Looking for a job and the employer ask for my last physical/medical records. Will this be a problem getting a job... if I have major depressive disorder?

They cannot ask to see your medical records. That is against HIPAA. The only thing they can ask about health is in cases where they have defined and described the position in terms of it requiring certain physical abilities (for instance, the ability to lift 50 lbs., or the ability to stand on your feet for long periods of time). They have to have disclosed that in the job requirements ahead of time and can only ask for information pertaining to those specific physical requirements.

This job is in the health care industry. So disappointed to see that on my records on the first page to present to the employer. I'm not ashamed that I'm getting help from therapy. The medical records list all my meds and all. Confused right now.

[guilloche]

I was also under the impression that employers could not ask for medical records. Not just b/c of HIPAA laws, but because an employer cannot discriminate against someone based on a medical condition when hiring. For example, if your employer wanted to offer you the job, but then decided not to b/c they found out that you had a history of depression, that would (I thought?) be illegal under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Here's a link that talks about what employers can look at during background checks:
Background Check Laws: Can Employers Ask for an Applicant's Medical Records? - FindLaw

For medical information, it says, "Medical Records: When relevant to the job, employers may require a physical examination. Otherwise, medical records are confidential."

I'm confused about what's going for you with this employer. Have you interviewed yet, or is this all happening before an interview? Not to jump into crazy-land, but you might want to check with an attorney, because it *seems* to be outside what is allowed by the law (though I'm not an attorney and have no legal training!).

My other thought is, you might want to check a forum that deals with healthcare jobs specifically, to see if others have had this experience in your field? Just a thought.

Oh, and as for your original question... my inclination would be to say that the MDD shouldn't matter, b/c employers aren't allowed to discriminate in their hiring based on medical information. BUT... I don't know, that's sort of the ideal world where people follow the rules. And, in that world, it wouldn't be an issue, because they wouldn't be asking for your records upfront.

Did they give you any indication of *why* they needed your records?

And, are you sure it's a legitimate job/company? Not something that you found online, that could be a scammer trying to get information to steal your identity?

Good luck!

[divine1966]

Say what? My fiancée is RN. So clearly it's health care field. He has OCD that he is successfully medicated for as it is severe without Meds. And he has Tourettes. Well Tourettes frankly is noticeable on the very first interview which never prevented him from getting a job. But nobody ever asked him for medical records of any sort. He has been working for several well known hospitals and health care facilities in the course of his career. No one ever asked.

It's illegal. There is nothing in any paperwork that ever asks anything of the sort. As long as you do your job well it's no one's business.

I think it's a scam. I was a victim of a scam ( not work related), and am suspicious. Is this a legitimate hospital?

If depression or anxiety etc prevented people from working in medical field then they wouldn't be allowed to get licensed. Makes no sense

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by guilloche

I was also under the impression that employers could not ask for medical records. Not just b/c of HIPAA laws, but because an employer cannot discriminate against someone based on a medical condition when hiring. For example, if your employer wanted to offer you the job, but then decided not to b/c they found out that you had a history of depression, that would (I thought?) be illegal under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Here's a link that talks about what employers can look at during background checks:
Background Check Laws: Can Employers Ask for an Applicant's Medical Records? - FindLaw

For medical information, it says, "Medical Records: When relevant to the job, employers may require a physical examination. Otherwise, medical records are confidential."

I'm confused about what's going for you with this employer. Have you interviewed yet, or is this all happening before an interview? Not to jump into crazy-land, but you might want to check with an attorney, because it *seems* to be outside what is allowed by the law (though I'm not an attorney and have no legal training!).

My other thought is, you might want to check a forum that deals with healthcare jobs specifically, to see if others have had this experience in your field? Just a thought.

Oh, and as for your original question... my inclination would be to say that the MDD shouldn't matter, b/c employers aren't allowed to discriminate in their hiring based on medical information. BUT... I don't know, that's sort of the ideal world where people follow the rules. And, in that world, it wouldn't be an issue, because they wouldn't be asking for your records upfront.

Did they give you any indication of *why* they needed your records?

And, are you sure it's a legitimate job/company? Not something that you found online, that could be a scammer trying to get information to steal your identity?

Good luck!

I'm not hired yet. Just started to get my paper works together. I called the place of business on what to bring in. They asked for my last physical. I went to medical records dept at my doctor's office and I got the medical records stating my meds, MDD in partial remission and all. My doctor left the practice last December. I now have to wait until the end of March to see a new Doctor. I know about EEOC discrimination. This is a legit healthcare company. I am going to talk to my therapist & psychiatrist about this matter next week.

Thank you so much Guilloche!

[divine1966]

I'd ask them why they need your physical.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by divine1966

Say what? My fiancée is RN. So clearly it's health care field. He has OCD that he is successfully medicated for as it is severe without Meds. And he has Tourettes. Well Tourettes frankly is noticeable on the very first interview which never prevented him from getting a job. But nobody ever asked him for medical records of any sort. He has been working for several well known hospitals and health care facilities in the course of his career. No one ever asked.

It's illegal. There is nothing in any paperwork that ever asks anything of the sort. As long as you do your job well it's no one's business.

I think it's a scam. I was a victim of a scam ( not work related), and am suspicious. Is this a legitimate hospital?

If depression or anxiety etc prevented people from working in medical field then they wouldn't be allowed to get licensed. Makes no sense

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks so much for your info! I need to get my physical examination documents not my mental health records and medication info. I got the records from the hospital. I call the docs office. They told me to get it at the hospital medical records dept. I receive one from that same office...Years back when the doc was still working there. They change the whole thing now. My doctor is no longer working at that practice.

What in the hay?? Tell them you haven't had a physical in years, the doctor can't locate your records, but would be happy to have one at a clinic of their choice at their expense. I have had physicals and pre-employment drug tests - they always disclosed that it would be required and they always paid for it.