Exam Purpose
State the specific reason for the exam (pre-employment, return-to-work, fitness-for-duty) and the legal or policy basis for the request, so recipients understand intent and authority.
A well-crafted HR Exam Letter reduces confusion, documents consent, and helps protect the employer from procedural or legal disputes. It clarifies timing, required documents, confidentiality safeguards, and next steps for both employer and recipient.
HR teams, occupational health providers, hiring managers, and compliance officers commonly prepare and issue these letters.
Recipients include applicants, current employees, union representatives where applicable, and listed medical providers.
State the specific reason for the exam (pre-employment, return-to-work, fitness-for-duty) and the legal or policy basis for the request, so recipients understand intent and authority.
Provide proposed dates or a scheduling window, location or telehealth instructions, expected duration, and instructions for rescheduling or cancellations.
List identification, prior medical records, vaccination proof, or authorization forms that the employee must bring or submit in advance of the exam.
Describe how medical information will be handled and protected, and reference HIPAA obligations and any applicable employer policies regarding confidentiality.
Include the exam provider’s name, address, phone, and the contact person for questions so recipients can confirm logistics or raise concerns.
Include a signature block where the recipient consents to the exam, authorizes release of relevant records, and acknowledges receipt of instructions.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Delivery Method | Secure email link | SMS optional for notification |
| Authentication | Email + optional SMS code or higher assurance KBA |
| Templates | Use reusable templates for consistency and auditability |
| Retention Policy | Automated retention to secure archive per company rules |
Choose delivery and signing platforms that meet privacy, authentication, and audit requirements before sending.
Ensure any chosen platform supports required retention, audit trails, and HIPAA protections when medical information is present.
A candidate is asked to complete a job-specific physical before final hire to confirm fitness for duty.
An employee returning after illness must complete a functional capacity exam to assess workplace accommodation needs.
Typically prepares and issues the letter, coordinates scheduling, and records outcomes. HR should ensure the letter aligns with company policy, ADA accommodations, and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.
The recipient provides consent and completes required fields; their signature documents authorization to release medical information when required by the exam and applicable law.
Often 5–10 business days to acknowledge or schedule the exam.
Provide at least two available dates or a 14-day scheduling range.
Specify when results are needed by HR or hiring manager.
Allow 3–5 business days for provider reports to reach HR.
Archive signed letters immediately and store securely per retention policy.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial, no card | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies by plan |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |