What does the Employee Polygraph Protection Act prohibit?

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) primarily prohibits employers from using polygraphs—commonly known as lie detector tests—in employment decisions. This means that in most situations, employers cannot require applicants or employees to take polygraph tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

The rationale behind this prohibition is to protect the privacy and personal rights of individuals, as polygraph tests can be controversial and are not always reliable. By limiting the use of polygraphs, the Act seeks to ensure that hiring and employment decisions are based on fairer and more valid criteria rather than potentially misleading test results.

This prohibition includes any use of polygraph results for screening prospective employees or for employee discipline decisions. There are some exceptions, for specific government positions and certain security clearances, but in general employment contexts, the EPPA stands firm against the use of these tests.

Understanding the specifics of the EPPA is significant for both employers who need to comply with employment laws and for employees who should know their rights regarding employment testing practices.