Volunteer Question: What Questions Can You Ask Them?

Here is a recent question related to volunteers and screening that was made to NYCON's legal staff:

Do you know if when screening volunteers or having them complete an application, is it legal or appropriate to discuss things like marital status, health, etc. that cannot be asked when screening employees?

NYCON's legal staff feedback: Staff should not ask questions of volunteers that they do not ask of other staff. For a variety of reasons, most of which revolve around the notion that anyone can sue for anything. Opening that Pandora's Box should be avoided. Any info obtained really can't help the volunteer opportunity or the agency, so please consider volunteers to be employees for all cases of liability from this to sexual harassment, etc