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Employer's Guide for Optometrists

Table of Contents
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Chapter I - General Considerations

Introduction 1

Legal Terms 2

At Will Employment 5

Common Theories of Wrongful Termination Lawsuits 7

Insurance Coverage for Claims of Wrongful Termination 10

Avoiding Wrongful Termination Claims 11

Chapter II - Hiring

Pre-Employment Considerations 16

Employee Hiring 17

Pre-Employment Interviews 19

Acceptable and Unacceptable Questions: Examples 21

Step-By-Step A.D.A. Hiring Guidelines 22

Independent Contractors 24

Chapter III - Working

Performance Evaluations 28

Harassment in the Workplace 30

Chapter IV - Termination

Pre-Termination Considerations 34

Termination Procedures 39

Unemployment Insurance 45

Chapter V - Forms

Index to Forms 50

Chapter VIII - Extra Forms and Posters


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EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

Table of Contents
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Right to Work in the United States 5
Introductory Period 5
Outside Employment 9
Improper Dealing with Patients, Suppliers or Others 9
Confidential Information 9
Conflicts of Interest 10
Office Right to Access Information 15
Systems Use Restricted to Office Business 15
Forbidden Content 15
Password Security and Integrity 15
Pay Periods 17
Timekeeping 17
Overtime 17
Rest and Meal Breaks 18
Bonuses 18
Expense 18
Payroll Deductions 18
Garnishment 19
Medical Insurance 20
Paid Leave 20
Vacations (20)
Holidays (21)
Personal Holidays (22)
Sick Leave (22)
Evaluations 23
Attendance and Absences 23
Tardiness 24
Discipline 24
Approved Leaves of Absence 25
Medical Leave: Nonoccupational Disability (25)
Medical Leave: Disability Because of Pregnancy, Childbirth, or Related Medical Conditions (26)
Personal Leave (28)
Military Service (28)
Other Allowable Time Off (28)
Job-Related Illness or Injury 30
Workers' Compensation Insurance 30
Occupational Disability Leave 30
Procedure When You Are Concerned About Conditions Affecting Your Job 31
Bulletin Boards 31
Solicitation 31
Required Programs (33)
Smoking (33)
First Aid (33)
General Security (34)
Violence Prevention (34)
On-the-Job Injuries (34)
Substance Abuse (34)
Your Appearance 35
Sexual Harassment Policy Statement 36
Statement of Prohibited Conduct 36
Schedule of Penalties for Misconduct 38
Procedures for Making, Investigating, and Resolving Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Complaints 39
Procedures and Rules for Education and Training 40