Employment

[Allerian]

On monday I have a preplacement physical. I accepted a full time phlebotomy position. Do I have to tell her I have lupus? My lupus is doing great! I'm currently off metho, arava, and down to 3 mg prednisone. I only missed 5 days of school the last year and that was because I was hospital. I haven't been in the ER since Oct. Basically, it shouldn't interfere with my work and I don't need any special accomodations. They can't not hire me because of this can they? Wouldn't that be major discrimination? Or do I just have disclose things in my health history that would interfere with my work?
My physical sheet says:
Go over immunizations, TB screen, meet with an employee nurse to REVIEW YOUR HEALTH HISTORY, and then update TD, and Hep B if neccessary. I am current on everything including my mantoux test (TB).
Julia

[peonyprincess]

In my experience with physicals however, it seems that they ask about medications, health history, etc so you may have to reveal your Lupus. BUT, the physician CANNOT tell your employer that you have Lupus as that is private health information. If they were to tell the hiring employer, then that would be a HIPPA violation and the physican could stand to loose his license. When I have had my physicals for employment, they ask mainly about back injuries as that is one of the most costly work related injuries. He/She will examine you and will ask about your health history. Be honest when you tell them that you have no problems with your Lupus. If you have aches and pains and can manage with medications then you can tell them that your Lupus is managed. As long as the physican feels that you are healthy enough to do the job that you are being hired for, regardless of your health history, they they should give you a green light. When I applied for a job and had to reveal my significant health history, I wasn't denied employment. I had applied for a PRN RN Supervisor position and was subsquently hired for that position. Once hired, I wouldn't reveal any health information to the employer as they can use that if they so chose to deny employment, career advancements, etc but they will not use your health as an excuse, they will find one that is legal.

To answer your other question, yes it is illegal to deny employment based on health history, however, it is very hard to prove that you were denied based on health reasons. Employers normally cover their tracks very well and will find a valid reason. This is very unfortunate as in todays world, it seems that everyone as some sort of a health problem.

Good luck on your potential new job!!


Nancy