bump

I believe the answer is no to both questions. I would not disclose you are BP to anyone around work though - too much of a stigma.
I think your Psychiatrist would be the best person to approach about these questions..

BP is a condition as I am always being told by the pdoc like diabetes and as long as you are not going to harm have harmed or might harm yourself or others while at work WTF does it matter.

KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!!!!

I am an EMT I made a mistake and told someone I had it and OMG did that cause issues like having to prove I was able to be an EMT etc then a Dr of all people said I had no business being and EMT he was not even a pdoc he was a neuro as I am being tested for MS and that is what sent me on this roller coaster of a ride that I am now on and have been unabe to get off. 6 years w/o meds now I am trying to find the right one.

I have it a bit worse then you I am BPI and can rapid cycle if triggered.

I am manic as all hell and I am not sleeping and barely eating.

I think its time for me to start my bon fire for Hallows eve.

Peace Love and Light to all of you.

I work in childcare and I had the same concerns as you.

Basically my pdoc told me it was nobodies business but mine. It was my choice whether or not I told them, but as LuvnHope said - theres still too much of a stigma attached to it. So I decided to stay silent about it.

When I'm depressed, I try as best I can to hide it but when people start noticing I tell them I'm sick or just feel really tired.

I'm a teacher as well. Very stressful job that comes with a lot of triggers, so I applaud you for wanting to go back in.
Don't know how they could find out you're bipolar if you didn't tell them. Unless you were always at the doctor or had to be hospitalized or something. DOn't think it's legal for them to ask. Legally, they are not allowed to not hire you because of bp, but they will probably do it anyway and claim different reasons. I would not disclose if I were you. Also, after you're hired, it is definitely illegal for them to fire you because of bp.

iv been told more then once that ur place of work have no rights to ask u about this or anything...

I too work in a classroom as an educational assistant.My pdoc told me that it was not my employers buisness to know that I have this disorder.

All around consensus: don't tell. Society sucks and they don't understand our illness. no matter how safe you feel, you are never safe.people will screw with you if you disclose.

Took a class a few weeks ago. All about HIPPA laws. Learned there that you do not have to disclose any ongoing health issues (even AIDS) to an employer or anyone really. Even when a background check is done it usually only looks at Violent Offenses or major felonys if you consent. In the USA it is not legal to ask if you are bipolar or anything.
I agree with others just dont tell anyone, even if they reveal something personal about themselves. Or you get real close. Work is Work. Society has too many preconcieved notions and stigmas about illness. Just save yourself the stress. Go be the awesome teacher you are, and leave the rest at home!!

HIPPA laws protect you from that question. As a matter of fact the supreme court has deemed BP as an official physical disability. So no they do not have that right. You could probably sue just for the question.