Anyone Had To Sign A Release Form For Their Gym?

[EveHarrington]

Why does PTSD need a waiver?

Would depression?
Schizophrenia?
ADHD?
Bipolar?

None of these ailments infringe on ones physical ability to be in a gym.

They cannot even ask you if you have a psychiatric condition and I find it preposterous that a waiver is needed to work out at a gym due to a psychiatric condition.

Physical conditions------perhaps yes. But even so, the law protects you from having to disclose your medical history to a gym (of all places-----zero security with your info). This is why the main waiver covers all.

 

[DucatiGirl]

Well it's a moot point because a therapist can't sign a release -- and even if it's a psychiatric release, it's still requires a medical release by an MD. It does sound odd, but I know it's not malicious on their part, and definitely caution not discrimination, and possibly a stigma involved with the diagnosis. The instructor said others have signed it for them, but probably not in this iteration.

I'll consult our attorney at work if he doesn't mind commenting on a personal matter.

 

[EveHarrington]

@Ragdoll Circus

The laws are a bit different in the states.

@DucatiGirl

This is exactly why there is no legal forum. The end consensus of every thread would be "contact a local lawyer" because you're getting input from different jurisdictions, states, countries.

 

[DucatiGirl]

It was just curiosity on my part. I'll take this thread down in a few, I certainly didn't want to start anything or get anyone upset. I just have no experience with this and am having a hard time processing it.

Oh and thank you EveH and Ragdoll Circus -- I appreciate your opinions and your help.

 

[Sideways]

I don't think you've upset anyone - like @EveHarrington said, it's just that your getting tips from all over the world:)

 

[DucatiGirl]

Thanks, Ragdoll -- it's just such a weird situation. The three parties are all in agreement that this is going to be great for me in all kinds of ways, but somehow there's a legality and right now I feel like a mediator between the other two parties, trying to broker a deal. I'm just scratching my head.

 

[Sideways]

Man, having to play the diplomat in the middle of warring factions is the last thing we ever need, especially when this is actually something that could be really helpful and transformative for you.

Hope it gets sorted - don't give up:)

 

[Friday]

I have to agree with @Ragdoll Circus ... While most places aren't allowed to ask if you've got a medical condition (and psychiatric conditions count as medical conditions in my state, psychiatrists are MDs) sports tend to be one of the places that are both allowed to ask -for both medical and psych-, or are legally required to... Depends on the state & the business. In my state no one who is using psychiatric meds -or suffers from certain conditions- is allowed to use the gun range for example, so part of the paperwork you sign includes asking if you suffer from any psychiatric conditions or take any psychiatric meds. But the rules about asking go out the window once that information is volunteered.

Since Ducati volunteered that information? It's very normal to ask for a waiver from their doctor okay-ing them for that activity. Whether it's a physical, developmental, or psychiatric condition.

Around here, since martial arts are often used in conjunction with therapy for ADHD, HFA, and a few other conditions (ESP for kids!)... Most Dojo's have that paperwork as part of the welcome packet.

For my son I usually volunteer the information. For myself I usually withhold it.

 

[Friday]

One thing to know about the states... You're not legally allowed to sign away your rights.

So even if you sign the standard injury maiming and death forms, and have waivers from your docs okay-ing you medically? If there is an injury, maiming, or death that results from staff negligence, equipment failure, etc.? They're still legally responsible, no matter how many forms you signed. All those forms do is protect them if you're to blame for your injury, maiming, or death... Or it's a natural consequence of bad luck, not negligence or malfeasance.