My boss asked for a letter from my doctor explaining a health problem I have.?

Question

I have hyothyroid issues and a few weeks back got very jittery and emotional. She was in my face every second and I broke down and cried. We had a meeting with our HR person and worked things out. Today she asked if my doctor would send a leter explaining my problem. Stating, "It would be better for you". I asked if my job was on the line and told no, performance was great.

I called the doctor, then I thought, wait this is private information, she has no right to ask. She can't use it against me.

Can she? Why would she want that information if my performance is great.?

Help?

Answer 1

I had attendence issues due to cancer, depression and anxiety and never had to provide my boss with a letter from my dr explaining anything; the only thing that I ever had to provide was FMLA paperwork, which did include some details, that went to the HR people and not my boss or supervisor. I would ask very carefully and gently why she wants this information. Don't be confrontational because she may want to help you apply for FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) which entitles you to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for a serious health condition. If you don't like her answer I would ask for the request in writing and a copy of the policy that requires you to provide the information to her directly and not to HR. Again, don't be confrontational about it, you don't want to jepordize your job, just explain that your DR office needs that in writing to release protected health information.

Answer 2

Under the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), if your employer has 50 or more employees, and you have at least one (1) year of service and worked 1040 hours, you are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. The leave can be taken in various increments, from half-days to 12 consecutive weeks.

On the other hand, the employer has a right to request that you provide substantiating evidence of the need for such leave from a medical practitioner.

Since your supervisor has a "need to know" based on the requirement to schedule a replacement worker, or to re-arrange the workload among available employees, s/he can request/ review such information.

There is a form that is given to the employee for the medical practitioner, who fills it out and generally mails it to the HR Department, or if no HR Department exists on-site, to the General Manager. Any person having a legitimate "need to know" will be given minimal necessary information

Answer 3

HUH?!

No Way.

First of all, that is a completely inappropriate, and probably illegal request. She is only doing this to cover herself. When they review her and ask her why she had this "conflict" with you, she can say "It was ____, it had nothing to do with me. I even have a doctor's note from her. She has thyroid issues."

Do you think she's going to say "Yes, your job is on the line" ???! She thinks you are emotionally unstable already.

Start looking for another job. This will never be forgotten by her.
Does the HR person know that she was "in your face" ??!

Good Luck. It will take some work, but your thyroid will become managed in time.

Answer 4

They might just want the information to put on your records, so that if a disciplinary hearing is held about your possible performance in the future, say due to emotionally stress ect, they can use the letter and the details of your problem as extenuation circumstances and a reason for your behaviour. You don't have to supply it but it might help you if you do.

Answer 5

First of all the doctor could not release any information about you without your written authorization. If your health is not interfering with your job performance then I dont see why your boss would ask for that information. If you dont want your boss to know anything about your health then tell your boss you dont feel comfortable realeasing that information.

Answer 6

I think that with the HIPPA regulations an employer is not permitted to ask indepth questions about your health. I say if you have notes that you saw your physician... that should be enough. U may have anxiety or depression issues if you are jittery and emotional.. it could also be hormonal too. I would suggest you get a second opinion, and maybe see an atty. (BTW.. I have thyroid issues myself... )

Answer 7

I would get your doctor to write a letter explaining you have this medical problem only. No explanation of the problem itself. They do have every right to ask for this letter from you doctor but as far as your job is concerned you can always look at unfair dismissal if you are terminated.

Answer 8

Medical information is private, you're right about that. But you have to make a decision. You can refuse to provide the information, because it's you're right to do so, and you're employer has a right to re-evaluate your position with the company and terminate you if they see fit. It sounds like they want to give you the benefit of the doubt over some significant event that happened, so it's up to you as to whether you want to help them along with making important decisions on your future with that business. Entirely up to you.

Answer 9

tricky question. it has many angles and many answers.
a) is it legal -- ask the company lawyer (free i hope)
b) is it the policy of the company --ask your union --if you have one.
c) is it ethical --ask the human rights dept. of your state or city.
d) is it acceptable -- to the medical profession -- ask the opinion of your doctor and mention the specific case to whom the letter is being addressed and for what purpose.
e) ask direct your boss -- have him/her right a request letter for such an information on your health -- tell her to request it in writing.
My own opinion-- if you do all these things -- you will be wiser and I can assure you -- the issue will be resolved by itself. Experience in the field.
Good luck. (No need to pay me in kind, send me 10 points --lol)

Answer 10

THe information should stay private with the HR dept.. The boss has no right to know.