1. Under the influence is
defined as reporting to work or conducting Agency business while being impaired
to any degree by alcohol, illegal drugs, narcotics or un-prescribed medication.
Detectable odor of the above will also be considered as being under the
influence.
2. Any employee taking
medication, including Schedule II prescriptions that may cause drowsiness must
receive approval from that employee's supervisor before transporting any
clients.
3. The consumption, sale,
distribution, purchase, transfer, transportation, or possession of illegal or
un-prescribed drugs or narcotics on Community Care premises is prohibited. The
consumption of alcoholic beverages on Agency premises during work hours is also
prohibited.
4. If an employee's off
duty conduct regarding alcohol or illegal or un-prescribed drugs or narcotics
could possibly affect the ability to appropriately deliver services to its
clients or could possibly affect that employee's job performance, or otherwise
generates publicity or circumstances that adversely affects Community Care, its
reputation, or the employee's reputation, Community Care may take disciplinary
action up to and including termination.
5. Any employee arrested
and charged in a drug related A, B, or C crime (as defined by the Maine State
Criminal Code) must report such arrest to their supervisor within five days and
will be subject to suspension without pay until the matter is resolved.
6. Any employee who is
convicted of a drug related A, B, or C crime (as defined by the Maine State
Criminal Code) must report such conviction to their supervisor within five days
and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
7. Community Care shall
inform the Department of Human Services within ten days of employee notice of
the above.
8. Any employee who is
aware of another employee being under the influence shall immediately report
this situation to the employee's supervisor or to Human Resources.
9. Any employee who is
suspected to be under the influence will be transported home or taken for
medical care, if appropriate. An employee who is under the influence is not
permitted to drive.
10. In certain
circumstances, Community Care may elect to have an employee undergo medical evaluation
and/or testing at the time of the suspected impairment or at a later date. In
these cases, this evaluation and/or testing will be at Agency expense.
11. Community Care
understands that substance abuse issues are sensitive and must be handled with
care and confidentiality. While action will be taken to prevent harm or
potential harm to the employee, co-workers, clients, and others, immediate
referrals should be made through Community Care�s Employee Assistance Program.
12.
Community Care will design and implement a Substance Free
Awareness Program which will minimally include training regarding the dangers
of substance abuse, procedures for receiving available substance abuse
counseling, and stating Community Care penalties regarding substance abuse.