{"id":8578,"date":"2024-07-21T13:58:57","date_gmt":"2024-07-21T13:58:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huprichlaw.com\/?p=8578"},"modified":"2025-06-15T05:55:34","modified_gmt":"2025-06-15T12:55:34","slug":"understanding-medical-condition-discrimination-in-california-employment-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/huprichlaw.com\/understanding-medical-condition-discrimination-in-california-employment-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need To Know About Medical Condition Discrimination"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

California is known for its robust employment laws designed to protect employees from various forms of discrimination, including those based on medical conditions. As an employer or employee in the Golden State, it is essential to understand the nuances of medical condition discrimination, the legal protections available, and the steps to take if you face or need to address such discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rancho Cucamonga Employment Lawyer \/ Labor Law Attorney<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is Medical Condition Discrimination?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Medical condition discrimination<\/a><\/strong> occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfavorably because of a medical condition. Under California law, a “medical condition” includes any health impairment related to or associated with a diagnosis of cancer or a record or history of cancer, as well as genetic characteristics. Genetic characteristics refer to genes or chromosomes associated with increased risk of developing a disease or disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legal Framework Protecting Employees<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Several laws provide comprehensive protections against medical condition discrimination in the workplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA):<\/strong> California’s FEHA prohibits discrimination based on medical conditions, among other protected categories. It applies to employers with five or more employees and offers broad protection against various discriminatory practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):<\/strong> Although a federal law, the ADA also provides protections against discrimination based on disabilities, which can intersect with medical conditions. The ADA applies to employers with 15 or more employees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. California Family Rights Act (CFRA):<\/strong> This act allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for their own serious health condition or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Examples of Medical Condition Discrimination<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Medical condition discrimination can take many forms, including but not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n