Question

Ryan could not stay awake at work - and was unable to remember and keep track of key parts of his job. When questioned, he told his boss that he had sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep. His report from his doctor said that it was possible Ryan did have sleep apnea, but there was no definite diagnosis because Ryan refused to take the necessary tests. The report also said that Ryan's sleepiness could be caused by bad habits, like irregular sleep times, a poor diet, and heavy caffeine consumption. What legal obligations does his employer have to Ryan? Can Ryan be fired?

Answer 1

The legal obligations of an employer may vary, but generally they should consider providing reasonable accommodations for an employee with a disability like sleep apnea.

Ryan's employer may request additional medical documentation to evaluate the situation.

If Ryan's performance is significantly affected and reasonable accommodations cannot resolve the issue, termination might be a possibility.

However, employers should consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with applicable laws and avoid potential claims of discrimination or failure to provide accommodations.