JARED POPE – VACCINE MANDATES 7 3 21

JARED POPE – VACCINE MANDATES 7 3 21

Imagine being told you can't return to work unless you've had a specific medical procedure. That's exactly what's happening at a hospital in Houston, where employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to clock in. In this episode of 'American Medicine Today', hosts Kimberly Bermel Benati, Ethan Euchre, and Jeff Wagstaff sit down with Jared Pope, an HR and benefits attorney and the founder/CEO of Work Shield, to unpack the legalities of this hot-button issue.

Pope breaks down the legal framework that allows employers to mandate vaccines under at-will employment policies. He explains that while employers can require vaccinations, they must also offer reasonable accommodations for those with religious or disability-related exemptions to avoid discrimination claims. The conversation also touches on employer liability, with Pope noting that current rules don't hold employers responsible if an employee has a severe reaction to the vaccine. The episode doesn't shy away from the broader implications either.

The hosts and Pope discuss the politicization of vaccines and the contentious idea of vaccine passports. Pope raises concerns about privacy and where to draw the line when it comes to collecting personal health information. If you're curious about the intersection of law, health, and politics, this episode offers a thorough yet approachable dive into the complexities of vaccine mandates in the workplace.

It's a must-listen for anyone navigating these challenging times, whether you're an employer, employee, or just someone trying to make sense of it all.