Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations (FFDE):

The Psychological Fitness for Duty (FFD) Evaluation program provides assessment of an incumbent employee whose behavior is regarded as creating risk for the employer and is suspected to be related to a psychological issue. Fitness for Duty Evaluations can have significant legal and safety-related implications and thus demand the highest level of expertise, competence, and attention on the part of the examiner. The objective of the assessment is to:

• determine the nature of the psychological impairment (if any)
• assess the impact of the mental problem on work-related behavior
• assess the risk factors for the employer
• in light of the impairment and risk factors, determine the employee’s fitness for duty
• determine the likelihood of improvement in the employee’s condition
• address any corrective measures which might be appropriate (within the framework required by the Americans with Disabilities Act)
• in appropriate cases, develop on behalf of the employer a proposed contractual relationship (or return to work agreement) with employee. Typically, such agreements define job restrictions (if any), treatment requirements, stipulation that the employee will avoid further adverse behavior, and other relevant conditions
• in cases where this is requested and in which employee is under a return to work agreement, make back-to-work recommendations;

The Fitness for Duty evaluation typically consists of consultation with the requesting agency to determine the most effective method of dealing with the specific issue, psychological testing, a clinical interview with the employee, comprehensive record review, and collateral interviews with persons who are familiar with the employee. A Fitness for Duty report will be issued to the employer through the designated personnel director, attorney, or others. The level of detail in a Fitness for Duty Report, while usually quite substantial, is restricted to job related findings and can be modified depending on the requirements of your agency. Reports draw clearly articulated conclusions related to fitness for duty and (where employee is temporarily unfit or conditionally fit) provide recommendations related to returning the employee to work.

Request more information on Fitness-For-Duty Evaluations here.