I was just wondering if my employer had the right to ask why I was going to the doctor? Is it enough to just tell my employer that I'm sick and I'm going to the doctor and I will provide a note if nescessary? Or do I have to actually tell the specific reason why I'm going to the doctor?
The reason I'm asking is because I could have sworn there was a law against it but I can't find anything about it. The reason I think there is a law is because the reason for going to a doctor is very personal and should be kept private. You especially would not want your employer to know if you had an embarassing condition. I know my doctor will not disclose any information without my premission.
I'm not sick right now, but I was just curious. I live in the state of Virginia if that matters.
2007-11-01 20:54:50 · 13 answers · asked by boredpenguin2 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Yes he has the righ to ask, and you have the right to say, "Because I'm sick".
2007-11-01 21:07:54 · answer #1 · answered by Gray Wanderer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your employer has the right to know if you were injured on the job. OSHA requirements can be very strict. Also your employer has the right to know if you are contagious enough to infect others, or if your health is a disability concern so he (or she) could make she they do not discriminate against you and/or face any potential liability issues because of same.
In other words, yes, your employer, under "some" circumstances has the right to know. You have an obligation to tell your employer if it is a condition that can hinder your work performance or the health of others.
Other then that, your employer has no right to know the reason unless the company has a stated policy of needing to know the reason why you leave work. Even then, a doctors note should suffice without any details being provided.
If it really bothers you, inquire through your states web site about employee rights.
2007-11-01 21:17:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Normally, if you are on a friendly terms with your supervisor/manager, you'd freely tell that perhaps, and if they are genuinely concerned about your health, they may ask, and you can choose to either answer or lie just like the choices you have when answering a family member.
No the employer has no right to force you to disclose your illness. In fact, no one other than your immediate family (and only in the case when you become a vegetable) has the right to be disclosed your medical information and make medical decisions for you. If the employer is not your great friend, or on friendly terms, they probably do not even bother asking why you had to see a doctor. Most of the places I've worked at actually don't even require a note, just email that you'd be away and done. Thats why sickdays are for.
2007-11-01 21:01:39 · answer #3 · answered by The Answerer 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The employer does not have the right to know WHY you went to the doctor, or even WHY you are sick. The employee can ask for confirmation of the medical appointment, or a medical report confirming that you cannot work, but the medical details cannot be provided. The only exception is for a return to work where special accomodation has to be made, such as light duty or something like that.
2007-11-01 21:07:47 · answer #4 · answered by Pagan Dan 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure every state would have a law against it.
But the employer does have the right to ask for a note, like you said.
2007-11-01 22:52:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, an employer cannot ask you why you are going to the doctor. They should accept that you will provide a doc's note if neccessary.
This is prying into personal information about an employee. Which is not allowed to be legally done. Plus, if an employer finds out this kind of stuff, it can be held agaist you, which is also illegal.
2007-11-01 20:58:59 · answer #6 · answered by Amber 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
A employer may not ask you why you are going to the doctor but may request a doctor's certificate.
2007-11-01 21:12:03 · answer #7 · answered by zola237 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow! Really? And my boss always ask me "what happen?" whenever I submitted my Medical Cert...
I'm residing in Malaysia... I didn't even know that its against the law, when my boss did that.....
Owh, we are so backwards here in Malaysia.. if we didn't show our Medical Cert. the next day you're in the office that would be considered emergency leave n the employer will deduct our annual leave....
2007-11-01 21:02:32 · answer #8 · answered by silenth 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope.
I used to work for one of those guys, "The Office" was written about him, methinks.
Simply say, "I have a doctor's appointment". If the jerk asks why, tell him the doctor hasn't given you an answer, that's why you're going. "It's undetermined.", is my favorite response to nosy nabobs, afterwards. Once, however, I asked if he would like the results of my Pap smear. That was fun!
2007-11-01 21:13:12 · answer #9 · answered by muppetkiller_2000 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, it could be viewed as a discriminatory practice and an invasion of your personal privacy...Check with EEOC. Neither are your medical records. All that's necessary is a doctor's statement.
2007-11-01 21:01:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋