Is asking what religion someone is against the law?

Question

I work at a hospital registration desk. Everytime someone comes in to see a doctor, have X-Rays, MRI, lab or just about anything else we have to register them in the hospital system. If they have never been here before, we have to ask a series of questions such as name, address, marital status, SS# and what their religious preference is. This is always an uncomfortable question to ask but it's one of the fields that must have an answer in it to continue with the registration. Yesterday I was told by a patient that they think it is illegal to even ask that question and it made me wonder if that is correct. I know it's illegal to ask when having a job interview but is it illegal when asked by a state hospital registration clerk? I'd love to have ammo to get rid of this question, or at least make it NOT one of the required fields. Is it illegal?
Thanks!

Answer 1

If they prefer not to answer it, you can write N/A. They have the right to refuse to answer. The reason hospitals ask is due to certain religions that may be against certain procedures/taking medications, this way they know if have a preference, then you can get treated in that manner. Also, if you need last rites, the hospital knows who to call.

Answer 2

The service of the hospital is not based on religion. The service provided by local chaplains/ministers is... The service you are providing includes a variety of individual needs.

That question is asked so that the hospital's "inhouse" chaplain may visit that patient or the patient's own minister can be notified. Even within private hospitals affliated with a particular ministry, patients don't have to notify the hospital of their preference.

It's yet another sad direction hospitals are taking. There was a day every patient could expect a chaplain to visit with them, now "religion" is viewed as too personal to be considered.

Answer 3

According to the non-discrimination laws, you are not allow to ask sex, age, religion and even race. The admission forms at many hospitals have been modified but they apparently have a loophole about age. Religion can be asked only if the person is willing to supply that information (in case they become fatally ill or moribund) but it can not be made mandatory.

Answer 4

The reason hospitals ask for that info is that some medical care could conflict with religious beliefs, i.e. some religions don't accept blood transfusions.

It's not illegal for them to ask the question. As consumers, we have the right to refuse to answer, but we can't hold them responsible for going against religious beliefs or preference if we don't inform them of those beliefs.

Answer 5

If you answer yes, what would prevent a facility to delay, delay, delay
service, take many others who had later appointments ahead of me.
I told the receptionist that was unacceptable, cancel my appointment and give me credit for the charge. I called the insurance co and complained about this abuse. I guess I qualify to complain about this abuse since I am Only 85 years old with large t-cell granular leukemia.

Answer 6

Nope you can ask it but I'm pretty sure your state has anti-descrimination laws that make it illeagal to deny service to someone if they won't disclose their religious belief. Most do. I know it's against federal law to require someone's SS#.

Answer 7

Yeah, Ive hever heard of a hospital asking that. Its none of their business.

Be a rebel employee and just stop asking. Leave that box blank.

Answer 8

Just tell them it's in case they die. So you know what religion to bury them under. That will scare them. LOL only kidding. hope you find your answer

Answer 9

i believe it is legal. hospitals need to know in case you need your last rights.

Answer 10

may be