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A husband of a co-worker of mine is having some medical issues related to gout. He has had to attend many doctor's appointments during work hours but has always returned with a doctor's note. Yesterday his HR department asked him to sign a letter that states, "I Michael, give (HR director's name), permission to contact my doctor/nurse to discuss my medical condition". 1) Can they do this? 2) Does he have to sign this letter? 3) If he does not sign this letter, and it does not state on the letter that signing it is a condition of employment, can he be fired for refusing to? Thank you in advance.
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I think the employee should ask the purpose of the permission.
What exactly is the HR Director trying to determine here. If it is a leave related issue, then she can ask for the lenght of time off expected from the doctor etc. Other than that, what could be her possible reason.
Unless specified, they can't make this a condition of employment. His medical information is protected under HIPAA and he has the right to determine whom he wants to share the information with.
If I were him, I would ask upfront but tactfully what the purpose was behind that request..something like " I wish to fully cooperate with you and I am trying to better understand the reason behind your request. Please explain it to me as I am not very well versed in these matters".
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