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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    3

    Default "At Will" Termination

    I thought I would stary off with an intoduction about myself. I am Rick 25 yrs old. Currrently a Staff Sargent in the US Air Force. Originally from DC but now residing in Texas. I am taking classes to hopefully get my degree in Health Care Administration.

    Ok here it goes i hope somebody here can help me. Im taking a human resource class and the topic they want me to discuss is "at will" hiring/termination practices. Here is the scenario: Jane recently started working for Sundown Community Hospital in the claims/billing department. Her duties included preparing and submitting Medicare/Medicaid claims for payment. Shortly after being hired Jane discovered irregularities which were potentially illegal billings to Medicare. When she raised the issue to her supervisor James, she was terminated. Jane inquired as to the reason and was told that according to the staff handbook all employees are hired "At Will"; thus, no reason or notice was needed for termination.

    As the director of HR for Sundown Community Hospital what concerns would you have over Jane's termination?

    I have googled and yahooed the heck out of this topic but i can't really find anything. All I can really find is the definition of an "at will" employee. Anybody out there got some insight on this topic? Thanks in advance

  2. #2
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: "at Will" Termination

    Its really not that simple. At will allows employers to terminate anyone at anytime long as it violates no law. However it appears here that the firing was in response to her findings of unlawful actions. In this case I would advise the employee to contact an Attorney and discuss wrongful termination. However do not take my word for it we have several well informed persons here who are very wise about such issues Betty3, cbg, cyjeff to name three

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: "at Will" Termination

    Except that I don't do other people's homework.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    9,096

    Default Re: "at Will" Termination

    Me neither.

    However, I can't resist giving our standard answer to at will. Call me snuggly.

    I found this at wikipedia... and so could the OP... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At-will

    At will means any hiring is presumed to be "at will"; that is, the employer is free to discharge individuals "for good cause, or bad cause, or no cause at all," and the employee is equally free to quit, strike, or otherwise cease work.

    Although all U.S. states have a number of statutory protections for employees, most wrongful termination suits brought under statutory causes of action use the federal anti-discrimination statutes which prohibit firing or refusing to hire an employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap status. Other reasons an employer may not use to fire an at-will employee are:

    For Refusing to Commit Illegal Acts – An employer is not permitted to fire an employee because the employee refuses to commit an act that is illegal.

    Family or Medical Leave – Federal law permits most employees to take a leave of absence for specific family or medical problems. An employer is not permitted to fire an employee who takes family or medical leave for a reason outlined in the Family and Medical Leave Act.

  5. #5
    panther10758 Guest

    Default Re: "at Will" Termination

    I typed "at will" also into google and got countless links. Clearly our OP is either lazy or not very gifted on internet searches

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    9,096

    Default Re: "at Will" Termination

    Quote Quoting panther10758
    View Post
    I typed "at will" also into google and got countless links. Clearly our OP is either lazy or not very gifted on internet searches
    Any time a serviceman or woman asks a favor, I feel compelled to help.

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