Hustvet v. Allina Health System
Filing
86
ORDER: (1) Defendant Allina Health System's motion for summary judgment [Dkt. No. 25 ] is GRANTED. (2) Defendant Allina Health System's motion to exclude an expert witness [Dkt. No. 38 ] is DENIED AS MOOT. (3) Plaintiff Janice Hustvet's motion for summary judgment [Dkt. No. 46 ] is DENIED. (4) This action is DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE. (Written Opinion) Signed by Judge Joan N. Ericksen on August 22, 2017. (CBC)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA
JANICE HUSTVET,
Plaintiff,
v.
Case No. 16-CV-551 (JNE/HB)
ORDER
ALLINA HEALTH SYSTEM,
Defendant.
Plaintiff Janice Hustvet brings discrimination, unlawful inquiry, and retaliation claims
against Defendant Allina Health System under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and
the Minnesota Human Rights Act (“MHRA”), primarily arising from Allina’s decision to
terminate Hustvet for failing to fulfill a job requirement that she have immunity to rubella. Both
Parties moved for summary judgment. (See Dkt. Nos. 25, 46.) Allina also moved to exclude the
testimony of Hustvet’s expert witness. (See Dkt. No. 38.) For the reasons that follow, the Court
denies Hustvet’s motion and grants summary judgment in Allina’s favor on all claims. The Court
denies Allina’s motion to exclude as moot.
I. STANDARD OF REVIEW
Summary judgment is proper “if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to
any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed. R. Civ. P.
56(a). A genuine dispute exists “if the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a
verdict for the nonmoving party.” Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986). To
support an assertion that a fact cannot be or is genuinely disputed, a party must cite “to particular
parts of materials in the record,” show “that the materials cited do not establish the absence or
presence of a genuine dispute,” or show “that an adverse party cannot produce admissible
1
evidence to support the fact.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(1)(A)-(B). “The court need consider only the
cited materials, but it may consider other materials in the record.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(3). In
determining whether summary judgment is appropriate, a court views the record and all
justifiable inferences in favor of the non-movant. Liberty Lobby, 477 U.S. at 255.
II. BACKGROUND
Hustvet worked for Courage Center, out of its Golden Valley campus, as an Independent
Living Specialist (“ILS”) for several years. (See, e.g., Compl. ¶ 6, Dkt. No. 1.) In May 2013,
Courage Center announced it would be merging with Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, part
of Allina, on June 1, 2013. (Id. ¶ 7.) As a condition of continued employment, Allina required all
ILSs to complete a health screen, which, among other things, included testing for immunity to
certain communicable diseases and a “Respirator Medical Evaluation” (“RME”). (See id. ¶¶ 7-8.)
The RME, which is based on OSHA standard forms, asked questions about potential health
conditions directed at evaluating safe respirator fit and use. (See Dkt. No. 28-10.)
Testing revealed that Hustvet had immunity to mumps, measles, and varicella
(chickenpox), but that she lacked immunity to rubella. (See Dkt. No. 29.) Hustvet did not
complete the RME and instead wrote “N.A.” on the form because her supervisor told Hustvet
that the form did not pertain to her position as an ILS. (See Deposition of Janice Hustvet
(“Hustvet Dep.”) 185:17-23, Dkt. No. 66.) Allina informed Hustvet that she would need to
submit a full RME and develop immunity to rubella by taking a Mumps, Measles, Rubella
(“MMR”) vaccine. (See Dkt. No. 28-13 at 3-4.) Hustvet did not comply with either request, but
later stated she was willing to complete the RME, despite her feeling that it was invasive and
unnecessary. (See Hustvet Dep. 66:10-16, 118:3-6, 140:2-5, 170:10-15, 186:15-25, 214:6-9
216:25-2; Deposition of Heather Lindblom (“Lindblom Dep.”) 184:13-19, Dkt. No. 28-2; Dkt.
2
No. 28-13 at 3.) However, Hustvet never completed the RME, nor did she develop immunity to
rubella. (See Dkt. No. 28-13 at 1.)
Hustvet told Allina that she was concerned about taking the MMR vaccine because her
“health is of the utmost concern” and because she “had severe cases of mumps and measles—the
MM part of the MMR.” (See id. at 3.) She also stated that she has “many allergies and chemical
sensitivities,” such that she needed to limit her “exposure.” (Id.; see Hustvet Dep. 76:7-77:5,
82:9-21.) Based on these factors, she concluded that “[i]t would be unwise and unhealthy to
expose [her]self to those unneeded parts of the vaccine.” (Dkt. No. 28-13 at 3.) She offered to
take a rubella-only vaccine instead of the MMR vaccine. (See id. at 2.) However, a rubella-only
vaccine was not available in the U.S. (See id. at 1; Dkt. No. 28-19 at 20.)
Allina’s immunization policy applies to all employees who have patient or client contact,
regardless of location or job title. (See Dkt. Nos. 28-9 at 1-2, 28-13 at 4.) The policy aligns with
the CDC’s recommendation that all healthcare professionals 1 with direct patient contact have
immunity to mumps, measles, and rubella. (See Dkt. No. 28-19 at 4, 20.) In her position as an
ILS, Hustvet worked one-on-one with clients in their homes, helping them with everyday chores
and skills learning. (See Hustvet Dep.71:2-25.) Her clients were fragile and immunocompromised, and they received regular assistance and medical care. (Id. at 73:9-20; 74:8-11.)
Hustvet accompanied clients to doctors’ appointments. (Deposition of Cynthia Guddal (“Guddal
Dep.”) 13:17-24, Dkt. No. 28-3.) She also periodically visited the Courage Center’s Golden
Valley campus for meetings. (See Hustvet Dep. 159:12-23.) That campus includes inpatient
rehabilitation clinics and other fitness facilities. (See Lindblom Dep. 15:16-24, 25:17-26:18.)
1
“Healthcare professionals” include those who are potentially exposed to infectious agents that
can be transmitted to and from other professionals and patients. (See Dkt. No. 28-19 at 4.)
3
When attending meetings in the building, Hustvet came into close proximity with rehabilitation
clinics and their patients. (Guddal Dep. 21:20-22:24, 24:14-19.)
On July 9, 2013, Allina terminated Hustvet’s employment due to her failure to comply
with immunity requirements and to complete the RME. (See Dkt. No. 28-13 at 1.)
III. ANALYSIS
A. Disability Discrimination
Hustvet brings disability discrimination claims under the ADA and MHRA against Allina
for utilizing discriminatory qualification standards, not making reasonable accommodations, and
denying employment on the basis of disability. (See Compl. ¶¶ 28, 36-37.)
Claims for disability discrimination in violation of the ADA or MHRA are analyzed
under the McDonnell Douglas burden-shifting framework. See Dovenmuehler v. St. Cloud Hosp.,
509 F.3d 435, 439 & n.4 (8th Cir. 2007). Under this framework, Hustvet must show that (1) she
has a disability within the meaning of the ADA or MHRA, (2) she is qualified to perform the
essential functions of her job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and (3) she suffered
an adverse employment action because of her disability. Id. at 439. If Hustvet meets her burden
of making out this prima facie case, the burden shifts to Allina to articulate a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for the adverse action. See id. If it does so, Hustvet must show that
Allina’s reason is pretext for discrimination. See id.
1. Disability
To demonstrate that she is disabled within the meaning of the ADA and MHRA, Hustvet
must show that she: (1) has a physical, sensory, or mental impairment which substantially limits
one or more major life activities, (2) has a record of such an impairment, or (3) is regarded as
having such an impairment. See 42 U.S.C. § 12102(1); Minn. Stat. § 363A.03, subd. 12 (2017);
4
Dovenmuehler, 509 F.3d at 439. Relevant to this case, major life activities include caring for
oneself, performing manual tasks, eating, concentrating, interacting with others, and working.
See § 12102(2)(A); 29 C.F.R. § 1630.2(i)(1)(i). They also include the operation of major bodily
functions, such as the functions of the immune and other systems. See § 12102(2)(B);
§ 1630.2(i)(1)(ii).
A limitation must be “substantial.” See § 12102(1)(A); § 363A.03, subd. 12. 2 That is, it
must substantially limit the plaintiff’s ability to perform a major life activity “as compared to
most people in the general population.” § 1630.2(j)(1)(ii). Although “[a]n impairment need not
prevent, or significantly or severely restrict, the individual from performing a major life activity
in order to be considered substantially limiting . . . . not every impairment will constitute a
disability.” Id. Whether a major life activity is substantially limiting is a fact-specific inquiry.
Land v. Baptist Med. Ctr., 164 F.3d 423, 425 (8th Cir. 1999).
Hustvet does not argue or put forth evidence showing that Allina regarded her as having a
disability. Instead, Hustvet asserts that she is actually disabled, as shown by her impairments
and/or her record of impairments. (See Plaintiff’s Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant’s
Motion for Summary Judgment (“D.S.J. Pl. Br.”) 10-11, 34-37, Dkt. No. 77; Plaintiff’s
2
The MHRA defines disability with respect to impairments that “materially,” rather than
“substantially,” limit major life activities. Compare Minn. Stat. § 363A.03, subd. 12 (2017),
with 42 U.S.C. § 12102(1)(A). The Minnesota Supreme Court has held that the MHRA’s
standard is “less stringent” than the ADA standard, see Sigurdson v. Carl Bolander & Sons
Co., 532 N.W.2d 225, 228 (Minn. 1995), but it is unclear how the standards differ, see
Kirkeberg v. Can. Pac. Ry., 619 F.3d 898, 907 (8th Cir. 2010). In addition, since the
Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision distinguishing the standards, Congress amended the
ADA by lowering the “substantially” standard in 2008. See § 12102(4)(B) (incorporating
ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110–325, § 2, 122 Stat 3553). Because the standards
now appear to align, and because Hustvet does not make any argument that she is materially
(as opposed to substantially) limited in her performance of major life activities, the Court
analyzes her claims under the amended ADA standard. See Knutson v. Schwan's Home Serv.,
Inc., 870 F. Supp. 2d 685, 689 n.6 (D. Minn. 2012), aff'd, 711 F.3d 911 (8th Cir. 2013).
5
Memorandum in Support of Her Motion for Summary Judgment (“P.S.J. Pl. Br.”) 8-9, Dkt. No.
61.) She argues that her conditions limited her performance of major life activities (such as
breathing, eating, caring for oneself, cleaning, and socializing) and major bodily functions
(including the functioning of her immune, digestive, neurological, respiratory, circulatory,
cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems). (See D.S.J. Pl. Br. 11, 35.)
There is insufficient evidence in the record to support the conclusion that Hustvet’s
conditions substantially limit her ability to perform major life activities. For example, the record
shows that Hustvet has garden-variety allergies to various foods, grass, pets, trees, etc. (See
Hustvet Dep. 82:25-86:14.) She has “typical” allergic reactions, such as “itchy runny eyes and
nose.” (Id. at 87:6-9.) She has never been prescribed an Epi-Pen. (See id. at 87:18-19.) She is
generally able to breath, eat, care for herself, clean, and socialize, but sometimes she must avoid
certain fragrances and chemicals by relocating herself farther away from the source of an
offending emanation. (See, e.g., id. at 165:12-167:11.) She has never been hospitalized due to
any allergic or chemical reactions. (Id. at 103:16-104:2, 176:10-12.)
In her deposition, Hustvet claimed that her chemical sensitivities and allergies derive
from an immune system disability. (See id. at 109:5-19.) However, the record does not show that
any doctor has diagnosed Hustvet with an immune system disability. (See, e.g., id. at 110:20-23;
Deposition of Dr. Tammy Chiesa (“Chiesa Dep.”) 17:14-16, 62:13-16, Dkt. No. 71; Dkt. No.
32.) Allergies and sensitivities may be indicative of an immune system disorder, (see Chiesa
Dep. 74:11-75:3), but Hustvet has not shown that these conditions substantially impaired the
functioning of her immune system, see Land, 164 F.3d at 425 (finding that a peanut allergy did
not render the plaintiff disabled); Robinson v. Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., 269 F. App’x 603,
607–08 (7th Cir. 2008) (unpublished) (similar, perfumes and fragrances); Gallagher v. Sunrise
6
Assisted Living of Haverford, 268 F. Supp. 2d 436, 440-41 (E.D. Pa. 2003) (similar, pet
allergy). 3 Moreover, it is questionable whether Hustvet could demonstrate such an impairment
without medical evidence documenting impairment to her immune system’s functioning. See
Robinson, 269 F. App’x at 607; Grabin v. Marymount Manhattan Coll., No. 12-CV-3591 (KPF),
2015 WL 4040823, at *11-14 (S.D.N.Y. July 2, 2015), aff'd, 659 F. App'x 7 (2d Cir. 2016). A
reasonable jury could not find that Hustvet is disabled on the basis of her allergies and chemical
sensitivities or because she has an immune system disorder.
The closest Hustvet comes to demonstrating the existence of a disability is her assertion
that she suffers from a seizure disorder. The record indicates that Hustvet has a remote history of
seizures. (See, e.g., Chiesa Dep. 49:4-8; Dkt. Nos. 32 at 3, 30, 50 at 1, 51 at 1, 60 at 1.) This may
constitute a substantial limitation on the functioning of the neurological system. See
§ 1630.2(j)(3)(iii) (stating that epilepsy substantially limits neurological function). But the record
does not sufficiently disclose how her seizures substantially limit her ability to perform major
life activities. Hustvet manages her seizures with a prescription medication, 4 but when the
seizures occur, the record only shows that they cause Hustvet to feel disoriented and as if she is
“fading away” for one to two minutes (Dkt. No. 28-23 at 2.) She does not lose consciousness.
(Id.) The record does not otherwise reveal the extent, frequency, or severity of her seizures.
Given this lack of evidence, Hustvet fails to meet her burden of showing she is disabled due to
conditions that substantially limit her performance of major life activities. See Brunke v.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 344 F.3d 819, 821-22 (8th Cir. 2003); Zirpel v. Toshiba Am. Info.
Sys., Inc., 111 F.3d 80, 81 (8th Cir. 1997); Chappell v. Butterfield-Odin Sch. Dist. No. 836, 673
3
4
The Court recognizes that these and other cited cases apply the pre-amendment ADA
standards, but the Court still finds the cases persuasive in view of the current standards.
The Court does not consider the “ameliorative effects of mitigating measures such as . . .
medication” when evaluating whether Hustvet is disabled. 42 U.S.C. § 12102(4)(E)(i).
7
F. Supp. 2d 818, 836-37 (D. Minn. 2009); see also E.E.O.C. v. Sara Lee Corp., 237 F.3d 349,
353 (4th Cir. 2001) (finding that a “milder form of epilepsy imposed no substantial limitation”
on major life activities). Based on the record, a reasonable jury could not find for Hustvet on the
issue of disability.
2. Qualified
Although the Court determines that Hustvet fails to show that she is disabled within the
meaning of the ADA or MHRA, the Court will continue to analyze her prima facie case.
“The determination of qualification takes two parts: (1) whether the individual meets the
necessary prerequisites for the job, such as education, experience, training, and the like; and (2)
whether the individual can perform the essential job functions, with or without reasonable
accommodation.” Benson v. Nw. Airlines, Inc., 62 F.3d 1108, 1111-12 (8th Cir.1995); see 42
U.S.C. § 12111(8); § 1630.2(m). The first step focuses on “credentials.” Walz v. Ameriprise Fin.,
Inc., 779 F.3d 842, 845 (8th Cir. 2015). The second step focuses on “the fundamental job duties
of the employment position.” § 1630.2(n)(1).
Allina argues that Hustvet was not qualified because of the risk that Hustvet posed to
clients due to her non-vaccinated status. (See Defendant’s Memorandum in Support of Its Motion
for Summary Judgment (“D.S.J. Def. Br.”) 23, 30, Dkt. No. 27.) Setting aside the question of
whether Hustvet was qualified to work as an ILS despite safety concerns, in all other respects,
Hustvet had the education, experience, training, and credentials required of an ILS, as
demonstrated by her long history of employment as an ILS and short-lived employment with
Allina. (See Hustvet Dep. 19:5-7, 130:20-131:18, 214:6-9.) Apart from safety concerns, Hustvet
could perform the fundamental duties of the ILS position. The Court assumes, without deciding,
that Hustvet is therefore qualified for the purpose of making out her prima facie case.
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3. Causation and Adverse Action
A plaintiff alleging discrimination must show that her employer knew about the
limitations serving as the basis for a purported disability when making the challenged adverse
decision. See Tusing v. Des Moines Indep. Cmty. Sch. Dist., 639 F.3d 507, 519 (8th Cir. 2011)
(citing Kozisek v. Cty. of Seward, 539 F.3d 930, 936 (8th Cir. 2008)); Miller v. Nat’l Cas. Co., 61
F.3d 627, 629 (8th Cir. 1995); see also 29 C.F.R. § 1630.9(a) (“It is unlawful for a covered entity
not to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an
otherwise qualified applicant or employee with a disability.” (emphasis added)). In addition, a
discrimination claim does not lie where there is no “causal connection between the major life
activity that is limited and the accommodation sought.” Wood v. Crown Redi-Mix, Inc., 339 F.3d
682, 687 (8th Cir. 2003).
No reasonable jury could find that Allina’s decision to terminate Hustvet or its alleged
failure to accommodate resulted from Allina’s knowledge of her disability. The only information
Hustvet provided to Allina for why she did not want to develop immunity to rubella by taking
the MMR vaccine was that she has allergies, chemical sensitivities, and a past history of severe
cases of mumps and measles. (See Dkt. No. 28-13; Hustvet Dep. 76:3-77:5, 82:9-21.) None of
these conditions is a contraindication or precaution 5 for the MMR vaccine, such that one
condition would imply the presence of disability. (See Dkt. Nos. 74-3 at 10-11, 74-7 at 1-2, 6.)
The record does not show that Hustvet elaborated on how her common conditions substantially
impaired her life or that she previously disclosed any limitations arising from these conditions.
(See Dkt. No. 28-13.) Hustvet did not follow Allina’s policy of formally requesting an
5
Contraindications and precautions are conditions under which a vaccine should not be
administered. (See Dkt. No. 74-7 at 1.) The CDC notes that “certain conditions are commonly
misperceived as contraindications” but “are not valid reasons to defer vaccinations.” (Id.)
9
accommodation. (Lindblom Dep. 75:9-76:13.) And the record shows that Allina representatives
did not consider Hustvet to be seeking an accommodation for or suffering from a disability.
(E.g., id. at 180:18-181:8, 182:16-19; Deposition of Cheryl Polipnick (“Polipnick Dep.”) 47:2448:8, Dkt. No. 28-5.) Even when viewing the record in a light most favorable to Hustvet, her
brief expressions of concern over taking the MMR vaccine were not “so obviously
manifestations of an underlying disability that it would be reasonable to infer that [her] employer
actually knew of the disability.” Miller, 61 F.3d at 630 (quoting Hedberg v. Ind. Bell Tel. Co., 47
F.3d 928, 934 (7th Cir. 1995)); see E.E.O.C. v. Convergys Customer Mgmt. Grp., Inc., 491 F.3d
790, 795 (8th Cir. 2007) (“A disabled employee must initiate the accommodation-seeking
process by making [her] employer aware of the need for an accommodation. Additionally, the
employee must provide relevant details of [her] disability and, if not obvious, the reason that
[her] disability requires an accommodation.” (citations omitted)); Ruggiero v. Mount Nittany
Med. Ctr., No. 4:16-CV-1996, 2017 WL 2080236, at *7 (M.D. Pa. May 15, 2017). 6
Nor could any reasonable jury find that Hustvet’s claimed limitations are causally related
to Hustvet’s concerns about taking the MMR vaccine. Severe allergies to components of the
MMR vaccine, for example, are contraindications for the vaccine, but there is no evidence that
Hustvet has severe allergies to any of the vaccine’s components. (See Dkt. Nos. 74-3 at 10, 74-7
at 6.) Sensitivities to chemicals or a past history of severe cases of the underlying diseases
included in the vaccine are not listed as contraindications or precautions. (See id.) Although
Hustvet previously had negative reactions to certain vaccines, such as the flu vaccine (on one
occasion) and the Tetanus, Diphteria, Pertussis (“Tdap”) vaccine, (see Hustvet Dep. 151:236
Relatedly, Hustvet’s assertion that Allina violated the ADA and MHRA by failing to engage
in the “interactive process” fails because Allina did not receive adequate “notice that
reasonable accommodation [was] requested.” Fjellestad v. Pizza Hut of Am., Inc., 188 F.3d
944, 953 (8th Cir. 1999).
10
152:8; Dkt. No. 32 at 1, 3, 10), no physician ever told Hustvet prior to her termination that she
should not take the MMR vaccine, (see Hustvet Dep. 86:19-22, 88:4-7, 106:14-107:16, 171:1117). Rather, Hustvet relied on her own uninformed intuitions and considered it “common
knowledge” that the injection of unnecessary chemicals and vaccines would compromise her
health, especially because she was already “chemically sensitive.” (Dkt. No. 28-14.)
Hustvet says she was also concerned that the MMR vaccine would threaten her health
because it contained live (attenuated) viruses, but she does not know if she has ever had a
negative reaction to a vaccine because it contained live viruses. (See Hustvet Dep. 164:11-13,
170:20-171:10.) Hustvet received other live virus vaccinations (e.g., Zoster) 7 throughout her life
and in the years leading up to her termination without incident. (See, e.g., Dkt. Nos. 32 at 1, 5, 34
at 1.) She was also willing to take a rubella-only vaccine, but such a vaccine, like the MMR
vaccine, presumably contains a live virus. (See Dkt. Nos. 28-13 at 2, 28-19 at 41.) And although
live virus vaccines, like the MMR vaccine, carry an elevated seizure risk, a history of seizures is
not an absolute contraindication. 8 (Chiesa Dep. 54:10-55:13.) Personal or family history of
seizures is a precaution for the MMRV 9 vaccine, but not the MMR vaccine. (See Dkt. Nos. 74-3
at 10, 74-7 at 2.) Though the live virus in the MMR vaccine presents a “very small, but possible
risk, of having a seizure,” the CDC does not consider a past history of seizures to be a precaution
7
8
9
See Herpes Zoster Vaccination, CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/hcp/hcpvax-recs.html (last visited Aug. 21, 2017) (noting that Zoster is a “live virus vaccine”).
Dr. Chisea did not sufficiently explain why, in writing a note supporting Hustvet’s decision
not to take the MMR vaccine after Allina terminated Hustvet, Dr. Chisea believes that “the
risks versus potential benefits of the MMR vaccine are in fact greater.” (Dkt. No. 31; see
Chiesa Dep. 53:13-54:25.) Moreover, Dr. Chisea appears to lack specialized knowledge to
make such a determination because she does not have specific expertise with regard to the
immune system, allergies, vaccines, or infectious diseases relevant to this case. (See Chisea
Dep. 56:10-16, 66:13-67:1, 77:23-78:2, 85:10-19.)
The “V” in MMRV stands for “varicella,” which is the medical term for chickenpox. See
Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Vaccine, CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/
vaccines/mmrv-vaccine.html (last visited Aug. 21, 2017).
11
or contraindication for the vaccine. (See Chiesa Dep. 54:6-21; Dkt. Nos. 74-3 at 10-11, 74-7 at 12, 6.) Therefore, no reasonable jury could find a causal connection between Hustvet’s claimed
limitations and her concerns about taking the MMR vaccine as a safe avenue to develop
immunity to rubella.
Lastly, Hustvet claims that Allina’s policy requiring immunity to certain diseases is a per
se violation of the ADA and MHRA because it is similar to “100% healed” policies. (See D.S.J.
Pl. Br. 32-33.) “All courts that have examined the question . . . agree that a 100% rule is
impermissible as to a disabled person.” Henderson v. Ardco, Inc., 247 F.3d 645, 653 (6th Cir.
2001) (emphasis omitted). However, per se violations in the form of 100% healed policies
involve the context of workplace injury and subsequent return-to-work requests. See McGregor
v. Nat’l R.R. Passenger Corp., 187 F.3d 1113, 1116 (9th Cir. 1999) (“A ‘100% healed’ or ‘fully
healed’ policy discriminates against qualified individuals with disabilities because such a policy
permits employers to substitute a determination of whether a qualified individual is ‘100%
healed’ from their injury for the required individual assessment whether the qualified individual
is able to perform the essential functions of . . . her job either with or without accommodation.”).
Hustvet’s case does not concern workplace injury or reinstatement, but rather a policy that
applied to all similarly situated employees. As such, the existence of the policy was not a per se
violation of the ADA or MHRA akin to a 100% healed policy. See Patterson v. Illinois Dep’t of
Corr., 37 F. App’x 801, 804 (7th Cir. 2002) (unpublished) (holding that a testing requirement
was not a “per se” violation because it applied to all employees, not only disabled employees).
In summary, Hustvet fails to make out a prima facie case of discrimination. There is no
genuine dispute of material fact, based on the record, that Hustvet is not disabled within the
meaning of the ADA or MHRA. There is also no genuine dispute of material fact that there is no
12
causal connection between Allina’s knowledge of any of Hustvet’s proffered limitations and its
decision to terminate Hustvet for failure to develop immunity to rubella, nor a causal connection
between Hustvet’s claimed limitations and any failure to accommodate based on her concerns
about taking the MMR vaccine. Because Hustvet fails to make out a prima facie case of
discrimination, her discrimination claims fail as a matter of law, and Allina is entitled to
summary judgment.
B. Unlawful Inquiries
The ADA and MHRA prohibit, in addition to discrimination, certain medical inquiries
and examinations. See 42 U.S.C. § 12112(d); Minn. Stat. §§ 363A.08, subd. 4, 363A.20, subd. 8
(2017). Unlike discrimination claims, an employee need not actually be disabled to assert a claim
for violations of the ADA’s prohibitions on medical inquiries or examinations. See Thomas v.
Corwin, 483 F.3d 516, 527 (8th Cir. 2007). However, Hustvet must still show that any prohibited
inquiries caused tangible injury. See Cossette v. Minn. Power & Light, 188 F.3d 964, 970 (8th
Cir. 1999); see also Minn. Stat. § 363A.28, subd. 1 (2017) (“Any person aggrieved by a violation
of this chapter may bring a civil action as provided in section 363A.33, subdivision 1 . . . .”
(emphasis added)); Matter of Khan, No. A16-0633, 2017 WL 1376379, at *3 (Minn. Ct. App.
Mar. 20, 2017) (unpublished).
As already noted, Hustvet told Allina representatives that she was willing to complete
the RME so long as she did not have to take the MMR vaccine. (See Hustvet Dep. 66:10-16,
118:3-6, 140:2-5, 170:10-15, 186:15-25, 214:6-9; Lindblom Dep. 184:13-19.) Although Allina
cited the incomplete RME, in addition to Hustvet’s failure to develop immunity to rubella by
taking the MMR vaccine, as a reason for termination, (see Dkt. No. 28-13 at 1), the record
clearly shows that Hustvet was willing to complete the RME and would have completed it had
13
Allina not required her to develop immunity to rubella. Due to her willingness to complete the
RME, her failure to complete it did not cause her termination. Because Hustvet did not suffer any
tangible injury as a result of not completing the RME—but, rather, because she did not develop
immunity to rubella—her unlawful inquiry claims fail, and Allina is entitled to summary
judgment.
C. Retaliation/Reprisal
“The ADA prohibits discrimination against any individual who has opposed an unlawful
act of discrimination, made a charge of discrimination, or participated in any manner in an
investigation or proceeding under the ADA.” Mershon v. St. Louis Univ., 442 F.3d 1069, 1074
(8th Cir. 2006) (citing 42 U.S.C. § 12203(a)). The MHRA provides for a similar cause of action
for reprisal. See Minn. Stat. § 363A.15 (2017). Hustvet contends that she proved retaliation using
both direct and circumstantial evidence.
1. Direct Evidence
“Direct evidence of retaliation is evidence that demonstrates a specific link between a
materially adverse action and the protected conduct, sufficient to support a finding by a
reasonable fact finder that the harmful adverse-action was in retaliation for the protected
conduct.” Lors v. Dean, 746 F.3d 857, 865 (8th Cir. 2014) (citation omitted). Direct evidence
shows strong causal proof and may include circumstantial evidence. See id.
Hustvet argues she engaged in protected conduct when she refused to complete the health
screen, which she claims was unlawful. (See D.S.J. Pl. Br. 30; P.S.J. Pl. Br. 35-36.) She claims
that her protected conduct entails: refusal to complete the RME and refusal to take the MMR
vaccine. (See D.S.J. Pl. Br. 30; P.S.J. Pl. Br. 35-36.) Allina argues that there is no evidence
demonstrating a link between statutorily protected conduct and termination; Allina only fired
14
Hustvet for failure to meet job requirements. (See Defendant’s Reply Memorandum in Support
of Its Motion for Summary Judgment (“D.S.J. Def. Reply Br.”) 10, Dkt. No. 79; Defendant’s
Memorandum in Opposition to Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment (“P.S.J. Def. Br.”) 4142, Dkt. No. 72.) Allina also points out that Hustvet was willing to complete the RME and
otherwise develop immunity to rubella. (See D.S.J. Def. Reply Br. 11.)
First, as discussed above, Hustvet cannot claim that her failure to complete the RME is
protected conduct because she was willing to complete the RME so long as she did not have to
develop immunity to rubella by taking the MMR vaccine. See Part III.B. Even if it was protected
conduct, the conduct did not cause her termination for the same reason.
Second, Hustvet cannot claim that refusal to take the MMR vaccine was protected
conduct on the basis that the MMR vaccine was an impermissible job requirement because
taking the MMR vaccine was not a job requirement. Even though Allina representatives may
have spoken as if taking the MMR vaccine was a requirement, Allina only required Hustvet to
have immunity to certain diseases, such as rubella. (See Dkt. No. 28-13.) Hustvet did not have
immunity to rubella, so Allina requested that she take the MMR vaccine because the vaccine is a
safe way to develop that immunity. (See Dkt. Nos. 28-13, 29; see also Dkt. No. 28-19 at 14, 17,
20 (noting that the MMR vaccine has an “excellent safety profile”).) If Hustvet would have had
immunity to rubella, Allina would not have asked her to take the MMR vaccine. (See Lindblom
Dep. 181:25-182:3; Dkt. No. 29.) Thus, taking the MMR vaccine was not a job requirement. The
record does not show that Hustvet opposed the immunity-to-rubella requirement. To the
contrary, the record shows that Hustvet was willing to develop immunity to rubella by taking a
15
rubella-only vaccine. (See Dkt. No. 28-13 at 2.) Therefore, she fails to show that she engaged in
protected conduct by objecting to the requirement that she have immunity to rubella. 10
2. Circumstantial Evidence
Hustvet’s circumstantial evidence case fares no better because under the McDonnell
Douglas burden-shifting framework, she must still demonstrate that she engaged in protected
conduct. See Mershon, 442 F.3d at 1074. But as already stated, she fails to show that she
engaged in protected conduct. 11
D. Expert Witness
Because the Court grants summary judgment in favor of Allina, the company’s motions
to exclude an expert witness’s testimony are moot. See Spineology, Inc. v. Wright Med. Tech.,
Inc., No. 15-CV-180 (JNE/FLN), 2017 WL 3172808, at *5 (D. Minn. July 25, 2017).
IV. CONCLUSION
Based on the files, records, and proceedings herein, and for the reasons stated above, IT
IS ORDERED THAT:
1.
Defendant Allina Health System’s motion for summary judgment [Dkt.
No. 25] is GRANTED.
2.
Defendant Allina Health System’s motion to exclude an expert witness
[Dkt. No. 38] is DENIED AS MOOT.
[continued on next page]
10
11
To the extent Hustvet asserts retaliation related to a request for a reasonable accommodation
to the immunity requirement, such a claim fails because, as stated above, Hustvet did not put
Allina on notice that she requested or needed a reasonable accommodation. See supra note 6.
In addition, even if Hustvet’s concern about taking the MMR vaccine can be construed as a
request for a reasonable accommodation, the record does not show that Allina terminated
Hustvet because she requested an accommodation, but instead because Hustvet did not
comply with its immunity requirement. See Withers v. Johnson, 763 F.3d 998, 1005 (8th Cir.
2014); Hill v. Walker, 737 F.3d 1209, 1219 (8th Cir. 2013).
To the extent Hustvet brings coercion claims, such claims mirror the analysis for the
retaliation claims and are not supported by the record.
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3.
Plaintiff Janice Hustvet’s motion for summary judgment [Dkt. No. 46] is
DENIED.
4.
This action is DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE.
LET JUDGMENT BE ENTERED ACCORDINGLY.
Dated: August 22, 2017.
s/Joan N. Ericksen
JOAN N. ERICKSEN
United States District Judge
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