The article discusses how some companies use information in EAP files, such as past use of the EAP for drug or alcohol problems, to guard against workers compensation and disability claims. Bruce Webster, a psychologist from Newport Beach, California said that personal information has been used against employees in unrelated disability claim cases. At one aerospace company that was not identified in the article, the EAP director said that information is collected by the EAP for the express reason of guarding the company against claims. The process is like this. Then when you get hurt on the job, this kind of information will be used to call into question when the injury occurred.
Some employers link EAPs with the company's drug testing program.
The article discusses one company that uses a two-column chart for EAP counselors to fill out. In one case, an executive with the company complained to the EAP of financial difficulties, which were recorded in the counselor's notes as a problem with alcohol or drugs. Many EAPs have problems keeping their information confidential. Large employee databases are easily accessed. Shelly Reciniello, a consultant who sets up EAPs in New York, once called a managed-care facility to ask about a woman's records.