Requests for medical documentation related to absences or workplace accommodations are commonplace. For example, an employer might request verification of an illness preventing an employee from performing their duties or documentation supporting the need for a modified work schedule. This practice serves to validate the stated reason for absence or the necessity of accommodation.
Verification of medical needs benefits both employers and employees. It protects employers from unscheduled absences and potential abuses of leave policies. For employees, it provides a formal process for substantiating their health needs and protecting their job security during periods of illness or required accommodations. Historically, the ability to request medical documentation stemmed from the employer’s need to manage workforce productivity and ensure operational continuity. Over time, legal frameworks and best practices have evolved to balance these organizational needs with employee privacy and rights.
