Access to medical report ??

Question

My employer wants a medical report done on me to assess my fitness to work after I disclosed a short term 4-6weeks medical problem. I don't want them to have access to this. Would a drs sick note cover me? That way they will have a drs note saying I am fit to work but do I have to disclose on it what is wrong with me? Surely if my dr says I am fit to work it is my right to keep the reason personal????

Answer 1

This is always an emotional question. Obviously your medical records are confidential - you cannot be forced to reveal personal health information unless ordered by a judge. That said, an employer has every right to know if an employee has the ability to safely perform his or her assigned tasks in a reasonable time frame - especially if your job involves contact with fellow workers or the public. This sort of situation is why HR people continue to write volumes of rules on the subject. Your employer could request a second evaluation by an contracted company physician. Remember (and say this to the company) the issue is verification of your ability to perform your job, with or without special assistance, not what was wrong with you.

Answer 2

It depends on the reason for your absence. If the medical report (fitness for duty) is to determine whether you have pre-existing back or neck problems because they are worried about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job. The employer is only able to determine whether or not you are physically able to perform the essential functions of the job you are being considered for. You can speak to the H.R. department or the doctor that they want you to see about what details will be shared with the employer before you go through the exam. A simple doctors note will not tell them this. Also, this could affect your ability to join their medical plan. Whatever your condition was/is there is something that is giving them a concern as to whether or not it will interfere with your ability to do the job. Even if you are "cured" "healed" if it is something that could be reoccuring or made worse with stress, heavy lifting or something like that they do have a right to know before they make an offer. Or it could be a company that makes everybody go through a fitness for duty exam. The exam may just be a back exam, take your temperature, test for drugs, listen to your heart, and see general health conditions. Ask someone what is involved in the exam.

Speak to the H.R. department about your privacy concerns. If you are not comfortable with the information that they want to turn over to the employer then you should probably look for a job some where else.

Answer 3

If you are working in their facility, they have every legal right to request a medical report. It protects the employer!!!!

Answer 4

i think your company has the right to ask for a medical report. do you have a current health problem thats affecting your job? i think your company would just like to protect you thats why they're asking for a medical report.

Answer 5

I agree.