Getting badged after psych disqual

[JassenB]

Considering my current unemployment situation and lack of any sort of answers from the Bartlett shrink, I figured I'd swallow my pride and throw this out for advice from folks here.

Back in September I was at Catawba Nuclear Station for an outage. After taking the mandatory MMPI (psych exam) I was called in to talk with the contract psychiatrist for Duke. The next day, I was denied unescorted access and shown the door.

The Bartlett shrink in Boston won't return my phone calls, and he is the one that made the denial decision. I'm sure there's a mark on my file in PADS now, and in order to get access back I have to clear this up somehow to the pleasure of the powers that be.

Anybody got any advice on where I could even start? I don't even know where to start in terms of figuring out where to start, if that makes sense.

Thanks!
-Jassen

[PWHoppe]

I'd try calling the Bartlett office.

Hey Eric, anything you can do?

[Already Gone]

If that doesn't work, try getting into a plant with a different employer.  If the site shrink okays you, you're in.  You will certainly have to talk to him or her for the first two or three jobs after you attempt to get back in.
The thing they are going to want to know is what you did to correct the problem.  Not knowing what the problem was, I can't guess what they'll expect.  But, in general, they will require that you made some kind of change - whether it is treatment, or a different medication, or some medication at all, but something other than just denying that there is anything wrong and blaming it on Bartlett's shrink.

[Camella Black]

Jassen, were you not given a copy of the evaluation? Your records should be made available to you. Have you attempted to write the doctor in question requesting the records or his evaluation? I am surprised that you were not referred to seek outside help.

I would recommend that if you were told to you have a problem (whether you agree or not) that you follow up by seeking medical attention.

There is no shame in doing so, this business can be stressful, and stress can and will do some strange things to you, most which can be eliminated easily.

Good luck.

[Fermi2]

They won't give you a copy of the evaluation because they aren't legally required to do so.

Mike

[Blue Heron]

Mike, that seems odd to me.  Under several OSHA industry standards it clearly states that occupational medical records are required to be provided to the employee or the employee's agent, if the records are requested.  If the psych exam was conducted as part of the occupational workup, I would think it meets the requirement.

There are a few exceptions to this, but the only one I've been able to locate in regards to a psych exam are the exams that are conducted under a voluntary employee assistance program.

[Camella Black]

Mike, that seems odd to me.  Under several OSHA industry standards it clearly states that occupational medical records are required to be provided to the employee or the employee's agent, if the records are requested.  If the psych exam was conducted as part of the occupational workup, I would think it meets the requirement.

There are a few exceptions to this, but the only one I've been able to locate in regards to a psych exam are the exams that are conducted under a voluntary employee assistance program.

This is my understanding concerning medical records as well. I would also suggest that Jassen look at filing for disability if he is unable to work. In either case I would also suggest that he speak to an lawyer who would be able to answer his questions.

[JassenB]

Hey everybody, thanks for all the advice, I appreciate it. I have been in contact with the psychiatrist that made the determination, or at least with his receptionist. Maybe a letter, as suggested above, would be a better idea.

I was never provided a copy of anything, nor was I informed of their availability. I will look into that...Maybe the Bartlett security folks would send me copies of stuff if I requested it.

If I can find an attorney that speciliazes in employment law, that would be a good next step, I suppose.

Thanks for the info. Now I at least have a place to start.

Take care!
-Jassen

[Fermi2]

No, it's security driven, not occupational driven, it's not there for YOUR health. So it's not available to you.

Mike

[JassenB]

Thanks again for everybody's suggestions, including those that PM'd me.

It looks like the best thing to do is to keep trying to find the real concern that the Bartlett shrink had and figure out what it would take to make him comfortable with granting clearance.

I'll also try getting in with other companies, even though that will be difficult. I don't think I've ever seen anybody but Bartlett have openings for juniors, but maybe if I scrounge enough I'll find a recruiter at another company willing to give me a whack.

Thanks again, everybody!
-Jassen