text: Some of the most common mistakes employers make concern inquiries into an applicant's medical history--such as asking whether the applicant ever filed a worker's compensation or disability claim or has ever been hospitalized, and if so, for what condition. The Americans With Disabilities Act strictly prohibits employers from asking applicants any questions that would reveal whether an applicant has a mental or physical disability. Employers should provide the applicant with the essential job functions of the position applied for and inquire whether the applicant can perform those essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.