The claim is based on requested exemption from administering immunizations because of "needle phobia."
Issues of the Case
A pharmacist in a New England state was notified by his employer that
he would be required to obtain certification to administer immuniza- tions, as would all pharmacists, by a certain date. He sought an exemption based on his documented “needle phobia.” How will the court system view his termination?
Facts of the Case
The pharmacist was a pharmacy manager at a national pharmacy chain location. In April 2016, the employer announced a new policy, effective 1 week after the date of the announcement: Newly hired pharmacists would have to be certified to administer immunizations, and those already employed would have 6 months from the date the rule became applicable to newly hired staff members to complete the vaccination certification process.
The pharmacist pursued the exemption request policy outlined in the chain’s human resources manual. As part of that request for an accommodation, he submitted a medical questionnaire that included a statement from his physician that described his condition, known as trypanophobia. In July, approximately 3 months after the policy change had been announced but 3 months before the effective date for continuing employees, the employer sent the pharmacist a letter that indicated he had been granted an accommodation and would not be expected to administer immunizations.
Nonetheless, 2 days after the effective date of the...
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