DBA. LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES

PURPOSE

To state the position of South Plains College on employees with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, cardiopulmonary diseases, etc. This policy applies to employees of the college and employees who live with someone who has or is suspected of having a life-threatening illness.

South Plains College is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, including those who have life-threatening illnesses. The College also is committed to providing a safe work environment that meets or exceeds state and federal regulations. Consequently, employees who have a life-threatening illness will be treated like other employees as long as they meet performance standards, and medical and other evidence indicates that their condition is not a threat to themselves or others.

A. Confidentiality and Sensitivity. If an employee contracts a life-threatening illness, or if an employee discovers a fellow worker has contracted a life-threatening illness, all reasonable efforts should be exercised to ensure that this information remains private and confidential. All employees should treat employees with a life-threatening illness with compassion and understanding.

B. Information. The Human Resources Department has information on life-threatening illnesses for employees who become terminally ill, or who work with someone who has a terminal illness. The company has contacted Covenant Lakeside. Which has designed an education program for individuals who want to know more about life-threatening illnesses. This program discusses how to prevent or reduce the chance of contracting a life-threatening illness, as well as how to deal with fellow workers, family members or friends who have a life-threatening illness. Supervisors and employees should contact the Human Resources Department to obtain information about this program.

C. Working with Terminally Ill Employees. The College will allow employees who have a life-threatening illness to continue to work as long as they continue to meet performance standards, and will attempt to reasonably accommodate these employees whenever practicable.

D. Medical Examination. To assure the College that the employee who is terminally ill is not a danger to himself or herself, or to other employees, the College reserves the right to have the employee examined by a physician. All information, including the results related to the examination, will be confidential.

E. Disability. If an employee is unable to work due to a terminal illness, the employee may be eligible for medical leave of absence.