What are the rights of people with mental illness in the workplace?

People with mental illness in the workplace have rights that are protected by both the federal and state laws in Alaska. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations to people who are suffering from a mental health condition. In Alaska, mental illness has been protected under the Alaska Human Rights Law since 1990, which states that employers should not discriminate against people with mental illness in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, promotion, job assignments, wages, and other benefits. Employers are also prohibited from asking employees or applicants about their mental health status, but they are allowed to ask them about their ability to perform the essential functions of their job. An employer may also require that an employee with a mental illness undergo a medical examination if it is related to job performance. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, employers in Alaska must provide employees with mental illness up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a year. This leave is available for treatment of medical conditions, as well as for bereavement for the death of a close family member. In addition, employees may also be allowed to take leave to care for a family member who is suffering from a mental health condition. In general, people with mental illness in the workplace have the right to be free from discrimination and to be treated with respect. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that their workers have a safe and healthy work environment.

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What are the rights of people with mental illness in the workplace?

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