Are employers prohibited from asking job applicants questions about their disabilities or medical history?

Yes, employers in California are prohibited from asking job applicants questions about their disabilities or medical history. This is in accordance with California state laws related to employment discrimination, which specifically states that employers cannot require a job applicant to disclose information about physical or mental disabilities or medical history. This law also states that employers cannot make any decisions about hiring or furthering the application process based on information about the applicant’s disability or medical history. If an employer does ask any questions about disabilities or medical history, the applicant is allowed to refuse to answer them. Similarly, employers cannot ask questions about the applicant’s religious background, gender identity, marital status, or any other personal subject. In addition, it is important to note that California employers must also comply with federal laws related to disability discrimination, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. This federal law prohibits any type of discrimination in employment based on disability, and requires that employers make reasonable accommodations for disabled individuals. Overall, employers in California are prohibited from asking job applicants questions about their disabilities or medical history, in accordance with both state and federal laws. Therefore, if an employer asks any questions related to these topics, job applicants have the right to refuse to answer them.

Related FAQs

Can an employer be liable for discrimination even if it did not intend to discriminate?
Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their age?
Can employees sue employers for failing to follow employment discrimination law?
What is the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)?
How is a protected class identified under employment discrimination law?
What methods are used to prove discrimination in an employment discrimination case?
Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their sexual orientation?
Are employers allowed to ask job applicants questions about their gender identity?
What is a constructive discharge and when is it unlawful?
What are the differences between discrimination in hiring and discrimination in the workplace?

Are employers prohibited from asking job applicants questions about their disabilities or medical history?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts