title: Guidelines for conducting bulletproof workplace investigations: part I--preparation and interviewing issues.
abstract: Conducting proper and thorough investigations is one of the most important and most difficult responsibilities for today's health care manager in terms of avoiding or successfully defending lawsuits. This article provides guidance for managers on how to use proper interview and investigative techniques while avoiding a violation of employees' rights to privacy. Suggestions are provided on how to protect confidential information obtained by the investigation. Interview questions that may be asked during the investigation are provided. By asking appropriate questions and documenting all aspects of the investigative process, employers can provide useful information to their legal counsel and be on the winning side if the situation results in litigation.
authors.affiliation: Fisher & Phillips, LLP, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Clifford M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Koen
mesh_terms: D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006268:Health Facilities; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D028743:Professional Misconduct / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D017132:Workplace