What is the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988?

From an employment law perspective, this Act allows an individual to access any medical report which is, or has been, supplied by a medical practitioner for employment or insurance purposes. It also allows the individual the right to refuse consent for any medical report to be supplied by a doctor to an employer.

Employers may only apply to see a report if they have notified the employee concerned in writing of their intention. The employee must provide their explicit consent to the application being made.

Employees and prospective employees should not be sent for medical examination without first being informed of their rights under the Act, for example by supplying employees with a "statement of rights" summary.

Employers should obtain an employee's written consent and supply a copy of this to the doctor. Information on Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 (AMRA) is part of our Employment Law support and advice service. Contact us for more details.