Are employers allowed to require job applicants to undergo medical tests or examinations?

In California, employers are generally allowed to require job applicants to undergo medical tests or examinations, but there are certain restrictions. Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers are prohibited from requesting or requiring job applicants or employees to submit to medical examination or tests until after a job offer has been made, so long as the examination does not reveal the existence, nature, or severity of any disability or medical condition. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also restricts employers from requiring prospective employees to submit to medical tests as part of the job application process. The ADA requires employers to offer a reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. However, once an offer has been made, employers are allowed to require a medical examination as long as they require it of all applicants in the same job classification. Additionally, employers in California must make sure that tests or examinations given to job candidates are voluntary and kept confidential. If a job applicant’s medical information is requested, the results must be kept separate from the applicant’s personnel file. Overall, employers in California may require job applicants to submit to medical tests or examinations, but only after a job offer has been made. Tests and examinations must be voluntary and confidential. If a test or examination does reveal the existence, nature, or severity of any disability or medical condition, the employer must make a reasonable accommodation for the applicant.

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Are employers allowed to require job applicants to undergo medical tests or examinations?

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