ForMyBrother
Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? VA
I work in a doctor’s office (family owned). I am currently looking for another job.
My question is, if a potential employer calls my current place of employment for a reference, is the office manager allowed to relinquish personal information?
Such as issues with depression, anxiety, family issues, etc. My employer and I became really good friends (in the beginning) and I have discussed with her personal issues. I am currently in counseling and my employer knows this, but I don’t want a potential employer to know this prior to me possibly being hired.
Would this be illegal or just an ethical issue?
Additional Information: I have been seen and treated at my place of employment for depression, so I know this falls under doctor/patient confidentiality, but I am still concerned about them discussing my issues. They have no ethics what so ever. They have told patients (about previous employees) they had to leave due to getting a divorce, they left due to not being able to keep up with the patient load, etc. They truly can’t keep an employee to save their lives. The office manager is also known for gossiping about employees with other employees.
I work in a doctor’s office (family owned). I am currently looking for another job.
My question is, if a potential employer calls my current place of employment for a reference, is the office manager allowed to relinquish personal information?
Such as issues with depression, anxiety, family issues, etc. My employer and I became really good friends (in the beginning) and I have discussed with her personal issues. I am currently in counseling and my employer knows this, but I don’t want a potential employer to know this prior to me possibly being hired.
Would this be illegal or just an ethical issue?
Additional Information: I have been seen and treated at my place of employment for depression, so I know this falls under doctor/patient confidentiality, but I am still concerned about them discussing my issues. They have no ethics what so ever. They have told patients (about previous employees) they had to leave due to getting a divorce, they left due to not being able to keep up with the patient load, etc. They truly can’t keep an employee to save their lives. The office manager is also known for gossiping about employees with other employees.