The ADA imposes higher confidentiality requirements than previous laws and restricts the degree of access to confidential medical records, histories, and information. University policy, procedures, and practice were developed in accordance with these higher confidentiality standards.

Confidential Medical Information

1. Employees and applicants may be required to provide confidential medical information to allow you to:

• verify a disability;

• determine restrictions and accommodation recommendations related to performance of essential functions;

• verify the need for, timing of, and length of a medical leave.

2. Confidential medical information may not be maintained in your UW Oshkosh personnel file.

3.    If an employee or applicant submits confidential medical information and documentation to you, it must be forwarded to the Director of Affirmative Action.

4. All confidential medical information/documents are covered by the ADA regardless of the source.

Disability Accommodations

1.  Employees and applicants initially submit the confidential Disability Accommodation Request Form to you as part of an interactive good faith effort to identify reasonable accommodations

2. You review the request and discuss it with the Director of Affirmative Action for approval.

3. The employee’s disability and accommodations are confidential; therefore, you may not disclose this information to co-workers and staff.

4. If the employee or applicant discusses his/her disability or accommodations with co-workers and staff, you need to advise the employee that such disclosures compromise your ability to maintain confidentiality.

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