We think of the healthcare industry — compared to, say, mining — as enlightened employers. But instances of discrimination and unjust treatment occur in hospitals, clinics and care centers just as they do in other industries.
One of our areas of focus at The Mirroknian Law Firm is protection for healthcare workers against discrimination. This includes:
Discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Healthcare is now our country’s largest employer. But disabled workers in this industry must go against misconceptions that people in the field of care may not themselves have health problems.
Healthcare institutions with 15 or more employees are forbidden from treating disabled persons differently than they treat the able-bodied. Disabled persons are entitled to apply for work, to be hired to work, and to be compensated for work the same as everyone. This includes making reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
Discrimination arising from pregnancy.Pregnant women may not be fired because of their pregnancy, or demoted, or denied employment.Women who are breastfeeding must be allowed to express milk during breaks.Sometimes expectant and new mothers are treated differently out of a wrong-headed sense of protectiveness. This is not authorized by the law.
Discrimination on the basis of race. Numerous studies show that people of color experience different career trajectories in healthcare settings than non-minority providers. These career outcomes include lower rates of promotion and a lower degree of job satisfaction. Being treated differently by employers, in health care or in any industry, is against the law, and compensation may be in order.
Discrimination on the basis of age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or gender. These are protected groups under the law. Even enlightened industries forget that at times, and when they do, compensation is in order.
These are just some of the areas we cover at The Mirroknian Law Firm. Not every injustice rises to the level of discrimination, but many do. Talk to us — we want to hear your story.