New model letters and form on requesting a medical report

The XpertHR policies and documents service has been enhanced by the addition of model letters and a form to use when requesting a medical report where the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 does not apply. 

• Letter notifying an employee of plans to request a medical report where the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 does not apply Use this model letter to notify an employee of plans to request a medical report where the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 does not apply, for example if seeking a medical report from your occupational health department. 
• Form for an employee to consent to a medical report being obtained where the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 does not apply Use this model form to seek an employee's consent to a medical report being obtained where the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 does not apply, for example if seeking a medical report from your occupational health department. 
• Letter to a medical practitioner requesting a medical report where the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 does not apply Use this model letter to request a medical report from a medical practitioner where the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 does not apply, for example if seeking a medical report from your occupational health department. 

Also

Liveflo: Obtain a medical report on an employee Use this flowchart to obtain a medical report on an employee's health or medical condition, in accordance with the requirements of the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 and the Data Protection Act 1998. The flowchart could be used where the employee has had frequent, persistent short-term sickness absences or is on long-term sickness absence. 

XpertHR long-term sickness absence survey: effective management techniques Several factors help facilitate a successful return to work after a long-term absence, according to XpertHR research. These include regular, two-way communication with the absentee from an early stage, flexibility on the part of the employer and active employee involvement with a return plan. 

FAQs on medicals and medical questionnaires The XpertHR FAQs section includes the following questions:

• In what circumstances might an employer need to obtain a medical report on an employee?
• From whom can an employer obtain a medical report on an employee?
• Which medical reports are covered by the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988?
• In what circumstances is a medical practitioner not obliged to give an employee access to a medical report prepared on him or her?
• Can an employee who initially indicated that he or she did not want to see a medical report before the medical practitioner discloses it to the employer subsequently request to see it?