Fairfax, Va.-based Inova Northern Virginia Surgery Center has agreed to pay $50,000 to resolve a lawsuit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which claimed the ASCillegally fired an employee because of her disability and age.
The lawsuit, filed in September, alleged that INVSC violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act by firing Michele Rodgers, a 51-year-old radiologic technician. The employee was terminated after requesting an extension for her medical leave due to carpal tunnel surgery. After being terminated, INVSC replaced the employee with two of her coworkers, ages 24 and 35.
As a part of the settlement, the INVSC entered into a two-year consent decree with the EEOC in which the center will revise its medical leave policies to clarify employees' rights under the ADA. Management and employees will also undergo regular training on ADA and ADEA compliance as a part of the decree.
INVSC will also pay Ms. Rodgers $25,000 in back pay and lost wages and another $25,000 for alleged emotional distress.
Becker's has reached out to INVSC. This article will be updated if more information becomes available.