

From: "Berkley Sykes" <berkley.sykes@hhsys.org>
To: "Pharmacy" <grp_pharmacy@hhsys.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 5:11:55 PM
Subject: Accommodations - Pharmacy Employees

We in pharmacy were very fortunate to have been able to accommodate several employees during the beginning of COVID-19 in Alabama when we were uncertain of what to expect. Without pharmacy students or the PTTP program on-site, and the temporary disbanding of the call center, there were several spaces available off of the main campus to work. However, business is back to usual and almost everyone has gone back to their original work area. 

Going forward, we will be considering accommodation requests (previously made and new requests) for pharmacy employees in a manner that is consistent with HR recommendations and CDC guidelines. 

Employees may be granted an accommodation if all three of the following criteria are met:

(1) According to the CDC guidelines, the employee is at higher risk for severe illness:

• People 65 years and older
•      People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
• People who have serious heart conditions
• People who are immunocompromised
• People with severe obesity (body mass index of 40 or higher)
• People with diabetes
• People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
• People with liver disease

(2) The employee presents a note from a physician stating an accommodation is required due to a risk listed above.

(3) The employee's current job role and/or skills allows for him/her to work a position that may be accommodated.

Accommodation means that during the course of the workday, the employee will not be required to enter rooms of patients who are either COVID-19 positive, or are persons under investigation (PUI). The employee will also not be required to staff/deliver to a primary COVID-19 nursing unit (nursing units subject to change, as of 6/9/20: 4MST and ED POD C).

While we cannot guarantee accommodations will be made for pregnant employees, we will attempt to schedule these employees so that there should be no/minimal need to enter rooms or units as described above, or to attend codes. The accommodation is based on staffing needs, number of codes at any given time, number of COVID-19 positive/potential patients admitted, and current positions available/acceptable for the employee to staff. 

I know this is a very challenging time and it has been scary for some of us. Thank you all for continuing to come in and do your best for our patients in spite of your worries and fears, and for supporting your coworkers who may have concerns for their health or the health of their loved ones. It's been heartening to see you all come together to help one another and our patients. 

Please let me or your manager/supervisor know if you have questions or concerns.