Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to pay for my own pre-employment physical?
No. California legislature states that prospective employees cannot be required to pay for "any pre-employment medical or physical examination taken as a condition of employment." Ask your prospective employer about compensation for your pre-employment physical.
Do some pre-employment physicals include drug or alcohol tests?
Yes. This depends on your employer and the position they are screening you for. Typically, these jobs are ones where public safety may be at stake. These include airline pilots, commercial truck drivers, interstate bus drivers, and more. These jobs may involve regular drug or alcohol testing after hire, and they may have licenses or certifications regulated by federal and state agencies.
Will my medical information show up in an employee background check?
The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Most consumer reporting agencies that perform background checks cannot include medical information without your consent. Furthermore, they can only include your medical information if it is relevant to the job your prospective employer is offering. However, employers may still be able to find your medical history if it is public knowledge (i.e., through social media, news stories, et cetera).
I am disabled. Will I be asked about my disabilities as part of my pre-employment physical?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers who oversee workplaces with more than 15 employees from asking about a prospective employee's disabilities or has any past or present medical conditions. You may still need to undergo a pre-employment physical for certain positions. However, if an employer turns you down for a job as a result of your pre-employment exam, they must be able to prove that it is physically impossible for you to do the work required. Additionally, they are legally obligated to make reasonable accommodations as needed.
Will I need to continue getting employment physicals after being hired?
This depends on your employer. It is perfectly legal to have regular physical exams as part of employment, as long as these physicals are consistent and directly related to your job duties. All of the medical information sent to your employer must be kept confidential and stored away from any other employee records.