The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is trying to navigate new stricter telework policies from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that complicate reasonable accommodation requests for employees with disabilities. HHS requires that all telework requests be approved by senior officials, which is expected to slow the approval process.
Amid a backlog of over 3,000 requests, the CDC has implemented ad hoc solutions, allowing temporary telecommuting for up to 30 days by directing employees to send medical documentation to COO Linda Chapman. This has raised concerns about the appropriateness of non-medical personnel reviewing sensitive health information. Critics, including former CDC officials, argue that this undermines established systems designed to ensure compliance with disability laws.
CDC leaders have been told to refrain from discussing legal implications regarding these changes, which has further added to the anxiety among supervisors about potential liability. Some Senate Democrats have expressed that the new policy is detrimental to employees with disabilities. The department has stated it remains committed to processing accommodation requests efficiently but acknowledges the challenges posed by the new guidelines.
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