We are being required to fill out heath screening questionnaires that ask very personal things like when and for what was our last doctors visit. And have we had hemorrhoids or stomach pain. They want to put this information in our employee file. Is this legal? What if I refuse?

It is legal. Have they given a reason why they are asking? Are such issues job related?

There is a requirement that this info be confidential however.

It is legal to ask for a health assessment, it is not legal to put it in the employee personnal files.

Health information or PHI must be kept in a separate file from the personnal files.

It must not be shared with others than the insurance company because it is confidential and protected information.

This information is used for insurance purposes and it keeps the insurance costs lower. It is also used to develop wellness and disease management programs based on the outcomes of the risk assessment.


Shirley