Can Your Job Call to Verify COVID-19 Test Results?
The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a great deal of uncertainty in the workplace. With many businesses adopting strict health and safety guidelines, some employers have started taking additional steps to verify each employee’s COVID-19 test results. But the question is, can your job legally call to verify your COVID-19 test results?
Can Employers Call to Verify COVID-19 Test Results?
The short answer is yes. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers are allowed to take additional steps to ensure their employees are healthy and safe. This includes calling healthcare facilities to verify your COVID-19 test results.
When employers call to verify COVID-19 test results, they are typically looking for a few key pieces of information. These include:
- Confirmation of the test results themselves. For example, whether the test was positive or negative for COVID-19.
- The date your test results were reported. This ensures that the results have not expired.
- Any additional information about the test. This may include any relevant medical advice or instructions that have been given.
What Is the Law Regarding Verifying COVID-19 Test Results?
The federal government has not set any laws specifically related to verifying COVID-19 test results. However, employers are allowed to call healthcare facilities to verify results under two main laws:
- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law gives employers the right to access an employee’s medical records if they need to verify their COVID-19 test results.
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This law allows employers to obtain background reports, such as information related to COVID-19 testing results, for employment purposes.
Both HIPAA and FCRA require employers to have the employee’s written consent prior to obtaining the information from healthcare facilities.
What Should You Do If Your Employer Calls to Verify Your COVID-19 Test Results?
The first step is to make sure your employer is following the law. You should ask for proof that they have your written permission to access your medical records and any other information related to your COVID-19 test. Once this is established, you should provide your employer with accurate and up-to-date information about your COVID-19 test.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding your employer’s right to verify your COVID-19 test results, you should contact an employment law attorney. They can provide you with more information and advice on the steps you should take to ensure your rights are protected.
Conclusion
The outbreak of COVID-19 has created a great deal of uncertainty in the workplace. In order to ensure their employees are safe and healthy, employers are allowed to call healthcare facilities to verify COVID-19 test results. Before providing them with any information, it is important to make sure they have your written permission to access your medical records and any other information related to your COVID-19 test.