Originally Posted by
sailingfun
The option for medical release has been in the contracts longer then the most senior pilot working. I have never heard of a single instance of the company abusing it. I suspect the company feels they have some legal obligation to insure fitness of its pilot group. The only use of records I am aware of is the company trying to assist pilots in getting a medical reinstated.
What I find interesting is the majority of pilots believe the medical release requirement originated with his TA and some have attempted to portray it as so.
You are correct, it preceded the HIPPA laws. The reason HIPPA was instituted was to give the individual control of their medical records and the enhance privacy protections. The reason for the law was employers and potential employers overreaching requests. Just because it was "grandfathered" into our contract doesn't make it acceptable. Especially to those who grew up with HIPPA protection and had no choice in the contract forfeiting that protection.