Laws on Syncope

[Want To Work]

What is the name of your state? Texas
In Jan 2004 I passed out. I went to many doctors and specialists and was finally diagnosed with orthostatic hypertension causing vascular syncope. I was placed on medication and have to wear compression hose. The restrictions were not to drive, operate machinery, or work at elevations for 60 days. My job placed me on FMLA, then recommended me for disability. I return to the doctor who then informs me that Texas law requires a person to be syncope free for 6 mos. in order to resume driving , operating machinery and working at elevation. I wait the 6 mos. losing my job and never being accepted for disability. I now am getting unemployment because I can work on the ground or in an office situation. I waited the 6 mos. and returned to the doctor who now informs me that Texas requires 1 year of syncope free to drive a company vehicle, operate heavy machinery, or work at elevation but I can drive my personal vehichle. In 6 mos. I have had no symptoms and want to return to work and NEED to return to work as my unemployment is about to end. My job as a chemical operator or as an instrument tech requires elevated work and some machinery operation. What is the actual law regarding syncope as my doctor keeps extending it?
Thanks....Want To Work

 

[Beth3]

I don't know but if you don't get a definitive answer here, contact your State's Department of Labor and inquire.

FYI, doctors are notoriously uninformed on employment law and work safety regulations. Unfortunately, they tend to spout off such information to their patients who assume they know what they're talking about.

 

[Want To Work]

Thanks for the info. I have been trying to google laws etc to no avail.

 

[Gadfly]

Contact a local labor attorney.

 

[panzertanker]

I don't know but if you don't get a definitive answer here, contact your State's Department of Labor and inquire.

FYI, doctors are notoriously uninformed on employment law and work safety regulations. Unfortunately, they tend to spout off such information to their patients who assume they know what they're talking about.

Don't be mean to me Beth... I tell the patient that they need to go to their HR and to the State DOL....

 

[Beth3]

Good for you.

But I see a fair number of posts from individuals who state that "their doctor told them ...." and clearly the doc has no understanding of FMLA, WC reg's, discrimination laws, etc.

 

[cbg]

I've even had employees come back and tell me, "but my doctor said my insurance would cover (fill in the blank)" when "fill in the blank" is specifically EXcluded from the insurance policy.

I tell them, you don't come to me when you need medical attention; you don't go to your doctor when you want to find out what your employer-sponsored insurance covers.

 

[panzertanker]

Good for you.

But I see a fair number of posts from individuals who state that "their doctor told them ...." and clearly the doc has no understanding of FMLA, WC reg's, discrimination laws, etc.

Yup, and I also get alot of new patients who think they can waltz in my office and state that they have been out of work for the last month and "if you just fill out these papers I can keep my job"...

I know enough about FMLA to direct the pt to their HR to get that "ball" rolling, but I have enough things on my plate than to try to posit that I know all about WC/FMLA/etc.

There out to be a website where people can ask questions.....

 

[panzertanker]

I tell them, you don't come to me when you need medical attention; you don't go to your doctor when you want to find out what your employer-sponsored insurance covers.

True. Same thing with what meds are covered. I write rx all the time for things (creams are the WORST for coverage by insurance) only to have the pt call me and say that I need to call the insurance company b/c they won't pay for it....

Frustrating, I tell ya, frustrating.

 

[cbg]

Ain't it the truth!

 

[rmet4nzkx]

I'm sorry I was away when this was posted. I hope OP comes back.
You should be eligible for disability and possibly worker's comp depending on your medical history.
Since you work around chemicals there is a strong possibly that your dysautonomia was caused by your work, Please send me a PM for more informaiton and specific referals.