Rhodenbaugh v. Kansas Employment Security Board of Review

Gardner J.:

This case asks whether a hospital employees refusal to get a flu shot constitutes job-related misconduct precluding her receipt of unemployment benefits. The Employment Security Board of Review and the district court found it does. We agree.

Procedural Background

McPherson Hospital (the hospital) hired Debra K. Rhoden-baugh in 2010 as an emergency department clerk. She worked at a nursing desk located in the center of the emergency department. As part of her employment, Rhodenbaugh interacted with doctors, nurses, and patients.

After Rhodenbaugh was hired, the hospital amended its…