AIBU about constand requests for access to my medical notes.

[madcatladyforever]

As far as I'm concerned my private conversations with my GP are private, I have discussed numerous things with my GP that I simply don't want anyone else to access.
This does not mean I am a raving schizophrenic with murderous urges.
Since I hit 50 every employer has been asking for my medical records, I am open and honest about my back problems and happy to show them my MRI scan and reports but I will not sanction medical records being accessed, this leads to much palaver about whether they want to give me the job.
But as far as I'm concerned I am entitled to protect my privacy
AIBU not to want every Tom, Dick and Harry in HR to be having a good old read of my private GP consultations.

oh, is that actually legal for them to do? I know some companies require you to have a medical but I didn't realise they could ask for your medical records

Couldn't they just ask for a report of past medical history eg bad back, tests, results & treatment which may or may not have an impact on a job?

There is nothing worse for staff to photocopy whole sets of notes to be sent out, the vast majority which wouldn't be relevant and for the Practice to now have to do them for free including pounds of postage.

You can request on viewing them before they are sent off too.

They can ask, you don’t have to give. They may ask you specific medical questions as it pertains to your actual job, and it is in your best interests to disclose any conditions that might affect your job (like chronic back pain if you are required to do lifting). However they can only access your records with your consent, and you are allowed to look at them before they do.
Relevancy comes in to question for disability and discrimination issues, but if you are just applying it’s certainly not required.

@AryaStarkWolf

Yes, it's legal.

HR can't access your medical reports, they can only request a report on a specific issue, with your permission and approval. Just say no!

Well I said no, they spent a long time thinking about it and then gave me the job because they are very short staffed.

Good for you catlady, and congratulations! I'm kind of horrified that it's legal to ask for medical records, I would have said no as well.

I always say no to this request from potential employers too. Nothing to hide, it's just incredibly intrusive.

Years ago my handbag was stolen from a pub and some weeks later the police called me to come to the station saying a credit card in my name had been found. They wanted me to give permission for my medical records to be accessed if the case went to court. I said no to that as couldn't see why my medical background would be relevant. Heard nothing more after that.