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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sonya on June 21, 2005, at 12:44:34
I'm hoping someone can put things in perspective for me. Maybe I'm over-reacting. Last year when I was in the hospital and treated afterwards at an intensive outpatient program, my clinician filled out a form which was given to my employer so I could stay out on short term disability. At the time I was pretty out of it and didn't realize what the form said before I sent it to my Human Resources department to become a permanent part of my personnel file. My clinician had written on the form that I was being treated for a mood disorder and substance abuse. I don't mind the mood disorder part but I'm very upset that she wrote substance abuse on the form. I don't think that was necessary. By the way, I have a history of having problems with sedatives prescribed by my pdoc for anxiety.
I'm very upset about all this. Am I making mountains out of molehills? I envision this diagnosis of "substance abuse" following me to future employers. Is that possible? Any feedback is appreciated.
Posted by NikkiT2 on June 21, 2005, at 14:03:52
In reply to Work-related issue, posted by Sonya on June 21, 2005, at 12:44:34
I can't speak for the US, but in the UK, your previous employer isn't allowed to disclose that kind of information.. They're actually not alloed to say anything negative at all in a reference to a future employer!!
I had a similar problem with my last employer - going on disability and signing things I had no ideareally what I was signing.. Including a written warning stating I would not take another sick day - I had 5 working days to appeal it, and it was given to at 5pm on Christmas eve when the entire HR department was closed until new years.. And then a final written warning for not phoning in every day to check my work whilst in ospital - on a locked ward with no phone access!!!
When I started looking for new work, I agreed with my pdoc that he would show me any references he wrote for me, so I could OK them ebfore they were sent out.. Maybe you could do that with yours?
Good luck
Nikki x
Posted by Jazzed on June 21, 2005, at 14:56:51
In reply to Re: Work-related issue » Sonya, posted by NikkiT2 on June 21, 2005, at 14:03:52
> I can't speak for the US, but in the UK, your previous employer isn't allowed to disclose that kind of information.. They're actually not alloed to say anything negative at all in a reference to a future employer!!
>
>
When I was a supervisor, many moons ago, it was my understanding that I could only verify current pay - and they had to tell me what it was, and I could only say yes or no. And, I could only tell them whether they would be a yes or no for rehire, but I couldn't give and specific info. Of course this could have changed. On future apps. it'll be up to you as to whether you want to disclose, and you don't have to.Jazzy
Posted by AuntieMel on June 21, 2005, at 15:05:46
In reply to Work-related issue, posted by Sonya on June 21, 2005, at 12:44:34
I've been told when verifying employment to only give dates. I don't think I'm even allowed to do a yes/no about rehire.
I don't know if it's illegal or not, but the liabilities/possible lawsuits issue is real.
Posted by Sonya on June 22, 2005, at 6:35:42
In reply to Re: Work-related issue » Sonya, posted by NikkiT2 on June 21, 2005, at 14:03:52
Good idea. Thanks, Nikki.
Posted by Sonya on June 22, 2005, at 6:40:30
In reply to Re: Work-related issue, posted by AuntieMel on June 21, 2005, at 15:05:46
Thanks to all for your feedback. Actually I called my HR dept and asked them if any of my medical record could be disclosed to future employers and I was reassured it would not. I was told my medical record is kept separate from my personnel file, and nothing from the medical record can be disclosed to future employers. I'm still worried. It makes me angry that this information about me is available to my employer. That's not right, IMO.
Posted by AuntieMel on June 24, 2005, at 11:10:07
In reply to Re: Work-related issue, posted by Sonya on June 22, 2005, at 6:40:30
It's probably only available to HR. I bet your boss can't even see it.
This is the end of the thread.
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