Psychiatric fitness-for-duty evaluations

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.