[MCOH-EH] [EXTERNAL] Re: Safety Plans

[Orford, Robert R., M.D.]

If you consider a critical care nurse to be in a safety sensitive position similar to a pilot, disqualification from that job for epilepsy should seriously be considered. This is the policy followed for airmen by the FAA as described in this case report:  https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/designees_delegations/designee_types/ame/fasmb/media/epilepsy.pdf

Here is some additional information on TBI and epilepsy that you may find helpful:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1528-1167.2012.03612.x

Transfer to a non-safety sensitive nursing position would be reasonable in my opinion. Depending on the frequency and severity of the seizures, an event monitor may be helpful:
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/empatica-embrace-epilepsy-wearable-medical-device

Bob Orford,
Scottsdale, AZ

Sent from my iPhone 7

On Aug 14, 2018, at 5:48 PM, Angeli Mancuso <a1mancus at sbch.org<mailto:a1mancus at sbch.org>> wrote:

I’m very interested in this thread. Heather, if you receive any responses directly, would you mind forwarding to me at the contact info below? We recently had an employee returned from LOA after suffering a TBI and developing a seizure disorder. His physician kept releasing him to regular work saying “He could have a seizure anywhere so I’m not going to tell him he can’t work.” He wasn’t considering that this employee was a critical care nurse and having a seizure at the bedside could have disastrous consequences.

Angeli Mancuso, RN, COHN-S/CM
Manager, Employee Health & Safety | Cottage Health
P.O Box 689 | 400 W. Pueblo St | Santa Barbara, CA 93102-0689
Office: (805) 569-7866 |  Cell: (805) 729-1731 |  Fax: (805) 569-8271
a1mancus at sbch.org<mailto:a1mancus at sbch.org> | cottagehealth.org<http://www.cottagehealth.org/>
www.lifewhereyouloveit.org<http://www.lifewhereyouloveit.org/>



From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Angell Heather D.
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 11:35 AM
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Safety Plans

Hello!

Does anyone use safety plans for employees with chronic conditions, such as seizures, uncontrolled diabetes and mental health disorders?  For example, a written ‘plan of action’ is someone is having a seizure at work?

If so, do you have any resources, ect?

Thank you,

Heather

Heather Angell, RN, MSN
Clinic Coordinator
UW Hospital and Clinics – Employee Health Services
700 University Bay Drive
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: 608-263-7535
Fax: 262-7284

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