HIPAA question

My future employer is wanting me to sign a HIPAA release as a condition of employment. The form states that it's for Workers compensation benefits only, but I am confused as to why they want me to sign it before I'm even employed by them. There is no need for them to have unrestricted access to my medical records at this time. Something smells fishy, and I am reluctant to sign it.

Thoughts? And yes it's a trucking company.

 

It is a medium sized carrier. They gave it to all of my orientation class this am, and it came in the folder that has the physical info in it. I have a feeling that they have been burned 1 too many times in the past, but this certainly isn't the way to correct it. You know the adage that all drivers are too stupid for their own good, and I have a feeling that this is one of those things that they think they can get away with it because we don't know any better.

I don't have anything to hide per se, but medical records are private documents, and I don't think an employer should have such broad permission with something like that...especially as only a basis for employment. I would have no qualms with it if it was for workers compensation, or me coming off of FMLA. This is different.

Is the job worth it? Yes and No. I would enjoy working for the company, but that only stretches so far.

 

I most certainly won't walk in guns blazing tomorrow, but I will inquire as to their reasoning behind it. Certainly they can give me an explanation as to why they want me to sign away my medical privacy with absolutely no reason. If they are doing it to try and catch their employees in a lie, then they are playing a very dangerous game...a game that they will end up losing big time in the end.

I will most likely sign the form since I don't have anything to hide. If I ruffle too many feathers about this, it will instill distrust between me and my new employer right from the get-go at the least...a 36 hour Greyhound ride home and unemployment at the worst.

Now you see my predicament. Just another sheep taking it up the glory hole if I do...###### if I don't.

 

Ok...I think I figured it out. The release is for a Workers Compensation firm...not for the actual trucking company. If that is the case, then they can't share my medical information with the employer anyways without another disclosure form that allows it being signed.

Hopefully I'm right. We'll see tomorrow.