Department of Health Services Logo

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Disabilities Home

Aging and Disability Resource Centers

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Program

Benefit Specialists

Independent Living Centers

Long Term Care Programs

 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
and People with Physical Disabilities


Can Employers Require
a Medical Exam under ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from asking job applicants about the existence, nature or severity of a disability.

However, applicants may be asked about their ability to perform specific job functions. For example: employers cannot ask if you have multiple sclerosis, but they can ask about your ability to lift 25 pounds.

A job offer may be conditioned on the results of a medical examination or inquiry, but only if the exam or inquiry is required for all entering employees in the job.

Medical examinations or inquiries of employees must be job-related and consistent with the employer’s business needs.

Last Revised: October 24, 2008