Is it legal for my employer to ask for a medical certificate stating that I have diabetes?
February 3rd, 2010 | by The Doc |
Kate asked:
I have Type I diabetes. I work full time as an assitant manager in a retail store in the mall. Recently my boss asked for a medical certificate stating that I am diabetic. They want to keep it in my personnel file. Is this legal? I had never even heard of this certificate until they asked me for one. I feel like it does not need to be in my personnel folder because my health does not affect my work performance.
I have Type I diabetes. I work full time as an assitant manager in a retail store in the mall. Recently my boss asked for a medical certificate stating that I am diabetic. They want to keep it in my personnel file. Is this legal? I had never even heard of this certificate until they asked me for one. I feel like it does not need to be in my personnel folder because my health does not affect my work performance.
7 Responses to “Is it legal for my employer to ask for a medical certificate stating that I have diabetes?”
By proud-aunt-of-9 on Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
it is legal because if something happens to you whlie at work they need to know all medical comditions you have so they know what to tell the paramedics if they have to be called
By Amanda C on Feb 6, 2010 | Reply
they probably want it in the case that somthing happens to you at work. it is pertinent iformation
By grethomory on Feb 8, 2010 | Reply
No, he doesn’t have any right to that information. You hit the nail on the head when you stated your health does not affect your work performance.
Go speak to HR and tell the you are not comfortable releasing this type of information for privacy reasons.
Do not be afraid to do so.
That would be just like an individual with HIV or AIDS having to disclose it to their employer.
By Franb on Feb 8, 2010 | Reply
The only way to get this answered is by asking your employer or human resources department. There is such a certificate that you get from your doctor. They may just need it for medical insurance purposes or they may be trying to cover their ***** if anything happens to you on the job. I would definitely ask what their intentions are in this matter. I also don’t think it is illegal for them to ask for this certificate.
By Mu1 on Feb 11, 2010 | Reply
They probably want it for insurance purposes – besides, it gives you some protection too – e’g’ if you were asked to do something and could not do it because of your medical condition, you could always claim that your company were on notice of it. Either way, they are aware that you are diabetic – so what’s the deal about giving them a certificate to that effect?
By Cubs Girl on Feb 13, 2010 | Reply
Yes, it is perfectly legal simply because if you have to take medications and or inject insulin during company time you need a certification stating so.
Diabetes depending on the type can be look at as ADA.
By Ansell A on Feb 14, 2010 | Reply
Of course it is legal.
You have a medical condition and it is in the interests of you and the company that they have a record of this.
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