Seeking medical information on current or potential employees can be tricky. Agencies may want to find out if a job applicant or existing worker is physically and mentally capable of performing the job duties or whether a reasonable accommodation is warranted. But the need to protect the individual’s privacy is paramount.

Is it possible to satisfy both the agency’s and individual’s needs when obtaining sensitive medical information?

Yes — the key is to understand and follow the legal requirements. While agencies can seek medical information under certain circumstances, you must not be cavalier in collecting, handling and storing it — or liability could result.

In this 90-minute session, you will learn if and when your agency can request medical exams or records, and what to do with records once you have them. Whether it's interviewing job applicants, handling a request for reasonable accommodation or deciding if someone is medically unfit for his position, you’ll find out:

• When to properly conduct medical exams and inquiries
• How to protect employees’ medical records
• When and to whom employee medical information may be disclosed
• And much more