ARTICLE 16 - OHIO EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
16.01 Committee Representation
The F.O.P. Ohio Labor Council shall be granted representation on any committees that may be established to accomplish the aims of the Ohio Employee Assistance Program (E.A.P.).
The F.O.P. Ohio Labor Council will cooperate in the operation of the Ohio E.A.P. and abide by the guidelines established for the program.
16.03 Employees Covered Under Ohio E.A.P.
The Ohio E.A.P. will be available to members of the bargaining unit and their immediate family (spouse and children). To the extent possible, the services of the Ohio E.A.P. will also be made available to employees who are temporarily laid-off, retired, or disabled.
Alcoholism, drug abuse, family or marital distress, social and relationship problems, mental or emotional illness, legal problems, financial problems, and related environmental conditions are illnesses or problems that can often be successfully treated or resolved. All employees with these problems or illnesses will receive assistance in locating treatment for these problems or illnesses.
Nothing in this Article is to be interpreted as a waiver of other provisions or procedures contained elsewhere in this Agreement.
It is expected that through employee awareness and educational programs, employees will seek information and/or assistance on their own initiative. Such requests will be processed as voluntary and informal rather than formal referrals.
Expenses incurred for treatment and hospitalization will be provided under group health insurance programs wherever possible. All payments to third parties for diagnosis or treatment not covered by group health insurance are the responsibility of the individual seeking and/or receiving treatment.
16.08 Diagnostic, Referral and Case Management
The cost of diagnostic, referral and case management services provided by the Community Services Centers will be covered through third party reimbursement under the State health insurance plans made available to employees or by the individual seeking and/or receiving services.
Leave will be authorized in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement for diagnosis and referral, motivational counseling, individual and group counseling appointments, treatment in a community treatment facility and other recovery services. Any and all provisions involving paid or unpaid leave may be used by employees participating in Ohio E.A.P. referrals.
16.10 Formal and Voluntary Referral
The services of the Ohio E.A.P. Central Office shall be provided for employees and their families who voluntarily refer themselves for assistance, or accept assistance through informal referral, as well as those employees for whom formal referrals are necessary.
Confidentiality of records shall be maintained at all times within the Ohio E.A.P. Information concerning an individual's participation in the program shall not enter his/her personnel file. In cases where the employee and the Employer jointly enter into a voluntary agreement, in which the Employer defers discipline while the employee pursues a treatment program, the employee shall be required to sign appropriate releases of information to the extent required to enable the Ohio E.A.P. staff to provide the Employer with reports regarding compliance or non-compliance with the Ohio E.A.P. treatment program.
An employee seeking and/or accepting assistance to alleviate an alcohol, other drug, behavioral, or emotional problem will not jeopardize his/her job security or consideration for advancement.
It is recognized that supervisory and management personnel are not qualified to diagnose an employee's problem. They may make referrals to the Ohio E.A.P. Likewise, the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Labor Council officers, Associates, and members of the bargaining committee are not qualified to diagnose a member's problem, within the context of the Ohio E.A.P. They may also make referrals.