When can an employer conduct a medical examination on a job applicant?

An employer is only permitted to conduct a medical examination on a job applicant after a conditional job offer has been made. This practice is in alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against during the hiring process.

By waiting until a conditional offer is made, employers can assess the applicant's medical suitability for the job without bias based on health conditions that may not be relevant to job performance. This means the examination can be relevant to the specific functions of the position and not a blanket requirement that could unfairly disadvantage certain candidates. Therefore, the examination can help the employer make informed decisions while ensuring compliance with EEO guidelines.

Conducting the examination before a job offer or after rejection would violate the ADA's provisions regarding undue discrimination based on health status, while requiring it only after employment would place unnecessary barriers in the evaluation of suitable candidates prior to finalizing the hiring process.