title: Psychiatric fitness-for-duty evaluations.
abstract: Fitness-for-duty examinations are a common type of psychiatric disability evaluation. These evaluations are typically best performed by the independent (nontreating) psychiatrist with forensic training or expertise in these examinations. A comprehensive evaluation requires careful definition of the referral questions and consideration of the terms of the referral; review of relevant job-specific documentation and medical records; the collection of collateral information from relevant third-party informants; a thorough clinical psychiatric examination; and possibly additional testing. The examination report needs to be comprehensive, address the specific questions in clear language understandable to the non-mental health clinician, and use all available data to substantiate the logical conclusions in a fair, accurate, and objective manner.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, PO Box 389, One Prince Street, Northampton, MA 01061, USA. saanfang@aol.com
authors.forename: Stuart A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Anfang
authors.forename: Barry W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Wall
mesh_terms: D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004282:Documentation / Q000592:standards; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010815:Physician Impairment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States