What legal protections are available for people with mental illness in the workplace?

In the District of Columbia, legal protections in the workplace are available to people with mental illness. The most important law is the District of Columbia Human Rights Act of 1977. This Act protects people with mental illness from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. Additionally, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires most employers to provide mental health benefits that are equal to those provided for physical health. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are also required to provide reasonable accommodation for employees with mental illness that may impact their job performance. This could include changes to the work environment, additional leave time, or modified work hours. The employer may also be required to provide support or resources to assist the employee in coping with their mental health. Employers are also prohibited from asking job applicants about their mental health status. However, the ADA does allow employers to make inquiries regarding an applicant’s ability to perform essential job functions. Employers must also keep any medical information they receive confidential, unless they get permission to share it with other employees. Individuals with mental illness may also have additional protections under the federal and state laws. It is important to contact a legal professional to understand all of the legal protections that may apply to someone with mental illness.

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