Zero Tolerance Policy

[akanoname]

California

I'm a physician. I will be placed on the company's zero-tolerance policy. The problem came about when I have some softwares (such as microsoft drive, pdf reader, etc) on the company laptop which they said could compromise their network privacy hence patient's privacy. I didn't know that I couldn't install software onto the company's laptop. They gave me a laptop and there was no restriction to not install the software. Later on, they blocked all the software I installed and I complied with everything they asked. Now (6 weeks later), all of a sudden, my boss called me to the office and said we need to investigate my computer use because it tampers with their security system. They have investigated the issue, and I will be seeing them soon to discuss this issue. They are planning to put me on the company's zero tolerance policy. What questions should I ask? How should I proceed with this?

Thank you

 

[Just Blue]

California

I'm a physician. I will be placed on the company's zero-tolerance policy. The problem came about when I have some softwares (such as microsoft drive, pdf reader, etc) on the company laptop which they said could compromise their network privacy hence patient's privacy. I didn't know that I couldn't install software onto the company's laptop. They gave me a laptop and there was no restriction to not install the software. Later on, they blocked all the software I installed and I complied with everything they asked. Now (6 weeks later), all of a sudden, my boss called me to the office and said we need to investigate my computer use because it tampers with their security system. They have investigated the issue, and I will be seeing them soon to discuss this issue. They are planning to put me on the company's zero tolerance policy. What questions should I ask? How should I proceed with this?

Thank you

Doctor...Don't you think this is something you should discuss with your attorney rather than strangers on the net?

 

[akanoname]

Thank you, there is something to learn from everyone. "Just blue" - your comment is well received. However, I welcome more thoughtful comments.

 

[cbg]

I used to be the one who conducted these investigations for my employer and I don't know what questions you should ask. That's too situation specific an issue.

 

[Shadowbunny]

What does "They are planning to put me on the company's zero tolerance policy" mean? Does this policy mean they will discipline you or put you on probation?

 

[Eekamouse]

The laptop is company property. Why would you think it is cool to load your own programs onto company owned property?

 

[bcr229]

Or a bigger question is why is the hospital's IT department handing out laptops where users have admin privileges to install software? Normally that is locked down.

 

[xylene]

I think you are speaking colloquially. But they "gave you" a laptop? Do you mean they issued you a laptop, or did it really really become your property? You go back and forth on that.

Does your employer have a written computer use and or network policy? I'm not asking if you knew, I'm asking if they have one.

One advisor stated "why would you add programs" this is a fair point, but the programs you mention are common productivity software from esteemed developers. I think the administrator priveledges not being locked is a big question.

I'm also what Zero Tolerance Policy means and is this part of a written computer use policy or network policy or some other employer policy.

Given your salary, social rank, etc, the suggestion to consult with a lawyer is VERY SOUND.

I mean you're a doctor, say a lawyer said "I hurt my foot, should I amputate it with a hatchet or lawn mower?" Youd be like 'well I'm not sure amputation is warranted and my god man, you aren't in the woods or something, you can afford a surgeon. that's not a DIY issue."

See, coping with a serious employments issue is not a DIY thing someone in your station should do...

 

[FlyingRon]

Especially since sticking random stuff on there could jeopardize the HIPAA determinations they had already made with respect for the system. In addition, if there is any clinical use of the system, you jeopardized patient care. You as a doctor should have known better.

 

[justalayman]

I suggest you treat the company’s computer as their property and use it as any other work tool. That means it does not get used for personal business unless you have express permission to do so.

If you want to use a computer for personal business, use your own personal computer.


If don’t understand what you are being told regarding cyber security and HIPAA, maybe they need to take back their computer and issue you a pen and paper. Cyber security issues are taken very seriously yet thst seems to elude you