When may an employer request medical examinations or medical information during hiring?

• A. At the first interview
• B. Only after a job offer is made (or as permitted by law) to determine ability to perform essential functions; confidentiality must be maintained
• C. Never
• D. During any stage as long as it's relevant

Answer: (B)

Medical inquiries and examinations in hiring are tightly controlled by the ADA: they should generally occur after a job offer is made, not during early stages. An employer may request a medical examination or medical information only to determine whether the applicant can perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, and this must apply to all similarly situated applicants. Any medical information obtained must be kept confidential and handled separately from normal personnel files, with access limited to those who need to know. The option to request medical details before an offer would risk discrimination, while offering the exam after a conditional offer aligns with fairness and business necessity.