Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

What describes a progressive employee discipline process?

1. The discipline process is structured as increasingly severe responses to violations.

2. The punishment must fit the crime.

3. Discipline is not important in the modern health care organization.

4. Progressive discipline allows immunity for the first code violation.

The correct answer is: The discipline process is structured as increasingly severe responses to violations.

A progressive employee discipline process is characterized by a structured approach in which responses to violations are increasingly severe. This means that initial infractions may result in a less severe consequence, such as a verbal warning, while repeat offenses or more serious violations can lead to more significant actions, such as written warnings, suspension, or even termination. This approach is designed to provide employees with opportunities to correct their behavior before facing the most severe consequences. It emphasizes fairness and consistency in disciplinary actions, allowing employees to understand the implications of their actions and the importance of adhering to workplace rules. By gradually escalating the consequences, the process aims to encourage improvement and accountability in employee performance. In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the essence of a progressive discipline process. The notion of ensuring that the punishment fits the crime is more about proportionality rather than progression, and claiming that discipline is unimportant in modern healthcare fails to recognize the necessity of maintaining standards and performance in professional environments. Lastly, suggesting that progressive discipline allows immunity for initial violations contradicts the foundational principle that even early infractions are typically addressed to prevent further issues.