EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) REFERRAL MODELS

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a workplace-based program designed to help identify and resolve productivity problems that arise when employees are distracted by personal concerns. Members may access EAP via one of three referral models:

• Self - The member contacts the EAP directly and voluntarily.The employer is given no information regarding the member contact.

• Management - A manager or an employee from the human resources department may contact and refer an employee to the EAP when an employee has job performance issues. A management referral consists of a voluntary assessment through the EAP wherein the employee is asked (not required) to consent to the referral and sign a Release of Confidential Information (ROI) between CIGNA and the referring manager. The ROI allows the referring party to be informed of compliance with EAP attendance and recommendations. EAP practitioners work with the assigned CIGNA EAP Consultant (EAC) who maintains communication with the referring manager. EAP practitioners are not expected to contact the referring manager but should work as a team with the EAC.

• Continuation of Employment - A manager may determine that an employee’s referral to the EAP and compliance with treatment recommendations are conditions of continued employment. This type of referral may occur as a result of (but is not limited to) a positive drug or alcohol screen. The CIGNA Release of Confidential Information is applied in these cases and is facilitated by the manager or in some cases signed when the employee attends the first EAP appointment. This form permits management to be informed of compliance with EAP attendance and recommendations. EAP practitioners who receive Continuation of Employment Referrals are expected to work with a CIGNA EAC who maintains communication with the referring party. Additionally, the EAC will work collaboratively with the EAP practitioner in regard to cases where their provision of Substance Abuse Professional(SAP) services under the Department of Transportation (DOT) is requested.

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