# 20 C.F.R. § 10.506 (2026): May the employer monitor the employee's medical care?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T20_P10_S10_506

## Section

- **Citation:** 20 C.F.R. § 10.506 (2026)
- **Heading:** May the employer monitor the employee's medical care?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 20 CFR: Employees' Benefits / Chapter I: OFFICE OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION PROGRAMS, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR / Part 10: CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION UNDER THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION ACT, AS AMENDED / Subpart F: Continuing Benefits / § 10.506: § 10.506   May the employer monitor the employee's medical care?

## Text

The employer may monitor the employee's medical progress and duty status by obtaining periodic medical reports. Form CA-17 is usually adequate for this purpose. To aid in returning an injured employee to suitable employment, the employer may also contact the employee's physician in writing concerning the work limitations imposed by the effects of the injury and possible job assignments. (However, the employer shall not contact the physician by telephone or through personal visit.) When such contact is made, the employer shall send a copy of any such correspondence to OWCP and the employee, as well as a copy of the physician's response when received. The employer may also contact the employee at reasonable intervals to request periodic medical reports addressing his or her ability to return to work.

## Nearby sections

- [20 C.F.R. § 10.500 (2026) § 10.500   What are the basic rules governing continuing receipt of compensation benefits and return to work?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T20_P10_S10_500.md)
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- [20 C.F.R. § 10.515 (2026) § 10.515   What actions must the employee take with respect to returning to work?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T20_P10_S10_515.md)
- [20 C.F.R. § 10.516 (2026) § 10.516   How will an employee know if OWCP considers a job to be suitable?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T20_P10_S10_516.md)
- [20 C.F.R. § 10.517 (2026) § 10.517   What are the penalties for refusing to accept a suitable job offer?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T20_P10_S10_517.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T20_P10_S10_506. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.