Excused Patient Care
Employee exclusions are subject to change based on evolving information and circumstances
The University of Maryland Medical System constantly strives to provide a safe and healthy workplace for our employees, faculty, patients, students and visitors. We also recognize that certain individuals may be at higher risk of harm from COVID-19 than the rest of the population. Protecting employees who directly or indirectly care for patients is always our highest concern and is especially critical during this pandemic.
This policy identifies those individuals who are potentially at higher risk of harm after being exposed to COVID-19, including pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions. It also defines the processes for requesting to be reassigned or excused from caring for PUI/COVID-19 patients based on those underlying medical conditions.
Employees are responsible for reporting to their supervisor whether they meet the criteria to be excused from work or for requesting reasonable accommodations be made if they have an underlying medical condition. Responsibility for assigning appropriate staff to care for PUIs/COVID-19 patients falls to managers and supervisors.
Please know that we will continue to issue policies and guidance with the safety and welfare of our employees in mind. Thank you for your continued dedication to the health care profession and for providing the highest quality medical care to our patients.
David Marcozzi, MD, MHS-CL, FACEP
Incident Commander
UMMS Incident Command Structure
Supporting Documents
FAQs
Q: Who does this policy affect?
A: This policy is intended for certain individuals may be at higher risk of harm from COVID-19 than the rest of the population including pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions.
Q: I don’t give direct patient care, but I am pregnant and work in an area where I am exposed to PUI/COVID-19 patients. Does this apply to me too?
A: Yes. This policy is designed to protect pregnant woman who are direct patient care providers as well pregnant women who work in areas where they are exposed to PUI/COVID-19 patients. Employees who are not pregnant but believe they have medical conditions that put them at high risk for complications associated with COVID-19 also fall under this policy.
Q: I am not pregnant, but I have underlying health conditions that could cause complications if exposed to COVID-19. Does this apply to me?
A: Yes. Employees who are not pregnant, but believe they have medical conditions that put them at high risk for complications associated with COVID-19 also fall under this policy.
Q: I am pregnant patient provider or work in an area where I am exposed to PUI/COVID patients? What should I do?
A: Report your condition to your immediate supervisor as soon possible. Pregnant
employees will be reassigned so they are not providing care or are otherwise exposed to COVID-19 in their working area.
Q: I feel I meet the criteria to be excused from providing direct patient or from working in an area where such care is provided, but I am not pregnant. What should I do?
A: Follow the process to request a reasonable accommodation as described in the policy.
Q: I am currently part of a bargaining unit. How does this affect me?
A: This policy applies to all employees who are part of a University of Maryland Medical System facility or its affiliates. The policy is applied equally to all employees; however, an existing collective bargaining agreement may contain leave provisions that either supersede or are supplemental to the provisions of this policy. If you are part of a bargaining unit, please consult with your union representative/steward for more information.