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Medical privacy of family members

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fireman22

Junior Member
State Virginia

Hello all, my question is very simple can my supervisor ask me for a doctores note for a child's doctors visit when said note would violate there right to privacy? I did have to take 5 hours to take my child to the doctors office , get a perscription, and then returned to work. I know HIPPA dosen' protect this request. thanxs
 


seniorjudge

Senior Member
Your post strongly implies that YOU revealed that you had to take off work to carry your kid to the doctor and then get a prescription.

So, now privacy violation there.

And, yes, an employer can ask for documentation when you say you have to take off for something specific.

E.g., if you tell your employer you are taking off to go to the doctor, then the employer has the right to ask you to back it up with documentation.
 

rmet4nzkx

Senior Member
It is not a violation, all that is required is confirmaiton of the visit, not the diagnosis. If you or a child or other family member has extraordinary health needs, it is possible that you may qualify for FMLA, which requires documenttion. It is best, when ever possible to make appointments closer to the begining or end of your shift, sometimes you have to ask for a different appointment time, this is not always possible with an acute illness.
 

fireman22

Junior Member
OK thats not a problem. I guess my only problem is that I have been the only person asked to provide a letter. Many others at work have used this privledge and have not been asked. Would this be harassment? Thanks
 

fireman22

Junior Member
OK that clears a little up. Now last question' "till the next" what has presedence, Union contract or HR policys? Our contract states that a letter of requirement needs to be issued befor and advrce action can be taken. HR's policies don't even say anything about it? Thanks again
 

rmet4nzkx

Senior Member
The answer is the same however if you had stated that you were under a union contract you would have been refered to your union for specific advice.
 

TOrley

Junior Member
Not a HIPPA issue

Providing a doctor's note is not a violation of anyone's privacy. If the note were to pertain to the specific reason for the visit then it would violate HIPPA. A note saying "Jane Doe was seen in my office today" is not a violation in any way. Sorry.
 

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