Navickas v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review

In Navickas v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 567 Pa. 298, 787 A.2d 284 (2001), the Supreme Court rejected any distinctions on the standards of behavior an employer may rightfully expect of its employees based on the type and nature of the employment. In Navickas, a nurse negligently administered medication to a patient. Denying unemployment compensation benefits, this Court held that because medical professionals were held to a higher standard of care, the nurse's negligence constituted willful misconduct. On further appeal, however, the Supreme Court rejected any imposition of a heightened standard for willful misconduct based on the nature of the employment involved.