Mental health records and employment

[Jahlise_chard@y]

I live in Pennsylvania and was in and out of the foster care system. A lot of times it seems that kids in the system end up being forced into unnecessary mental health treatment. I unfortunately was hospitalized numerous times... but I am far from mentally ill. Currently I am in college and wondering about careers. I'm thinking about foreign relations and government jobs but I am terrified that my degree would be wasted if those records were held against me. Since I was under 18 at the time of those incidents... can people look at the records and not hire me based on them?

 

[ecmst12]

Why would any job have access to your medical records?

 

[xylene]

Such a degree is NOT a waste.

Even if...

 

[Beth3]

Your medical records are completely protected by law. Nobody can access them without your express written permission.

Pursue your deams and good luck to you.

 

[Ozark_Sophist]

You may have difficulty with government security clearance.

 

[Beth3]

True - but even the government can't access those with out the OP's written consent (which of course the OP would have to provide as part of a security check.) I think the OP is particularly concerned that employers have some means of getting "behind the scenes" access to those - they don't.