Return to Work Services

With more than 88,000 law enforcement personnel in the Federal government, accidents, injuries and illnesses are bound to occur. After an officer incurs an injury or illness, Federal agencies must ensure that he or she can return to duty and perform arduous or hazardous duty without undue risk of personal injury, injury to co-workers, or the public. Federal Occupational Health’s (FOH) Law Enforcement Medical Program includes Return to Work Services, which are provided to support an officer’s:

Continuing duty
Return to duty
Specific limitations and accommodations
Need for treatment
Conditions for return to duty

FOH’s Return to Work Services include an evaluation of an employee’s ability to meet the physical or medical requirements of a position. FOH coordinates medical examinations, reviews results, and determines if other medical services are necessary. FOH also coordinates the medical services of specialists (e.g., cardiologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, ophthalmologists, audiologists, orthopedics, etc.) for evaluation services concerning a specific fitness for duty issue.

FOH Occupational Health Physicians, or Reviewing Medical Officers, conduct and review medical evaluations of law enforcement personnel. FOH ensures that the evaluation findings address Federal personnel system requirements, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A Return to Work Evaluation can also provide a determination for line of duty causation, evaluation of the permanence of a disability, and the potential for medically required retirement. FOH provides the agency with a comprehensive and objective report that outlines recommendations, relevant medical information, and addresses specific questions about fitness for duty.

Contact FOH today to learn how FOH’s Return to Work Services can help your agency with the special needs of law enforcement personnel.