What must I tell new employer about health?

Specialties Occupational

Published

Long story short, 4 hospitalizations in past 4 years with "syncope of unknown cause". EEGs, MRI, MRAS, every test you can imagine all to nought. Bottom line I am a transport nurse & have been allowed to return to work without any restrictions and there is no further follow up. But recent OH exams at per diem employers have brought up questions, and requests for more information. The one time my employer wanted a more detailed letter from a cardiologist, who refused saying his blanket "no restrictions", meant exactly that. This is my PHI, am I required to share this with a new employer when I do a physical? I know I have to share meds, so I tell them about having Type II diabetes and HTN, but am I REQUIRED to tell them anything else? Im finding just mentioning it is causing issues. The last time I spent three weeks with multiple testing & consults to be totally cleared and if Ive been back doing same job that should be good enough. Thoughts?

Felix

USA

In my opinion NO! If your able to perform your job without accommodation, then what do they need to know that for? I don't think that's their buisness.

Thats what I think, but Im wondering how much you are legally required to divulge. After the bullying I got after 1 incident Im not inclined to share ANYTHING I don't have to, I just wasn't sure what an employer is legally allowed to know. I know they interviewers cant know, but Im wondering about the OH dept of the employer?

In the US, employers are basically restricted from health-related inquiries aside from providing an employee with their job description then asking if any accommodations are needed for the employee to perform the essential functions of the position. That's of course once the employee is actually an employee; health-related inquires of any kind are absolute no no's during the interview stage before a conditional job offer is made contingent on passing a preemployment physical.

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