Wellness

[JohnnyWasnt]

Hi All,

I would love to hear your thoughts about our friend's situation.

Our long time friend is in his mid-60's and recently began suffering from seizures.  He is currently on medication which they are "tweaking".

He works as a salesman as an outside contractor (not an employee).  He informed his boss about his condition and the boss told him that unless he takes CBD to control the seizures, he will be "suspended".

Now, the bookkeeper/secretary at my friend's workplace is also urging him to follow the boss' instructions and is also pressuring him to take the CBD.

The boss told my friend that the CBD is FDA approved (it is not).  His boss has absolutely no medical background or training.

My friend's neurologist said it probably wouldn't hurt (!).  I did a little research and read that sometimes CBD can actually trigger seizures instead of reducing them.  

Am I the one who is crazy?  I am beyond appalled at the nerve of this "boss" blackmailing his "employee" to take his "medical" advice as to how to treat his seizure condition. How does he have the nerve to tell our friend what "medication" to use?  What business is it of his?  He has a NEUROLOGIST for this very purpose - a real medical doctor!

I fume every time I think of this.  Of course, I would love for my friend to just quit but that's really not ideal financially right now.

I would really like to hear other thoughts!  Thanks so much and apologies for the long post.

JW

[spumoni99]

Its completely invasive, rude and inappropriate.  He could just lie and say he is taking it.  The boss could have a lawsuit on his hands I would think.

[Kachina624]

One of the implications might be that while taking possible harmful CBD Oil, he might be foregoing medication that could really control his seizures. He should just tell his boss that he's under medical care and being treated by a specialist.

I just hope he's being treated and not driving when there's a danger of him seizing and causing an accident.  If this is not the case, he should be reported to the DMV and quit driving even if it affects him financially.

This could evolve into a huge legal mess.  I'd stay out of it.

[gizmogal]

Let him appease his intrusive, over-reaching boss and say he's stocked up on CBD or say whatever it takes for the matter to no longer be the boss's business. 

Alternatively, he could get a formal note from his doctor saying CBD is contraindicated for his condition and he is not permitted to use it in any form. Then his boss will have to shut up and stop making (probably illegal) demands. 

And your friend should absolutely stop discussing his medical condition or treatments with his boss, his work colleagues, or his customers or accounts. Sharing medical information is ideally reserved for family and close friends like you, @JohnnyWasnt.  Business relationships should not know anything but the most general (and fewest) facts. 

[nikkisaunt1]

His boss is actually discriminating against him under the law. His seizures could be viewed as a disability and the boss threatening to fire him if he does not undertake a certain medical treatment is a violation under the EEOC.  So not sure how large a company he works for, but if it does have a HR Dept he should file a complaint. 

Whether his seizures will mean he can no longer perform his job function or need accommodations in his work will be up to his treating physician to discuss with him. He should discuss these frankly with his doctor. He may need to take a leave of absence, go on disability or reduce his hours. Hopefully the medication he is taking will help him manage his condition. CBD oil has been helpful to some people but it could interfere with the medications he is on or how he responds to those and he should only take it if his doctor prescribes it. 

[nikkisaunt1]

One thing I am adding too. Just because your friend is an independent contractor and not a direct employee does not mean he can't be subject to a hostile work environment or discrimination. However, he may want to go for a legal consultation with an employment lawyer for some good advice. I don't know what state he is in, nor what his contract looks like. An attorney should be able to give him a free consultation in this area. 

[moonandthestars]

@JohnnyWasnt Umm, is the boss tellng your friend that he must take cbd or is the boss really saying that he must have his seizure disorder under control if he wants to continue to be a salesman for the company?

[JohnnyWasnt]

I can't thank you all enough for taking the time to help and for your thoughtful responses!

@spumoni99 - I agree 100% and appreciate that you share my outrage!

@Kachina624 - I appreciate your good advice to stay out of it!  He has told his boss that he's under medical care and that the neurologist has prescribed medication and despite that, the boss is relentless in "urging" my friend to take the CBD.  Thus, my outrage.

@gizmogal - also good advice not to share his medical condition (but, unfortunately that ship has sailed )  And thanks for the two good suggestions!  I think a note from his doctor is a great idea.

@nikkisaunt1 - thank you so much for your input!  We were wondering about his "rights" because of his independent contractor status and will urge him to consult with an employment attorney.

THANK YOU ALL!  Please keep your comments, thoughts, suggestions and advice coming.  It makes me feel a little less helpless and a lot more vindicated in my outrage!

[Kachina624]

@JohnnyWasnt    Actually, as a contractor, the boss has no supervisory authority.  He should be running his own show.

I wonder if the boss has a financial interest in a CBD oil company?

[Goodie2shoes]

@nikkisaunt1  wrote:

His boss is actually discriminating against him under the law. His seizures could be viewed as a disability and the boss threatening to fire him if he does not undertake a certain medical treatment is a violation under the EEOC.  So not sure how large a company he works for, but if it does have a HR Dept he should file a complaint. 

Whether his seizures will mean he can no longer perform his job function or need accommodations in his work will be up to his treating physician to discuss with him. He should discuss these frankly with his doctor. He may need to take a leave of absence, go on disability or reduce his hours. Hopefully the medication he is taking will help him manage his condition. CBD oil has been helpful to some people but it could interfere with the medications he is on or how he responds to those and he should only take it if his doctor prescribes it. 

I totally agree and  I don't think he should just tell his boss he is taking CBD as someone mentioned because if the boss has the nerve to tell him what medication to take he just might ask to see the medication if your friend claims he is following his boss's orders. He should definitely discuss a treatment plan with his doctor only