Modification to the Labor Code of Costa Rica: HIV Law Nº 7771

On December 2nd, 2019 the President of Costa Rica sanctioned bill Nº 7771 “HIV Law” to reform articles 71 and 81 of the Labor Code.

 

Among the changes introduced by said bill, the following are the most relevant for those individuals and companies subject to labor relationships in Costa Rica:

 

  • Employers must refrain from requesting medical certificates (statement from a physician) to the applicants and employees and conducting clinical testing to detect HIV.

 

  • Employers are bound to the duty of confidentiality with respect to the health condition of their employees.

 

  • Employees have the right to not disclosing their current HIV status.

 

Our law firm strongly advises making sure you are compliant with these new labor law rules.