Accommodation Requests

MD Anderson recognizes the need to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities and for those with closely held personal and religious beliefs.

Disabilities

MD Anderson prohibits discrimination in employment decisions and practices based on disability and provides reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act. Detailed information can be found in the Accommodating Disabilities in the Workplace Policy (MD Anderson Institutional Policy #ADM0286). You also may contact the HR Leave Center (713-745-3652) for more information.

How does the policy define a disability?

An individual with a disability has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment.

What is a reasonable accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is one that modifies an employment practice or work environment to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job.

Who is responsible for initiating a request for an accommodation?

Both the manager and employee share responsibility for initiating a request for an accommodation by having the employee call HR Leave & Accommodations  or 713-745-3652 to discuss their needs and obtain instructions for completing a request for accommodation.

How can I request a reasonable accommodation?

Contact HR Leave & Accommodations or 713-745-3652 for assistance.   ​​​​​​​

Will I have to submit medical information?

Medical information and documents may be required in order to process the request.

Does the institution have to grant my specific accommodation request?

While your specific request will be considered, an alternative accommodation may be identified and provided.

Who will notify me of the status of my accommodation request?

In most instances, your manager will inform you of all determinations regarding workplace accommodations. In some cases an interactive process with you, your manager and a representative from HR Leave & Accommodations may inform you of that determination.

Closely held personal and religious beliefs

MD Anderson recognizes that closely held personal and/or religious beliefs may cause concern or conflict with some aspects of an employee’s role, including but not limited to:

• Blood transfusions
• Chemotherapy
• Medically supplied nutrition and hydration
• Life-sustaining treatment
• Experimental drugs or procedures

Employees with such concerns may request not to participate in that aspect of their role. Concerns will be evaluated and attempts will be made at a resolution to ensure an employee’s beliefs are respected, whenever possible, and patient care is not compromised.

Detailed information can be found in the Accommodating Closely-Held Personal and/or Religious Beliefs Policy (MD Anderson Institutional Policy #ADM0260). You also may contact HR Leave & Accommodations or 713-745-3652 for more information.

What is a closely held personal belief?

Closely held personal beliefs are moral and ethical beliefs – typically concerning ultimate ideas about life, purpose and death – that are held with the strength of traditional religious views.

How can I request a reasonable accommodation?

To request an accommodation, an employee must notify their manager, in writing, thoroughly explaining the basis for the request. See the Accommodation Request Form for Closely-Held Personal Beliefs (#ATT1837) for more information.

Whom should I call to ask questions about closely held personal beliefs?

​​​​​​​Please contact HR Leave & Accommodations or 713-745-3652 for more information.