Employer asking for medical information?

Question

My employer has sent around cards asking for a contact "in case of emergerncy" and medical information such as: List any allergies or illnesses, history of heart disease, etc., blood type and drugs being presently taken. Do I have a right to refuse to answer? I'm a secretary (meaning the only harm I can do to anyone in my job capacity is possibly a paper cut!).

Answer 1

The reason they ask that information is to have it on hand in case something happens to you at work and you are unable to speak for yourself. We have had employees collapse at their desks and all we can do is call the paramedics. If you do not give them basic information such as an emergency contact person then they will be struggling as to who they should contact if something were to happen to you.

As far as listing allergies or drugs being taken, that is voluntary on your part. But keep in mind that if you are unable to speak for yourself (unconscious) then would there be a problem with treating you at a hospital. If you would rather just keep a list of medications and illnesses in your purse or wallet that would take care of that problem. But if someone is unable to speak for themselves and need treatment are you taking anything that the paramedics should know about. What if their is a fire, flood, or other disaster that comes up and you need to be treated?

Just give them some basic information, they are just trying to be pro-active in case something unforseen comes up.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Asking for an emergency contact is pretty much standard procedure, that much you really should give them, just in case.

As far as anything else, I'd give 'em the bare minimum - such as if you have any life-threatening allergies (like to beestings, etc.) and leave it at that. They can't force you to tell them your medical history if you don't want to share it - nor do they have the right to try to get it any other way.

Answer 4

They can ask if you have medical condtitions that require accomodation under ADA. It is also your responsibility to inform them if you do. Because it has affected your work they have the right to ask. How do they know you aren't an alcoholic or drug user otherwise? And if you are they have to allow you to obtain treatment as a medical condition. As to how much info. they can ask for I don't know.

Answer 5

Yes, if you're in the US, you don't have to provide personal health info. You may want to consider providing an emergency contact, however, just in case something happens to you at work.