“If I could sum up why I’m committed to the HR Girlfriends community it would come down to because we are ‘….in this together.'”

~Sana’ Rasul, Chief Girlfriend

Q&A: Who is considered an appropriate health care professional for getting documentation about a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Question:

Who is considered an appropriate health care professional for getting documentation about a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Answer from Margaret, PHR, SHRM-CP:

Whether a particular health care provider would be considered an “appropriate health care professional” would depend on the nature of the disability and the functional limitation it imposes. For example, if you were requesting documentation for an accommodation request concerning a mental health condition, a psychiatrist or psychologist would be an appropriate professional, but a physical therapist would not be as they would not have the training to diagnose or treat such conditions.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, appropriate professionals include, but are not limited to doctors, psychologists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and licensed mental health professionals. But this list should not be construed to be all-inclusive. Other medical professionals who are knowledgeable about the employee’s condition may also be appropriate under the circumstances.

Margaret, PHR, SHRM-CP

Margaret, PHR, SHRM-CP

Margaret holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Portland State University and a Professional Certificate in Human Resources Management. She has worked in a variety of HR roles in a multi-state capacity. Margaret regularly attends seminars and other continuing education courses to stay current with new developments and changes that affect the workplace and is active in local and national Human Resources organizations.

Leave a comment

Never miss an opportunity to earn HRCI/SHRM credits, identify a mentor, or connect 1:1 with another HR Girlfriend in your city or across the country.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

HR Girlfriends™ is a Human Resources networking organization dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment. Our team of Girlfriends consult, train, educate, develop, share, promote, and advocate for solutions in the field of human resource management.

Are You IN?
Or Are You OUT?

It’s time you join forces with a community of like-minded peers ready to tackle the issues unique to the women of HR.
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
All
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
Affirmation

Affirmation: 4 Important Life Skills Your Parents Didn’t Teach You

We learn a lot of things in school, but many of them aren’t particularly valuable from the standpoint of practicality. You were probably required to …

Read More →
Career Mondays

Career Monday: Save Your Job – How to Deal With a Bad Boss

Odds are that you will have at least one bad boss sooner or later. It can be a very challenging situation without obvious solutions. But …

Read More →
HR Q&A

Q&A: Exempt Employee Taking Long Lunches

You can deduct hours from this exempt employee’s PTO bank for time she was scheduled to work but didn’t work, but if it wasn’t made …

Read More →
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap