As an employee of a small municipal Fire Department in Virginia, I am required to undergo an annual "Fitness For Duty" physical examination. I have no objection to this exam, however, my City Manager and Fire Chief feel they are entitled to receive the entire results of my exam since the city pays for it. I understand that acording to HIPAA and ADA,an employer has the right to know if I am fit for duty or not, and if not, why. But to what extent? I was told "...since the city pays, they own the results..." and can do with them whatever they please.
We [FD Staff] are being asked to sign an information release that will allow the physician to report the exam results in entirety. If we refuse to sign, we will be uneligible for promotion or merit raise. While no one is opposed to the Chief knowing if we have a medical condition that poses a risk to ourselves or others, we feel he is not entitled to know the results, for example, of our rectal exam or any other condition that does not directly effect our ability to perform our jobs. Our concern is that release of the complete results will leave open the possibility of misinterpretation and subsequent discrimination by City or Department administration.
Can anyone clarify this "ownership" of MY medical information and advise what protection I have under state and federal law?
Thanks
"...risking mine to save yours..."
We [FD Staff] are being asked to sign an information release that will allow the physician to report the exam results in entirety. If we refuse to sign, we will be uneligible for promotion or merit raise. While no one is opposed to the Chief knowing if we have a medical condition that poses a risk to ourselves or others, we feel he is not entitled to know the results, for example, of our rectal exam or any other condition that does not directly effect our ability to perform our jobs. Our concern is that release of the complete results will leave open the possibility of misinterpretation and subsequent discrimination by City or Department administration.
Can anyone clarify this "ownership" of MY medical information and advise what protection I have under state and federal law?
Thanks
"...risking mine to save yours..."
