Am I Required to Disclose My Medical Condition to Request Accommodation?

Under California law, employees are not required to disclose their specific medical diagnosis when requesting a reasonable accommodation. However, to trigger an employer’s obligation to provide an accommodation, you must inform them that you have a condition that limits your ability to perform essential job functions and that you need assistance.

What Must I Tell My Employer?

When requesting accommodation, you generally only need to share:

• That you have a physical or mental condition affecting your job performance
• That you are requesting an accommodation due to this condition
• The type of accommodation you are requesting (if known)

You are not legally required to share the name or nature of your diagnosis unless your condition is not obvious and the employer requires medical verification to assess the accommodation request.

What Documentation Can an Employer Request?

If your disability is not visible or clearly understood, your employer can request documentation from a healthcare provider that confirms:

• You have a qualifying medical condition
• The condition limits your ability to perform specific job functions
• An accommodation is necessary

The documentation does not need to disclose the specific medical diagnosis—only the functional limitations relevant to your work and potential accommodations.

Privacy and Confidentiality

California law requires that any medical information you provide be kept confidential. Employers must store such information separately from general personnel files and limit access only to those involved in evaluating or implementing accommodations.

What Happens After I Make a Request?

Once you inform your employer of the need for accommodation, they are legally required to engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process. This involves a dialogue between you and your employer to determine appropriate and effective accommodations without causing undue hardship to the business.

Get Legal Help if Your Rights Are Violated

If your employer ignores your request, demands unnecessary medical details, or retaliates against you, they may be violating California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). You have the right to file a complaint or take legal action.

The California Labor Law Employment Attorneys Group is here to protect your rights. Our employment lawyers help workers who have been denied accommodations or subjected to discrimination based on disability. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today to learn more about your options for legal relief.