In the state of California is it required that you tell either a
current or future employer about participating in an alcohol treatment
program?

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Request for Question Clarification by mvguy-ga on 22 Nov 2006 19:45 PST

What kind of job? Does the rehab program require that you take time off work?

No, your medical history is confidential, but these types of things
have a way of getting back to employers, if there is _anyone_ in the
company that knows the truth.

your medical records (which includes all substance abuse treatment) is
confidential under HIPPP (The Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996). It is a federal law. I used to work at a
substance abuse treatment center. No one is permitted to even know
that you are in treatment unless you have previously signed a release
of information for that specific individual or organization. So to
answer you question, you are not required to automatically disclose
the fact that you are in treatment to your employer or a future
employer....unless

1) your current employer has mandated you to treatment (then you have
the choice to sign a release for them (or a limited release)or choose
whatever consequences.

2) the job you are applying for specifically asks about your medical
history, then it is a catch 22. If you tell the truth, you may not get
the job and then it's on you to prove that it's b/c of your substance
abuse history. If you don't disclose the information and it comes back
to you, then of course you can have consequences for being dishonest.

But to simply answer your question. Your confidentiality is protected
under HIPAA and in terms of current or future employment (unless there
are legal issues as well) you have the right to privicy. You can
always ask generally about your companies privacy policies with
regards to medical/healthcare information. That way it is general, but
also includes your alcohol treatment concern.

Hope this helped