Disciplinary Policy and Progressive Counseling

The purpose of the Progressive Counseling document is to communicate to all team members AECCs policy and procedure for administering equitable and consistent counseling for unsatisfactory conduct or performance in the workplace. AECCs own best interest lies in ensuring fair treatment of all team members and in making certain that disciplinary actions are prompt, uniform and impartial. The major purpose of any disciplinary action is to correct the problem, prevent recurrence and prepare the team member for satisfactory service in the future. The purpose of the Progressive Counseling process is to bring a deciency to the team member's attention and gain commitment from the team member to change. AECC uses Progressive Counseling, at its discretion, because it supports the culture of personal and professional growth. The use of Progressive Counseling can correct most team member problems at an early stage, beneting both the team member and the practice. Progressive Counseling means that, with respect to most disciplinary problems, these steps will normally be followed:
Step 1 2 3 4 5 Action

A rst offense may call for verbal counseling or a documented oral counseling. A next offense may be followed by a written counseling. Another offense may be followed by another written counseling or decision making leave. And, still another offense may then lead to discharge. ! If more than six months have passed since the previous counseling (with the exception of a decision making leave), the last step taken will typically be repeated.

AECC recognizes that there are certain types of team member problems that are serious enough to justify either a decision making leave, investigatory suspension,

or, in extreme situations, discharge, without going through the usual Progressive Counseling steps Decision making leave is a paid day off for the team member to make a decision to make specic changes, or leave the practice. Investigatory suspension is used when there are serious allegations that, if true, will most likely result in termination, and if allowing the team member to continue working while we investigate could potentially put the hospital, clients, pets or other team members at risk. Allegations of harassment, theft or inappropriate medical practices would be good examples of situations that may require an investigatory suspension. The suspension will be for as long as necessary to conduct a thorough investigation. Employment with AECC is based on mutual consent and both the team member and AECC have the right to terminate employment at will, with or without cause or advance notice. ! AECC uses the Progressive Counseling disciplinary procedure as a guideline only. As an at-will employer, AECC reserves the right to proceed with disciplinary matters in whatever manner is appropriate, consistent with all applicable state and federal laws, and in the best interest of the practice. Progressive Counseling calls for any or all of the following steps:
Steps 1 2 3 Action

documented oral or written commitment memos decision making leave termination of employment

The steps used depend on the severity of the problem and the number of occurrences. There may be circumstances when one or more steps are bypassed. !! All oral and written counseling requires documentation on a commitment memo. Decision making leave communications are to be presented in writing.

In addition, all disciplinary actions must be issued with a witness present. An appropriate witness is a member of management, above the level of the team member being counseled. Witnesses do not play an active role, and simply stand by silently in observation and may sign the documentation upon completion of counseling. Counseling sessions are a matter between the Supervisor, Team Member and a condential witness. While it is impossible to list every type of behavior that may be deemed a serious offense, the Work Conduct Rules include examples of problems that may result in immediate suspension or discharge. However, the problems listed are not all necessarily serious offenses, but may be examples of unsatisfactory conduct that will trigger Progressive Counseling.