Reply #5: Most Illnesses

[louis c]

are covered under the Americans for Disabilities Act.

Under this federal law, management must make "reasonable accommodations" in the work place to accommodate a disabled employee.

Diabetes is considered one of the many disabilities under this act.

As far as health care information access is concerned, the employer has no right, unless permission is given by the employee.

Be careful. I had a case in which a doctor's note was required for a "Family and Medical Leave". When it was given to the employer it read at the end "If you have any questions, please contact me".

The doctor then gave some wrong answers over the phone to an asshole manager and refused to correct them. The employee was forced to return work.

I now inform all my members to make sure the letter, if it is required by law or the contract, does not allow the employer access to the doctor without going through the employee and me (if the employee desires) and all requests are given in writing, and all doctor's answers are also given in writing.

I never recommend that an employee allow the employer to even talk to an employee's doctor unless it is required by law.

No more letters from my members end with a doctor saying "If you have any questions, please contact me".

Don't give them a F**King inch.

louis c

Business Manager IBEW Local 123