NYS Labor laws... Can a Job require you to provide Dr. documentation when you call out sick?

[rumford]

I work as an EMT in NYC, and I called out due to not feeling well, and they are telling me they require me to go to a Dr. before I return to work. When they first said it I thought it was a bluff, but now I'm apprehensive about it. Is there any labor law that states they can not ask for Dr. documentation (Dr. patient privileged information?) Does everyone realistically go to the Dr. when they have the Flu/cold? I think this is absurd and would like to go back with documentation to back me up, links will be very much appreciated. Thank you much, in advanced.

Top answer will be awarded promptly. No opinions, Really need facts.

[galvin]

by all rights, they can ask, if you called out sick. But usually you only have to present documentation if you are going to receive sick pay.

Before you go in with pages information that you print off of the internet, I strongly suggest that you look back through your employee hand book. (some job will have this posted via a company intranet).

Most hospitals will require you to provide some type of doctors statement to release you back to work, because your possible illness can be a hazard to patients.

If you have not gone to the New York State Government website, I suggest you start there. But I must warn to you, if you make a big issue out of a small incident, you are setting your self up to rooted out of a job. But that is just my professional advice to you.

[merla15]

If it is in the companies handbook then yes they can

[oz]

An employer can ask for this, but many only for absences of two or more days. Since you work with people that may have a compromised immune system, however, it becomes more of a liability issue.

[morcan]

Did you tell them you were going to see the doc? If so, then you should provide documentation. If not, there is no reason for you to go see a doctor and get a sick note before returning to work, unless you do this kinda thing all the time, in which case, they might be papering your file to get rid of you.