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Businesses consult with Dr. Suskind to determine
whether mental health problems impact the workplace. When an employee’s psychiatric symptoms seem to impair workplace
functioning, this may prompt a “fitness for duty” request. For such a request, Dr. Suskind needs a description
of the employee’s job, of his/her behaviors, and of your organization. It is especially important to describe
patterns or trends over time. I appreciate receiving descriptions of behavioral changes, of interruptions of employment,
or of potential dangers, as well as any documentations, inconsistencies and prior evaluations.
You may wish to know:
(1) whether
there are specific dangers presented by the employee;
(2)
measures employer might take to reduce likelihood of difficulties;
(3)
is there need for continuous or intermittent time off work?
A
“fitness for duty” evaluation determines whether the employee’s degree of psychiatric impairment exceeds
the fitness threshold for his/her particular workplace task, as well as treatment and follow-up recommendations.
A Psychiatric Fitness for Duty Report is limited in description
(due to privacy laws). It assesses the employee’s adaptability and the chronicity of his/her mental condition.
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