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

In Minnesota, people with mental health conditions are protected by the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). This law prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of disability, including mental-health-related disabilities, among other types of discrimination. Under the MHRA, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, including mental health conditions, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship on the employer. Reasonable accommodations include changes to the work environment, job structure, equipment, procedures, and the like, as well as providing time off for therapy or psychiatric appointments. In addition, the MHRA prohibits employers from asking potential hires or existing employees about mental health conditions. Employers are similarly prohibited from asking applicants to submit to medical tests related to mental health or other disabilities. Other federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), provide additional protections for people with mental health conditions in the workplace. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, training, and wages. Meanwhile, the FMLA allows workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in case of a serious health condition, including mental health conditions, and to be reinstated upon their return. By providing such legal protections, the MHRA and other federal laws ensure that people with mental health conditions receive equal treatment in the workplace. Through these laws, individuals have the right to a safe, fair, and respectful work environment.

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