Fitness for Duty Evaluations: Ensuring Workplace Safety and Employee Well-being

What Are Fitness for Duty Evaluations?

Fitness for duty (FFD) evaluations are specialized assessments designed to assess a safety-sensitive worker from a physical, mental and/or cognitive perspective. The evaluation is designed to determine the evaluee’s ability to return to work, or to continue to work, safely. These evaluations are particularly crucial for individuals in safety-sensitive positions, such as healthcare providers, first responders, transportation professionals (i.e. pilots and air traffic controllers etc.), and other types of workers.

Dr. Matthew Goldenberg, D.O., provides expert FFD evaluations for individuals and employees who may be experiencing impairment due to mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders. These assessments help ensure both workplace safety, employee well-being and public safety, guiding decisions on returning to work or necessary accommodations based on objective information and established diagnostic criteria.

Why Are Fitness for Duty Evaluations Important?

1. 1. Workplace Safety: Employers and licensing boards have a legal and ethical obligation to maintain a safe work environment. FFD evaluations help identify employees who may not be fit to perform their duties safely.
   2. Compliance with Regulations: Many industries require FFD evaluations to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and other regulatory guidelines.
   3. Support Employee Recovery: These evaluations facilitate a structured return-to-work process for employees recovering from mental health issues and/or substance use disorders.
   4. Reduce Liability: Employers can mitigate risks associated with workplace accidents or negligence by ensuring employees are medically and psychologically fit for duty.

• Public Safety: The public confidence that safety-sensitive professions (i.e. medicine, aviation, transportation etc.) are safe and appropriately monitored. 

Who Needs a Fitness for Duty Evaluation?

• Employees with Suspected Impairment: If an employer or licensing board has reason to believe an employee or licensee is impaired due to substance use or a mental health condition, an FFD evaluation can provide objective insights.
• Workers Returning After Treatment: Individuals recovering from mental health conditions or substance use disorders often require an FFD evaluation before resuming their duties.
• Employees with Behavioral Concerns: If an employee or licensee is displaying erratic behavior, emotional instability, or other concerns affecting their work, an evaluation can assess their ability to perform safely.
• Healthcare Providers and Safety-Sensitive Workers: Physicians, nurses, pilots, truck drivers, and law enforcement officers often undergo FFD evaluations to ensure they meet industry standards.

What to Expect During a Fitness for Duty Evaluation

1. Initial Consultation: Dr. Goldenberg meets with the evaluee or the referent to understand the specific concerns, questions and evaluation requirements.
2. Comprehensive Assessment: The evaluation includes a detailed psychiatric and substance use disorder evaluation. Additional cognitive and psychological testing, record review, drug testing and interviews can be added based on the needs of the evaluation and the questions being answered. 
3. Review of Treatment Records: If the evaluee has undergone treatment and/or monitoring, Dr. Goldenberg reviews relevant medical, legal and/or psychiatric records to assess progress and stability.
4. Workplace Requirement Analysis: The assessment considers the evaluee’s ability to meet job demands safely and effectively.
5. Report and Recommendations: Dr. Goldenberg provides a detailed clinical report outlining findings and recommendations, such as fitness for duty, need for accommodations, or continued treatment and/or monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What industries require fitness for duty evaluations?
A: FFD evaluations are commonly required in healthcare, aviation, transportation, law enforcement, and other fields with safety-sensitive positions.

Q: How long does an FFD evaluation take?
A: The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case but typically takes a few hours to a full day, with reports provided within a number of weeks. 

Q: What happens if an evaluee is deemed unfit for duty?
A: If an evaluee is found unfit to work safely, Dr. Goldenberg may recommend additional treatment, workplace accommodations, or monitoring to assist with a safe return to work. The evaluee, their employer or licensing agency and other stakeholders may use these clinical recommendations to make informed decisions.

Q: Can an employee refuse an FFD evaluation?
A: A FFD evaluation is a clinical evaluation and participation is voluntary. Evaluees have the right to refuse, or ask for a second opinion. Each employer and licensing agency has protocols when an evaluee is unwilling or unable to participate in the clinical evaluation process. 

Q: Are FFD evaluations confidential?
A: Yes and no. Unlike a normal doctor-patient relationship, there are limits to confidentiality, as the report is being prepared to be released to an employer, licensing agency or other stakeholders. The results are shared only with authorized parties. However, a refusal to provide authorization to release the report may result in disciplinary action by the employer and/or licensing agency. 

Q: Does an FFD evaluation affect an employee’s job status?
A: The evaluation itself does not determine employment status, as it is a clinical recommendation. Employers use the results to make informed decisions about job duties and any necessary restrictions and/or accommodations.

Contact Dr. Matthew Goldenberg for Fitness for Duty Evaluations

Dr. Matthew Goldenberg, D.O., is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in FFD evaluations for safety-sensitive workers. With expertise in mental health and substance use disorders, Dr. Goldenberg provides objective and evidence-based assessments to help evaluees to return to work safely (or to continue to work safely), and to help employers maintain a safe workplace.

Contact Information:
Matthew Goldenberg, D.O.
Phone: (424) 276-0777

Licensed in California, Hawaii and Alaska

Business Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday: Closed

If you or your organization require a fitness-for-duty evaluation, contact Dr. Goldenberg today to schedule an appointment.