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ABA Family Legal Guide

Law and the Workplace

The Hiring Process

May an employer require applicants to undergo a physical examination?

Generally speaking, no. The ADA prohibits employers from requiring preemployment physical examinations. After offering an applicant a job, however, an employer may require the applicant successfully to undergo a physical exam before starting the job under certain conditions:

  • All employees in the same job category must be required to take a physical exam.
  • Information obtained from the exam must be maintained in a separate medical file and kept confidential.
  • The employer cannot use the information to discriminate against the employee because of a disability.
  • American Bar Association Family Legal Guide
    Copyright © 2004 American Bar Association
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