AT THE WORKPLACE

Sarah Egan is the office manager in Dr. Williams's practice. Nell Jacobs, who has worked as a CMA (AAMA) in the office for one year, has frequently been absent or tardy on Mondays. Sarah suspects that Nell has a drinking problem. However, Nell has never arrived at the office intoxicated-until today. Sarah has just observed Nell stumbling in the parking lot when getting out of her car. Her speech is slurred, and her breath has a fruity odor that Sarah thinks could be alcohol. Nell does not appear to understand anything that Sarah is saying to her.

Questions:

• Given the situation, as the office manager, what should Sarah do immediately regarding Nell?
• If Sarah decides to send Nell home, should she call Nell's husband to come and get her, or, perhaps, insist that Nell go home in a cab?
• Does Sarah have an obligation to tell Dr. Williams about her suspicions regarding Nell?
• Should this incident become part of Nell's employment record?
• Is this incident grounds for firing an employee?
• Because Nell is a CMA (AAMA) and works with patients, is it within Sarah's rights to demand a blood and urine screening for alcohol and drugs?
• Should the police be notified of the incident?
• If Nell is indeed intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is Sarah obligated to refer Nell to counseling at an alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility?