Hey, does anyone know if an employer in Texas can request medical records without your permission? I haven’t been asked for them directly, but I feel like some of my medical providers are treating me differently lately. Has anyone else dealt with this?
From what I know, employers can’t access your medical records without your permission, at least not legally. They need you to sign something to release them.
Zeke said:
From what I know, employers can’t access your medical records without your permission, at least not legally. They need you to sign something to release them.
That’s good to know! I haven’t signed anything like that. Thanks for the clarification.
@Jody
Yeah, they need your consent for sure. They can’t just go digging into your medical info without it.
If they sent you something saying they could get access, but you didn’t sign it, that doesn’t count. Plus, if your co-workers didn’t get the same message, that’s kinda weird.
Mica said:
If they sent you something saying they could get access, but you didn’t sign it, that doesn’t count. Plus, if your co-workers didn’t get the same message, that’s kinda weird.
Yeah, I thought it was odd too. I couldn’t find the email afterward either, so maybe it was a mistake.
@Jody
Sounds like it might’ve been a glitch or something. Either way, they need your signature to make it official.
Even if they create a policy, they can’t enforce it without your permission. Texas law requires your consent before anyone can access medical records.
I’ve been through something similar. My employer hinted they could access records, but when I looked into it, I found out it wasn’t legal unless I gave consent.
Alexis said:
I’ve been through something similar. My employer hinted they could access records, but when I looked into it, I found out it wasn’t legal unless I gave consent.
Good to know! It’s reassuring that they can’t just get to that info without my approval.
If they ever ask for your medical records, make sure they explain why. And definitely don’t sign anything unless you’re comfortable with it.
Daphne said:
If they ever ask for your medical records, make sure they explain why. And definitely don’t sign anything unless you’re comfortable with it.
Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely be cautious if they ever ask.