New ADA rules on the emotional disabilities can be confusing. (Americans With Disabilities Act)(Health Care Monthly)

All workplace legislation is aimed at making the job environment more efficient, productive and equitable. The Americans With Disabilities Act is proving to be as effective and far-reaching as its predecessors - child labor, civil rights and affirmative action laws.

But as with many laws, the ADA also has potential for being abused, particularly under new guidelines issued by the federal government detailing how management and employees must deal with mental disabilities. The guidelines have been met with some confusion among attorneys, management and workers.

Whether physically or emotionally disabled, the employee must provide, at minimum, constructive notice of …