Opinion ID: 1029432
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: I will attend the LIFE Recovery Program

Text: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday . . . . If extraordinary circumstances prevent my attendance or results in tardiness, I will notify the staff immediately. . . . 7. I will follow all relevant patient rules and regulations as stated in patient handbook. 4 . . . 11. I understand that the following behaviors may result in premature discharge from the program: . . . 4 The “patient handbook” of the Program provides, in relevant part, that “[p]rompt attendance at all scheduled groups and activities is expected except when excused by your counselor, doctor, or nurse. You are expected to participate in and attend all scheduled groups and activities.” J.A. 63. 4 5. Lack of cooperation with program expectations to the extent of impeding progress (This includes chronic tardiness or absenteeism). J.A. 62. In the weeks following the Program’s first session, Moubray attended ten of eleven sessions, with a single excused absence on September 22, 2005. He then missed a session on October 13, 2005, attended sessions on October 17, 2005 and October 24, 2005, and missed sessions on October 18 and October 25, 2005. Moubray did not, prior to any of the three missed sessions, notify the Program to explain his absence or request to be excused. Moubray returned for a session on October 27, 2005, and met with his Program case manager, Dee Michael. Michael advised him not to miss the October 31, 2005 session, even though Moubray requested to be excused from it to take his godson trick-or-treating. Despite Michael’s warning, Moubray did not attend the October 31 session. Moubray returned for the session of November 1, 2005, and was advised that he could not continue with the Program until he met with Michael. Moubray called Michael on November 2, 2005, and scheduled an appointment for the following day. Also on November 2, Sheridan, Merck’s employee assistance program representative, called Michael to check on Moubray’s status in the Program. Michael summarized Moubray’s participation, and on November 3, 2005, sent a confirming letter to Merck (the “Letter”). Michael’s Letter 5 concluded: “As of today’s date, Mr. Moubray is not in compliance with our program requirements.” J.A. 69. Upon Merck’s receipt of the Letter, Sheridan instructed Moubray not to attend the November 3, 2005 meeting with Michael because he had been kicked out of the Program. That same day, Merck notified Moubray by letter that he was out of compliance with the Last Chance Agreement and was, therefore, being suspended from employment, with intent to discharge. On November 14, 2005, Moubray was discharged by Merck.