Section 29(5)
LEAVING TO ACCEPT, Performs services, Pre-employment physical, Stipulation of facts
CITE AS: Mosley v Advantage Health, Kent Circuit Court, No. 03-05557-AE (November 13, 2003)
Appeal pending: No
Claimant: Eva M. Mosley
Employers: Advantage Health, Spectrum Health
Docket No. B2002-10112-RO3-167380
CIRCUIT COURT HOLDING: In order for Section 29(5) to apply, the claimant must perform services for the new employer for which compensation is due.
FACTS: Claimant worked as a medical
biller for Advantage Health until May 15, 2002 when she quit to work for Spectrum
Health. Spectrum Health required her to undergo a physical exam and drug screen
before beginning employment. On May 17, 2002 Spectrum Health withdrew its offer
of employment. Claimant filed for unemployment benefits. At a July 31, 2002
Referee hearing, the parties entered into a stipulation that the physical exam
and drug screen constituted performance of services. The Referee found the stipulation
binding and held claimant not disqualified under Section 29(1)(a) by question
of the leaving to accept provision of Section 29(5). The Board of Review reversed.
DECISION: Claimant is disqualified because she did not perform compensable services
for Spectrum Health.
RATIONALE: For Section 29(5) to apply, the claimant must have left work to accept
permanent full-time work with another employer and perform[ed] services
for that employer. A stipulation that certain facts warranted the application
of Section 29(5) to the claimant’s separation from the involved employer,
when such facts clearly did not support such application, is void. The phrase
“performs services for the employer” plainly and obviously means
services for which compensation is payable. Claimant never performed any compensable
services for Spectrum Health before the offer of employment was withdrawn. Pre-employment
physical examinations and drug screens may preclude employment, which is why
they are done before employment begins.
(Note: Also see Board Rule 317 regarding stipulations.)
11/04