employer access to medical records?is it legal?should i allow it?

Question

I applied for a job that I will get if I sign a waiver that allowes the company to access any medical record which they request. I am uncomfortable with this and wonder if it is the norm?

I applied for a job that I will get if I sign a waiver that allowes the company to access any medical record which they request. I am uncomfortable with this and wonder if it is the norm?

The job is I.S. Coordinator (basically a database admin) for a billing collector.

I talked to HR and wanted to know which records they are interested in. I was told that it covers my drug test. I said I know that, but want to know if it is limited to the drug test results. I could not get an answer.

I was just told repeatedly that they need this information for a 3rd party bkg check. The lady I spoke with spent a lot of time discussing criminal records which I was not even asking about.

Today the President of the company told me that it is a standard form; every one signs it; there are differences in legalities and realities. He said the reality is that they do not access every record. However they legally have the right to, if I sign the waiver.

Answer 1

Are you applying for a position as an astronaut? That is weird. I have been in management for 10 years, i have never heard of that!
Why would they need that? Strange!

Answer 2

What's the job for? When I hire people, They are required them have a physical paid by the company. I manage a manufacturing business unit and want to make sure that new employees are able to handle the physical work required. The physical really only checks to make sure that there are no preexisting conditions that could arise do to lifting or standing up for extended periods of time. We have never asked for an employee to release medical records. I really can't think of any reason why a company would need that information as a condition for employment.

Answer 3

Employers have to follow the guidelines of HIPPA. I would do more research on HIPPA.
First of all, if you release the information, they can access it, however, it is up to your discretion, unless legally they can obtain access to it. It's basically in your hands, as the HIPPA law is quite strict with information for employees or candidates.
If they are allowed access to your medical files, they must be discrete with it, and only certain people may look at your file. They can only discuss it with you, and only people that are certified within the HIPPA guidelines are allowed access to your file. I do believe you can deny their access to your file, but they may not hire you if you are unwilling to release it. If the job requires a drug test, you may not have a leg to stand on if you either refuse to do the test or if you did and have failed it...or if you refuse to let them know the information. In most if not all cases they pay for and send you to a place of thier choice for the test, and they are legally able to see the results but are unable to share them with anyone except the person that is conducting your hiring process.

With the guidelines of HIPPA being introduced within the past few years, it is implemented for YOUR SAFETY....however, with the fallibility of humans, there is always that small chance that they can share info with others, but I would feel that people aren't generally like that, and of course, if they fail to follow those guidelines, you have grounds to complain and possibly follow with legal action. But those guidelines are implemented for your safety of personal information and I don't believe you have anything to worry about.

Answer 4

I would be very uncomfortable.
Accordingly to the HIPPA law, none of the hospitals or anyone in the medical field is allow to give any kind of medical information to any employer due to your privacy, including police officers.
I would be very concern and think twice before taking this job.
It is a violation of your privacy, and by signing this will hurt you for the rest of your life.

Answer 5

No. If the company requires certain physical capabilities, mental capabilities,or drug tests they will pay for the tests to be completed. They do not have any reason to see your other medical records.

Answer 6

It is normal in some fields. The waiver you sign does not grant access to every single page of your record, however. Only certain highlights. Feel free to question them about how in depth they want to delve and why.