Surgical employment and HCV

[trustjesuscsfa]

Dear Dr,
I was treated 15 years ago for HCV and have had routine RNA tests which have come back non-detectable. I have had 3 RNA tests from 3 different labs over the past 6 months with the same results. I am a surgical assistant and have been offered a job, which I accepted from a very large hospital institution. I have now been waiting 6 weeks for them to decide on whether or not I am eligible to start orientation. The employee health nurse states that the virus could return at any moment, which I know is false. Is my 30 years experience as a surgical assistant over? This is devastating to me ans my family. I cannot seem to convince the decision makers that antibodies are not contagious. I was honest on my post offer healthcare questionaire because I had a letter from my gastro who stated I was cured and of no risk for transmission. Do not know what to do. Please help.  

[Type0]

Far as I remember- the CDC regulation only applies to Hep. B. There is no regulation for Hep C as of yet. You can look it up on CDC web site. You should of not answer that question at all, just say no everywhere from now on- it is not anybody's business. I would really want to see them deny your employment based on this- have it in writing and take them in court. I know that idiot who was doing drugs and infected patients ruined it for others, but I do not see it to be legal to deny you position.

[trustjesuscsfa]

yes! And I have had the same gastro whom I have seen regularly who has stated in writing that I have been under his care for 15 years, virus is eradicated, that I am of no risk for transmission and should not be restricted from tasks. The hospital is evaluating this and have been so for 5 weeks and not even communicating with me. The OR director is just waiting and holding my postion until she heres from someone to tell her otherwise. I think they are either guinely trying to work this out, or they are running this through their legal system to see how to get out of hiring me. The OR and the surgeons really want me, but employee health is creating a big obstacle. My family and I are quite devastated, but holding on to our strong faith in the Lord to win this battle for us.  

[Type0]

I dont know why you even want to work for the large hospital. What happened to your old job? Did you let it go? I would not recommend to be upset if they do not hire you. They fire people left and right- no appreciation for the talent or experience. Hospitals suck big time.  

[trustjesuscsfa]

I see your point, however I will not reduce myself to lying on my healthcare questionaire. It asked "had" I have....., not "do" you have. The ADA states that lying on an application is not acceptable, however it also states that once a job has been offered and accepted, the burden is then on the employer to prove that I would pose a "direct" threat to myself, or others. How could I be a direct threat if I have NO virus? This nurse thinks it is in a dormant, resting, or remission state. She said there is no studies that show a complete cure and that it could come back at any moment. I am sort of in a catch 22. If my gastro says I am cured, then do I really have a disability that would be covered under the ADA (American Disabilities Act)?

[trustjesuscsfa]

I was dumped by United Health Care in November. I have no other choice and the surgeons and staff are wonderful. They made me a great offer that I was actually thrilled about. I could no longer survive in the managed care world. Thanks to Obamacare, the squeeze is being put on the managed care companies to severely restrict who they will pay. CSFA's, CSA's, and SA-C's are really feeling the squeeze. I may just have to learn how to drive a truck! Praying for a miracle right now, though. God is bigger and more powerful than some employee health nurse with a bad attitude.

[trustjesuscsfa]

....have I "had"?