Legal? new employer wants list of all meds taken and medical records

nuangel1, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2010

i wouldn't think this is legal.but either way i would refuse its not any of their business.

caliotter3 · Jan 20, 2010

I would go elsewhere for employment. You take a drug screen and list the meds you are on at that time in case there is a positive screen. Your medical records are privileged information covered under privacy laws. You undergo an employment physical given by your own physician or their occupational health physician and a report of such exam is made. Nowhere in this process does the employer get access to your medical records. Tell them no. No.

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 20, 2010

I've had employers ask that to disclose all medications you feel may show up on drug screening. Essentially, if you list a medication for something like vicoden and you test positive for that substance, and you can provide a valid prescription for it, then it's probably not a problem. If you do the drug screening and something you haven't listed shows up, then that's likely the end of your interview process. Even if you do have a valid prescription they consider you've been less than completely honest and are not likely to hire you.

I've never heard of an employer requiring complete medical records. They may require you disclose conditions that would affect your ability to perform one's job description or require you to pass a physical.

babblingbrook · Jan 20, 2010

I'm kind of in a bind since I dont' have 12 months of experience as a RN. Around my area there are no jobs unless you have the exp and the employer was the only one in 3 months to offer me a job. But my gut is telling me if they are this bad now what will it be like to work for them. My dr also told me it's none of their business what meds I'm on. Just call me naive, I guess. I thought maybe nursing employers had a right to know more info on you because you are dealing with their patients.

Thanks for the advice.

caliotter3 · Jan 20, 2010

They may be the only employer within a 500 mile radius but that does not give them the right to have access to your medical records. Your medical suitability for the job is determined by the pre-employment physical exam and that does not consist of you handing over your records. Your doctor is right. I'm surprised he didn't use a profane adjective.

babblingbrook · Jan 20, 2010

He's too nice of a guy I guess. He worked his residency for this employer so he didn't speak highly of them. Glad I found out now rather than later.

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 20, 2010

What on earth is their reason for needing all this information?

I'd probably stay away from being a patient there, if this is a facility in which you would anticipate receiving treatment. They apparently have no boundaries.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jan 20, 2010

The is a whole new world to those of us who were hired on our word only. WHere does it end Soy your had 11 physicians who all wrote 11 Rx you had willed twice over an 5 years interval. Some were off patent uses. hmmmmmm.

I think I'd look around for a les mein kampf policy.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2010

The message from this employer is "I intend to violate your boundaries anytime, anywhere if it suits me.

Personally, I'd rather work in a book store.

tewdles, RN · Jan 20, 2010

Just out of curiousity...where are you located? (what state)

itsmejuli · Jan 20, 2010

If you were going through underwriting for a medical insurance policy then the insurer can request medication information and medical history information. But a letter from a Dr about your condition is still questionable. Its not like you have a heart condition for example.

But for an employer to request this type of info I find odd and possibly discriminatory.

I'd contact the EEOC to find out if this is legal.

http://www.eeoc.gov/index.cfm