Can my employer ask for my medical records in Texas without permission?

Hey everyone, just wondering if an employer in Texas can access your medical records without your permission? I feel like some doctors are treating me differently, and I suspect my employer might have gotten my records somehow. Has anyone experienced this?

As far as I know, they can’t legally access your medical records without your consent. They would need you to sign something to release them.

Jai said:
As far as I know, they can’t legally access your medical records without your consent. They would need you to sign something to release them.

Good to know, thanks! I definitely haven’t signed anything like that, so I’m not sure what’s going on.

@Amari
Yeah, they absolutely need your permission to get that info. Sounds like they haven’t, if you didn’t sign anything.

That’s weird. If your co-workers didn’t get the same message and you can’t find the email, it might’ve been an error. Either way, they need your consent.

Wade said:
That’s weird. If your co-workers didn’t get the same message and you can’t find the email, it might’ve been an error. Either way, they need your consent.

Yeah, I thought it was strange too. The email disappeared, so maybe it was sent by mistake.

@Amari
Definitely sounds like a glitch or something. But even if they sent it, they can’t act on it without your permission.

Texas law doesn’t allow employers to get your medical records unless you give them permission. It doesn’t matter if they have a policy, they still need your consent.

I had a similar issue at my job. They tried to make it seem like they could access my records, but legally they couldn’t without my signature.

Chancey said:
I had a similar issue at my job. They tried to make it seem like they could access my records, but legally they couldn’t without my signature.

That’s really helpful, thanks! I’ll make sure to be careful if they ever ask for anything.

If they do ask for your records, just make sure you ask why and read anything they want you to sign. Don’t feel pressured to give permission unless you’re okay with it.

Avery said:
If they do ask for your records, just make sure you ask why and read anything they want you to sign. Don’t feel pressured to give permission unless you’re okay with it.

Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely be cautious and make sure I know exactly what they’re asking for.