Are you uncertain about what you can ask employee’s regarding prescriptions they are taking?

Because the American Disabilities Act (ADA) restricts what you can ask, knowing the guidelines are important. When it comes to asking an employee about any of their health issues, you must make sure the reason you are asking is job related.  Below are general guidelines:

• Cannot Ask--about an employee prescribed drug use unless the side effects of the drugs directly affect their job function.
• Can Ask--(1) health-related questions if they have learned from a third party that an employee’s job functions will be impaired due to prescribed drug use or be a direct threat to safety and (2) to take a medical exam, where only access to the medical examination is allowed.

Remember, an employee’s medical information should always be kept confidential, but you can share with the employee’s supervisor if there are work-related restrictions due to the use.

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