Medical Screening

[BennyT373]

What all in entailed with a medical screening? Do they have access to your past medical records to show past prescriptions, surgeries, or anything of that sort? Or is based on your current health (BP, blood screening, etc)?

[FFPilot]

I can not speak for fire depts, but as an airline pilot the FAA keeps a tight control over our past and present medical records or fitness for flight including 6 month medical reviews. Because of this I have become very familiar with medical histories.

You should always be honest to your future employer. That being said as of now (will be changing in the future) there is no national database of your medical records and you are HIPPA protected unlike pilots. This meaning there is no one place, i.e. the internet; someone can go and access all your records. Although you will sign a sheet for your employer allowing them full access to all your medical records (this is what the airlines require) there is limited stuff they can access. For example your doctor prescribes you a medication. The only way for a potential employer to know about it, is if you disclose it on your medical history form. If you put down your primary care doctor your prospective employer can contact them with your release of information but due to HIPPA laws it is still at your doctor’s discretion what information they will provide them. Always talk to your doctor about their particular privacy policies.

PM me if you have more specific questions, and I will be more than happy to elaborate on the above.

[fire49]

have not seen it asked for, not saying some cities may require it

but we do have are you able to do the job

and the great hippo laws and ada laws kinda does not let them ask for to much.

[CaptOldTimer]

have not seen it asked for, not saying some cities may require it

but we do have are you able to do the job

and the great hippo laws and ada laws kinda does not let them ask for to much.

Hippa Laws has no effect on applicants being subjected to medical exams and statements on prior health history.

[Wagon Wheeler]

What all in entailed with a medical screening? Do they have access to your past medical records to show past prescriptions, surgeries, or anything of that sort? Or is based on your current health (BP, blood screening, etc)?

I spoke to a Special Agent for the FBI about this because I was curious as to what departments could actually obtain with regard to medical records. They can ask you what surgeries, medications, etc. have you had. Whether your honest or not, that's up to you. The only way they can actually get your past medical records is through a court order, which is a really difficult thing for departments to persue and it takes way to much time. If they do get a court order to get your past medical records, the hospital has to notify you that someone is attempting to obtain your medical records. When you sign that medical information release form for the department for your hiring process, that document only allows for information from your Doctor's physical that they send you to get hired. I hope that helps.

[BennyT373]

Of course I would be honest on disclosing all information, as I have nothing to hide. Just wondering what all they ask: surgeries, prescriptions, or what. Not that I'm afraid of a disqualifying question, just curiosity.