41.130:  Employee Assistance Program

The EAP will provide access to or referrals to counseling services, educational information, or other solutions to work or life issues. Issues can include: family or personal relationship issues; stress related to work or major life events (marriage, divorce, death, accidents, etc.); substance abuse; financial concerns; legal concerns; other mental health issues; etc.

Use of the EAP by specific employees will remain confidential. Information regarding specific use by employees will be held by the third party vendor and remain confidential according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rules and any other related regulatory guidelines. Information that is not subject to privacy laws may be subject to public record law.

The availability of the EAP and its resources will be communicated periodically to employees and supervisors and the families of employees.

Supervisors and co-workers may be encouraged to refer employees to the EAP for assistance or information regarding work or life issues.

However, if a supervisor or co-worker believes a work or life issue is impacting the performance of an employee to a point where more severe intervention may be necessary, the supervisor should contact the Employee and Labor Relations Office in University Human Resources for guidance regarding potential intervention and the potential use of or referral to the EAP.

Upon award of the contract, UHR will communicate the availability of the EAP to employees and their family members. UHR will work with the EAP vendor to furnish reports for the university regarding the frequency of use by employees and family members, and the types of issues involved. UHR will partner with the EAP to provide educational pieces or solutions to issues that may become prevalent. For example, if the EAP reports a high volume of contact regarding elder care issues, the UHR and the EAP may decide to provide programs or services dedicated to elder care issues or collaborate with existing campus or community programs regarding the issue.

Supervisors and co-workers are encouraged to refer fellow employees to the EAP for assistance with work or life issues. However, as stated in the Plan section, if a supervisor or co-worker believes a work or life issue is impacting the performance of an employee to a point where more severe intervention may be necessary, the supervisor or co-worker should contact the Employee and Labor Relations Office in University Human Resources for guidance regarding the appropriate processes or use of or referral to the EAP.

The following policies should be consulted as appropriate:

• Policy and Procedure 41.133, "Alcohol and Other Drugs."

• Policy and Procedure 41.135, "Workplace Violence."

1. President

2. Executive Vice President and Provost

3. Executive Staff

4. Vice President for Finance and Administration

5. Director of Legal Affairs

6. Administrative Senate

7. Classified Senate

8. Faculty Senate

9. Bargaining Units

10. Policy and Procedure Review Committee