Can an employer legally ask an employee for his/her discharge paperwork from a hospitalization before employee is allowed to return to work? Employee has note from doctor stating he was under doctor's care and may return to work with no restrictions.

Why would the employer want to see the discharge papers? -- as additional proof the employee had been hospitalized? Does the employer doubt the employee was hospitalized?

I would imagine the employer would want to verify that the employee is "all better".

This is what I get when I read the post.

I would imagine the employer would want to verify that the employee is "all better".
So why wouldn't the doctor's release be good enough? (Why are we discussing this? Where's the OP?)

We're discussing this because you and I see the question differently (as others may to) and we need to come to terms before accurate advice is given.

We're discussing this because you and I see the question differently (as others may to) and we need to come to terms before accurate advice is given.
I think at this point the OP needs to toss in some helpful information, if it's available.

The Doctor's note should be sufficient. Without knowing more about the type of work the OP does and why the employer is asking for the papers, we can't help further.

Can they ask for it, yes, what they do if you refuse to provide it will be another issue.

Is it a issue that they want proof you were in the hospital, to allow you the sick days you used. I know if I took several days or more off to be in the hospital, they would want proof I was in the hospital and a return of work statement from my doctor.