If you get placed in a mental hospital can your employer fire you if you have a doctors excuse?

Question

I'm in PA & I don't know the laws. But I am not ok & I think I might need to go away. Is this covered by Gateway insurance? I'm scared of how long they will keep me. You don't think they will take my kids from me do you? I am not threat to them & I think that I'm a really good mom.

Answer 1

I am not sure what Gateway insurance is, so I won't address that, except to say that most insurance policies do not covered mental illnesses as thoroughly as physical illnesses (even though the two are really the same thing).

A hospital can only keep you against your will if you are a threat to yourself or others, which usually means an imminent threat (that is, if they let you go there is a good chance you'll kill yourself or go attack someone). Most times, you would sign in as a voluntary patient. Most times people are there only a week or so. Maybe you are not in an emergency situation like that. In fact, insurance will ONLY pay for a hospital stay if you are a threat to yourself or others. In this case, you probably need an emergency outpatient appointment with a psychiatrist. You may have to look for a hotline number, like a suicide hotline, to get some community resources information.

So far as your kids go, I don't really know. I know some moms who lost their kids. A lot of times I think this happens when people lack insight into their mental illness and so they end up being negligent caregivers. If you're asking for help, and arrange for someone to care for your kids (like your mom or something) while you're gone, that shows that you are responsible.

Good luck. The person who was talking about what he/she learned in a business law course is correct. You're protected by the medical leave rules, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. If they are not very nice people, though, it could be hard to enforce your rights, especially when you're not doing well. I think going to a mental hospital is a lot more common than people realize, it's just that no one talks about it.

Answer 2

If your employer fires you they are in violation of the disability rights laws. I've had health problems my entire life and have always been worried about not being hired due to medical reasons but it's completely unlawful for employers to hold either your mental or physical health against you. That doesn't mean it won't happen though. However it does mean that if they do you are allowed to seek redress of your grievances through the courts of law. If you have a spouse I'm positive you won't lose your kids but I'm not sure the protocol for single parents. My fiance's mother is bipolar and became very depressed a few years ago and tried to commit suicide. She had an 8 year old daughter in the home with her but they didn't take her daughter away though I think that may have to do with her having a mentally stable husband in the picture. I wish you all the luck in the world and remember that your kids need you to get help in order for you to be the best mommy you can be. Good luck and feel better!

Answer 3

Your employer cannot fire you for being inthe hospital regardless of whether your problem is pyschiatric or whether it is something else. This would be discrimination because of a disability. I am not sure about your insurance coverage. The hospital will contact your insurance company for what is called precertification. Whether they pay or not depends on what the doctor along with yourself determine is wrong and what you need based on your illness and need. Do you have family members or a close friend that might help with your children? Being ill does not make you a bad parent. If you have noone the doctor's personnel may be able to assist you in finding appropiate child care. You may have to talk with a social worker. Donot get frightened. They have you and your children's best interest in mind. Donot allow that to prevent you from obtaining the care you need.

Answer 4

well if PA has the bakers act then they can put you away for 72 hours without your concent. Your children wont get taken away, however you would need to let them know who your kids can stay with while your in the hospital. About your job,, if you are diagnosed with a mental illness thats outlined under the Americans with disability's act then yes you will be protected by law, and if they terminate you then you have the right to sue them.

Answer 5

No, The employer can't fire you, he has to allow you to go to your treatment, and to adjust to your condition. I had read it in "Business Law" courses.