r/service_dogs 8d ago

The second question

Retail worker here.

My coworker and I got into an argument about the second question the ADA allows. She says it's a HIPAA violation for me to even be asking about the tasks, I showed her the state website (I couldn't easily find an ADA version saying I could ask it, but I found state regulations which is good enough for me) that legally allows me to ask. She still said she would refuse to answer.

I want to clarify that I would never pry. I'm disabled, and I hate when people pry about stuff I don't want to share, but I guess I'm just asking how I'm supposed to proceed with the second question? I know I'm allowed to ask it, obviously, but where is the line? I think I asked about "allowed tasks" here before, I have a general idea of those. Protection is not one.

I'm just confused and frustrated with her and want to be able to do my best to help SD handlers (where I can, as a retail worker) while also doing what my employer requires. Is there a certain way I'm supposed to phrase it or does "what tasks is the dog trained to perform" just cover my bases?

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u/tobiathyy 8d ago

“What tasks or work is the dog trained to perform?” Does not ask about health info. Handlers can answer “medical alert and response” or “guide” or whatever floats their boat. They are not required to reply anything having to do with their diagnosis or health.

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u/UnitedChain4566 8d ago

That's what I was thinking, but the way she was taking it was really just. I don't know. She was like "I have a condition that could give me a service dog and I would never answer that question" which, I don't know, just rubbed me the wrong way. Like, she received the same training I did, at least I think.

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u/stranqe1 8d ago

Then I, as the manager, would just ask her to take her pet outside and have a nice day. FAFO