Are employers allowed to ask an employee for medical documentation for an extended absence?

Yes, employers in California are allowed to ask an employee for medical documentation for an extended absence. Under the California Wage and Hour Law, employers may require employees to provide medical documentation for absences or leave of more than three days. The medical documentation should be from a medical professional and include: the reason for the absence, the approximate duration of the absence, and when the employee is able to return to work. This requirement is to ensure that the employee is able to safely return to work after an extended absence. The California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement advises employers to consider other forms of documentation that support the employee’s medical absence, such as a letter from a healthcare provider, a hospital certificate, or a report from a counseling center. The employer should also consider whether it is necessary to ask the employee to provide a doctor’s note or other documentation. This assessment should be made on an individual basis. Employers in California should adhere to the provisions of the California Wage and Hour Law when requesting medical documentation. Employers should also take into consideration the employee’s privacy and the necessity of the medical documentation while also abiding by the law.

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Are employers allowed to ask an employee for medical documentation for an extended absence?

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