New job, physical required | Arthritis Information

I have been offered and accepted a job with local government. I am required to get a phyiscal as "part of the hiring process". I am worried about disclosing my RA, specifically having the offer retracted, I have already given 2 weeks notice at my current place of employmentI do not think the government is aloud to disciminate? Surely someone on the board will know the answer. we may have to be patient and wait till tomorrow for an answer. I have seen post of this nature in the past and can not remember all that what said.How much physical work is involved?

I personally would never volunteer the information but then I wouldn't omit it if asked. If I had to divulge it I would be quick to add that you're being successfully treated and have been in "remission" forever. [OK, I might stretch the truth here.]

Anyone????

I don't know about all the different state laws, but I don't think that there are any that require you to divulge this kind of medical information. I would not do it, but you may want to consult with an attorney just to make sure. Just to clarify, I am a paralegal, and I wouldn't want to steer you in the wrong direction to your detriment. There are lots of attorneys out there who will do a free consultation, so I would make some phone calls and see what I could find out from that . . . best of luck to you!!!! well..I don't think they can specifically ask you about your health as a job requirement ....and I wouldn't divulge it either. They sent me a form - one side for me to fill out and one for the Dr. My side specifically lists a bunch of diseases and conditions from which I am supposed to circle what I have and have had. Examples are chicken pox, frequent colds, and RA is listed. Thanks for your responses.I would get advice.

Good luck, let us know what you find out.I would let them know what disease I have. As long as it doesn't affect your ability to do the job you are hired for there will be no problem (as long as it's the United States). Wear your rheumatoid arthritis like a badge of honor.

LEV

[QUOTE=bonnie_ann]They sent me a form - one side for me to fill out and one for the Dr. My side specifically lists a bunch of diseases and conditions from which I am supposed to circle what I have and have had. Examples are chicken pox, frequent colds, and RA is listed. Thanks for your responses.[/QUOTE]

You've gotten the job already right? The form they sent, is it from the personnel/human resources office or the health insurance company? They may be within their rights to ask this medical info of you and you may be obligated to provide it. HIPAA (Health Information Privacy Act) provides federal protection for personal information. It might be helpful to your situation, to look into it.

Good luck and take care.

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/index.html
Definitely get legal advice.

But bear in mind that refusal to fill out the information on the form - if you do not already have a firm offer in writing and a start date - can probably be grounds for not offering you the job. I'm not an attorney, not a paralegal......best to consult one.

It says " this letter is to confirm our offer of employment as ................ for the ..............It is my understanding that you will begin your duties on Monday March 15th". My husband says that they can't do anything and I did read somewhere it is legal if they require this of all new hires once the offer is made an accepted. I'll be honest and fill the stupid thing out. I just worry. I may have done something else stupidly ...... I didn't ask about when there health care takes effect if there waiting period or pre- exisiting clause ..... I hate to call them and disclose it - oh by the way....... I have a pre-exsiting condition need to know when I'll be covered. I tried calling the insurance company but they are worthless, they wouldn't help me.

Just call their HR Benefits department with your questions. If it makes you feel more comfortable, tell them you have a Type A husband who wants to know when your coverage will start, etc., etc.

As for pre-existing conditions, you'll need to check with them. Many policies do cover pre-existing conditions if you've had no lapse in insurance coverage between one job to the next one. But you need to check with them.

I agree with Sam . . . just call and ask. Apparently they have already hired you, so your employment should not be contingent upon your answers to the questions that they have supplied. If it were me, I would be totally honest at this point . . . if they renege after that, then I would think you would have one heck of a discrimination suit. Just MHO though!
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