It Starts … HR Asking for Vaccination Documentation

 

I found the following email from my HR department at work this morning. I have been vaccinated and have had the booster, but I have a problem with this. I sent HR a polite email suggesting that at this point this was not a good idea. Not even sure it is legal. What say you?

“In order to determine the best route in moving forward as a private employer, we are asking ALL staff to provide proof of current vaccination status.

Please see HR no later than Friday, December 3rd    Employees are NOT to report/submit this information to their supervisors. Report proof ONLY to the Human Resources Department. HR will need to physically see your documentation, and a copy will be retained your confidential file.

You must provide one of the following:

  • a copy of the record of immunization from a health care provider or pharmacy;
  • a copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card;
  • a copy of medical records documenting the vaccination;
  • a copy of immunization records from a public health or State immunization information system; or
  • a copy of any other official documentation verifying vaccination with information on the vaccine name, date(s) of administration, and the name of health care professional or clinic site administering vaccine.

If you are currently unvaccinated you must also make HR aware of your vaccination status. The HR Department will keep all personal vaccination information confidential.

Until Florida employers receive further clarification of our obligations, we will only be gathering vaccination status at this time.

If you have any questions please contact HR. “

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Ricochet editors have scheduled this post to be promoted to the Main Feed at 6:25AM (PT) on December 2nd, 2021.

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  1. Steve Fast Member
    Steve Fast
    @SteveFast

    More strategies to try:

    Get an antibody test to see if you have had the Wuflu or not. It’s available at my local pharmacy (non-chain) for $25. Roughly half of Americans have had it based on serology tests, so there’s an even chance that you’re among those. A positive test for past infection is a good reason that you don’t need to provide evidence of vaccination. Although if your objection is to providing any medical information, this wouldn’t do any good. But demanding to have this very reasonable accommodation made would throw a monkey wrench into their plans and establish a good precedent.

    If you have a sympathetic supervisor, explain your concerns to him and see if he will go to bat for you.

    Talk to colleagues and see if you can get a group together. There is power in numbers.

    If your company has had data breaches in the past, object to having to submit very personal medical information to an insecure repository. Point out that Chinese, Russian, North Korean, etc. hackers are collecting information on all Americans and you don’t want your medical information in their nefarious hands. They have hacked “secure” US government databases, so how can your company expect to defend against their attacks?

    If your company has not had known data breaches, search for breaches in other companies in your industry or in companies of a similar size or in your state and use those as evidence that you shouldn’t have to submit personal medical information.

    • #31
  2. Steve Fast Member
    Steve Fast
    @SteveFast

    Flicker (View Comment):

    If you’re not allowed to lie on the attestation under penalty of firing, it’s the same thing as requiring medical documentation.

    It’s not exactly the same because medical documentation would provide more personal information such as your doctor’s name and possibly other medical or personal information than a simple attestation would.

    • #32
  3. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Caryn (View Comment):

    Interesting. I work for a large health care system and just minutes ago received a message from our CEO saying that the federal mandate for healthcare workers has been halted by court injunction. As a result, “This means that, come Jan. 4, unless there is further legal action, caregivers may continue to provide patient care services regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status,” he stated.

    They are asking us to attest to our status so that they can “…ensure we have appropriate safety protocols in place for our caregivers during this challenging time.” I assume this includes having appropriate personal protective equipment available should we return to a time when masks are no longer required even for those who are vaccinated. The attestation form asks our status and which vaccine and when given if we are vaccinated. We sign that what we provide is true. I really don’t think this is unreasonable. On the other hand, asking for copies of medical records, etc. is a violation of medical privacy and should be resisted on those grounds. Perhaps you can offer to sign a statement attesting to your status and leave it at that. It really doesn’t violate HIPAA rules because those cover release of the information without your consent and your employer is asking for that consent.

    If you’re not allowed to lie on the attestation under penalty of firing, it’s the same thing as requiring medical documentation.

    But technically it’s still with your consent. And if you don’t consent, you lose your job. But they still have your consent, if you give it to them.

    And that’s the issue.  If you cannot make a decision free and clear without penalty, it’s coercion.  They might as well be putting thumbscrews on you to sign a false confession . . .

    • #33
  4. Bob Thompson Member
    Bob Thompson
    @BobThompson

    I love the interview I just saw where the person being interviewed said the current government funding bill issue is not about shutting down the government but rather why would we fund a bureaucracy that is going after its constituents. I can remember how carefully we approached Social Security recipients when marketing the implementation of direct deposit because many had strong sentiments about the monthly visits to the bank or savings institution the need to deposit that check afforded them. We expect bureaucrats to serve the people.

    • #34
  5. DrewInWisconsin, Oaf Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Oaf
    @DrewInWisconsin

    Caryn (View Comment):
    I work for a large health care system and just minutes ago received a message from our CEO saying that the federal mandate for healthcare workers has been halted by court injunction.  As a result, “This means that, come Jan. 4, unless there is further legal action, caregivers may continue to provide patient care services regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status,” he stated.

    Would that large healthcare system be Mayo?

     

    • #35
  6. I Walton Member
    I Walton
    @IWalton

    There has to be full rejection of the whole totalitarian approach.   Those who want vaccinations get them, those who don’t, may face risks but don’t raise risks for vaccinated folks.  So what’s the point?  My grandchildren will not get them.  So we’re reaching a point where most parents will reject this insane top down approach. The mandates have nothing to do with the disease, it’s about control and we do not want to be controlled by these totalitarians.  Why is that not obvious?   

    • #36
  7. Seawriter Contributor
    Seawriter
    @Seawriter

    I already told my employer to pound sand when I was asked to provide this. I told them they could make no constructive use of the information and that I did not intend to accommodate them.

    I was told I could be fired. I told them to let me know what my last day was. That was back in August. Now they are telling me they need proof of vaccination by January 18. I asked them if I was unclear the last time they raised the issue. 

    • #37
  8. DrewInWisconsin, Oaf Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Oaf
    @DrewInWisconsin

    I Walton (View Comment):
    The mandates have nothing to do with the disease, it’s about control . . .

    And a crap load of money.

    • #38
  9. Bob Thompson Member
    Bob Thompson
    @BobThompson

    Dem senator warns Supreme Court of ‘revolution’ if Roe v …

    https://www.foxnews.com › politics › dem-senator-revolution-roe-wade-overturned

    I thought this was really amusing considering all the other crap the federal government is dumping on the people. Who exactly is going to conduct the revolution to which she refers?

    • #39
  10. DrewInWisconsin, Oaf Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Oaf
    @DrewInWisconsin

    Bob Thompson (View Comment):

    Dem senator warns Supreme Court of ‘revolution’ if Roe v …

    https://www.foxnews.com › politics › dem-senator-revolution-roe-wade-overturned

    I thought this was really amusing considering all the other crap the federal government is dumping on the people. Who exactly is going to conduct the revolution to which she refers?

    Burn, Loot, Murder?

    • #40
  11. Full Size Tabby Member
    Full Size Tabby
    @FullSizeTabby

    Steve Fast (View Comment):

    Talk to colleagues and see if you can get a group together. There is power in numbers.

     

    Having a large number of employees decline to comply seems to me to be most likely to succeed. Employers are willing to replace any individual employee. But (unless the company is otherwise trying to reduce its workforce), the prospect of having to replace a large number of employees causes concerns. It takes a lot of work to fire a bunch of people at once, and even more to hire and acclimate a bunch of new employees. Even the federal government is shying away from firing even a small percentage of its employees. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-administration-delay-enforcement-federal-worker-vaccine-mandate-until-next-n1284963 

    • #41
  12. Unsk Member
    Unsk
    @Unsk

    What ever happened to the enforcement of HIPAA?

     Or do we just bend over and ignore our laws when our Overlord Betters want it?

    • #42
  13. Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker Coolidge
    Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker
    @AmySchley

    Unsk (View Comment):

    What ever happened to the enforcement of HIPAA?

    Or do we just bend over and ignore our laws when our Overlord Betters want it?

    Because HIPAA doesn’t prevent employers from requesting medical information from you. They can’t ask your doctor about your vaccination status without your permission, but they can ask you. It’s the ADA that prevents them from discriminating due to medical conditions. 

    https://accordingtohoyt.com/2021/10/21/hipaa-vs-ada-a-guest-post-by-amie-gibbons/

    • #43
  14. Bob Thompson Member
    Bob Thompson
    @BobThompson

    Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker (View Comment):

    Unsk (View Comment):

    What ever happened to the enforcement of HIPAA?

    Or do we just bend over and ignore our laws when our Overlord Betters want it?

    Because HIPAA doesn’t prevent employers from requesting medical information from you. They can’t ask your doctor about your vaccination status without your permission, but they can ask you. It’s the ADA that prevents them from discriminating due to medical conditions.

    https://accordingtohoyt.com/2021/10/21/hipaa-vs-ada-a-guest-post-by-amie-gibbons/

    What happened to the concept of informed consent? What happened to FDA research protocols to determine safety and efficacy?

    • #44
  15. Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker Coolidge
    Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker
    @AmySchley

    Bob Thompson (View Comment):

    Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker (View Comment):

    Unsk (View Comment):

    What ever happened to the enforcement of HIPAA?

    Or do we just bend over and ignore our laws when our Overlord Betters want it?

    Because HIPAA doesn’t prevent employers from requesting medical information from you. They can’t ask your doctor about your vaccination status without your permission, but they can ask you. It’s the ADA that prevents them from discriminating due to medical conditions.

    https://accordingtohoyt.com/2021/10/21/hipaa-vs-ada-a-guest-post-by-amie-gibbons/

    What happened to the concept of informed consent? What happened to FDA research protocols to determine safety and efficacy?

    Those aren’t part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

    My point isn’t that what is happening is a-okay; my point is that it’s not violating HIPAA any more than restrictions on owning firearms violate the 19th Amendment. 

    • #45
  16. Bob Thompson Member
    Bob Thompson
    @BobThompson

    Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker (View Comment):

    Bob Thompson (View Comment):

    Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker (View Comment):

    Unsk (View Comment):

    What ever happened to the enforcement of HIPAA?

    Or do we just bend over and ignore our laws when our Overlord Betters want it?

    Because HIPAA doesn’t prevent employers from requesting medical information from you. They can’t ask your doctor about your vaccination status without your permission, but they can ask you. It’s the ADA that prevents them from discriminating due to medical conditions.

    https://accordingtohoyt.com/2021/10/21/hipaa-vs-ada-a-guest-post-by-amie-gibbons/

    What happened to the concept of informed consent? What happened to FDA research protocols to determine safety and efficacy?

    Those aren’t part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

    My point isn’t that what is happening is a-okay; my point is that it’s not violating HIPAA any more than restrictions on owning firearms violate the 19th Amendment.

    I thought this discussion was a little broader than just HIPAA. The vaccine authorization is highly questionable much less a mandate.

    • #46
  17. Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker Coolidge
    Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker
    @AmySchley

    Bob Thompson (View Comment):
    I thought this discussion was a little broader than just HIPAA. The vaccine authorization is highly questionable much less a mandate.

    The discussion may be broader, but I was limiting myself to just HIPAA’s role.

    • #47
  18. Vince Guerra Inactive
    Vince Guerra
    @VinceGuerra

    Fake John/Jane Galt (View Comment):

    I had to submit mine by this Friday.

    If you are looking for a job most companies are requiring proof before hiring.

    The more people who submit, the more freedoms are lost. 

    • #48
  19. Vince Guerra Inactive
    Vince Guerra
    @VinceGuerra

    [Reply with the following]

    I have considered your request. I will consider providing you my personal medical information when you provide me yours. Check all that apply:  

    I have had a vasectomy __ date __.
    I have had a hysterectomy ___ date ___.
    I have had an abortion ___ date ___. 
    I have had a venereal disease ___  date ___. 
    I have had a Pap smear ____ date ___. 

    Maybe list a few dozen more. 

     

    • #49
  20. Henry Racette Member
    Henry Racette
    @HenryRacette

    I assume — well, hope — that there are folks working in pharmacies all across America who will, perhaps for a small fee, do everything except give you the shot and mark you down as vaccinated.

    I’m no fan of civil disobedience, but this seems an appropriate time for it.

    • #50
  21. Fake John/Jane Galt Coolidge
    Fake John/Jane Galt
    @FakeJohnJaneGalt

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    I assume — well, hope — that there are folks working in pharmacies all across America who will, perhaps for a small fee, do everything except give you the shot and mark you down as vaccinated.

    I’m no fan of civil disobedience, but this seems an appropriate time for it.

    Civil disobedience is a tool for the Left.  When the Right does it it is lock them up and throw away the key stuff.

    • #51
  22. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Fake John/Jane Galt (View Comment):

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    I assume — well, hope — that there are folks working in pharmacies all across America who will, perhaps for a small fee, do everything except give you the shot and mark you down as vaccinated.

    I’m no fan of civil disobedience, but this seems an appropriate time for it.

    Civil disobedience is a tool for the Left. When the Right does it it is lock them up and throw away the key stuff.

    Or, disobedience to the left is never “civil” to them.

    • #52
  23. Fake John/Jane Galt Coolidge
    Fake John/Jane Galt
    @FakeJohnJaneGalt

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Fake John/Jane Galt (View Comment):

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    I assume — well, hope — that there are folks working in pharmacies all across America who will, perhaps for a small fee, do everything except give you the shot and mark you down as vaccinated.

    I’m no fan of civil disobedience, but this seems an appropriate time for it.

    Civil disobedience is a tool for the Left. When the Right does it it is lock them up and throw away the key stuff.

    Or, disobedience to the left is never “civil” to them.

    I like the employment history part.  
    Leftist.
    Employer: I see in your background check that you marched with BLM and ran with the Weathermen.  Cool, we would like to hire you for our ethics department.

    Right.

    Employer: I see in your background check you marched in the ProLife March for life.  Sadly we do not think you values align with our and our employees will not feel safe around you.  Good luck in the future, we will notify all the larger companies in the area to be sure you are unemployable.

    • #53
  24. Henry Racette Member
    Henry Racette
    @HenryRacette

    Fake John/Jane Galt (View Comment):

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    I assume — well, hope — that there are folks working in pharmacies all across America who will, perhaps for a small fee, do everything except give you the shot and mark you down as vaccinated.

    I’m no fan of civil disobedience, but this seems an appropriate time for it.

    Civil disobedience is a tool for the Left. When the Right does it it is lock them up and throw away the key stuff.

    I appreciate your consistency. 

    • #54
  25. Roderic Coolidge
    Roderic
    @rhfabian

    Seems like anyone with a laser printer could forge those cheesy vaccine record cards. There’s probably some of that going on.

    • #55
  26. Fake John/Jane Galt Coolidge
    Fake John/Jane Galt
    @FakeJohnJaneGalt

    Roderic (View Comment):

    Seems like anyone with a laser printer could forge those cheesy vaccine record cards. There’s probably some of that going on.

    $5000 fine if caught and up to 5 years in jail

    • #56
  27. Roderic Coolidge
    Roderic
    @rhfabian

    Fake John/Jane Galt (View Comment):

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    I assume — well, hope — that there are folks working in pharmacies all across America who will, perhaps for a small fee, do everything except give you the shot and mark you down as vaccinated.

    I’m no fan of civil disobedience, but this seems an appropriate time for it.

    Civil disobedience is a tool for the Left. When the Right does it it is lock them up and throw away the key stuff.

    To be fair, when Thoreau practiced civil disobedience in the cause of abolition he fully expected to be arrested and thrown in jail and was. Where Thoreau was dead wrong was supposing that he was justified in disobedience because government is thoroughly corrupt and can’t be reformed through the democratic process. He thought that it was up to enlightened people such as himself to revolt. I oppose Thoreau because he was an arrogant intellectual snob who wasn’t nearly good enough to impose his will on the people.  Subsequent history has shown that leadership by such as he puts nations on a path that descends into totalitarian nightmare and death.

    • #57
  28. Bob Thompson Member
    Bob Thompson
    @BobThompson

    Fake John/Jane Galt (View Comment):

    Roderic (View Comment):

    Seems like anyone with a laser printer could forge those cheesy vaccine record cards. There’s probably some of that going on.

    $5000 fine if caught and up to 5 years in jail

    Citation?

    • #58
  29. Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker Coolidge
    Amy Schley, Longcat Shrinker
    @AmySchley

    Roderic (View Comment):
    To be fair, when Thoreau practiced civil disobedience in the cause of abolition he fully expected to be arrested and thrown in jail and was.

    It’s only civil disobedience when your goal is to be punished. You’re trying to make people think that the punishment was so unfair that the act that prompted the punishment shouldn’t have prompted the punishment.  

    Anything else is just law-breaking with good publicity. 

    • #59
  30. RushBabe49 Thatcher
    RushBabe49
    @RushBabe49

    I will be doing my own post on what I heard and did.

    • #60
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