Not entitled to Sick Pay because Doctor's appointments were scheduled.
I am having a problem with my employer paying me sick pay because I prescheduled the doctor's appointment.
I made two doctors appointments for 10/28/10. The first appointment was with an endocrinologist for a check up on my Addison's Disease. The second appointment was with my OB/GYN for a annual pap. The doctors note I turned in was from the OB/GYN and it said that I was there for an appointment.
After I returned home from the doctors office I received a phone call from my Boss's assistant that day telling me that I would not be paid sick time because I had scheduled these appointments and I wasn't actually sick.
The company sick time policy says we get 6 sick days per year. Non-exempt employees may use sick days in whole 1 hour increments and Employees wishing to schedule time off for full workdays must use the amount of sick time hours that correspond with his/her daily regular work schedule. It doesn't state a doctor's note is required.
However I turn one in because my department Manager has a policy of his own that he requires a note. When I spoke with the HR Dept about getting paid they also said that because I wasn't actually "sick" that I didn't qualify. I explained to them that I wouldn't have made the doctor's appointments if I wasn't sick and that I was sick because I had medical problems.
I feel that unless I explain to them my medical conditions that they won't allow me to receive sick pay. They said that I needed to take care of my personal business on my own time and that I could use a vacation day.
What rights do I have to fight this because I feel they are violating my HIPPA rights.