1. Policy

The District may conduct post job offer medical evaluations for all candidates. The policy also outlines the requirements for Bi-Annual Physicals for certain existing employees. This practice is intended to determine if a candidate or existing employee has any medical condition that would prevent them from performing the essential functions of the job or as delineated in the job analysis. This includes assessing the employee's ability to wear protective clothing related to firefighting and is intended to identify existing health problems that may be aggravated by performing essential tasks of the job. The evaluation will also establish a base line that would be used in identifying notable health trends that could be occupationally related.

2. Definition

Post Job Offer Medical Evaluation - All new employees.

Bi-Annual Physicals - Safety personnel maintaining a Class "B" or higher-class driver's license or any special endorsement requiring medical evaluation. Bi Annual Physicals are intended to be an employee wellness promotion service .

3. The District shall pre-designate a licensed medical doctor who is familiar with the physical and psychological risk factors of a firefighter. The Medical Evaluator, based on a medical examination, history questionnaire and past medical records, if necessary, has the authority to determine whether a candidate is medically qualified to function as a firefighter. The employee's private physician will normally conduct bi-annual physicals. The district may reimburse the employee for direct cost of the physical. Re-imbursement will be limited to the cost of the same service by the district contracted medical evaluator.

4. Notification of results:

A. A Post-Job Offer Medical Evaluation shall be in written form and submitted to the Assistant Fire Chief. Medical records will be stored in a manner consistent with confidential records control standards. If results are needed immediately they may be communicated by phone. All final results will be communicated in writing and delivered in person or by mail.

B. Bi-Annual Medical Evaluations will be communicated directly to the employee. The results of the evaluation shall be in writing. The employee must submit these results to the Assistant Fire Chief. The Medical Evaluator will also document these results on the appropriated Department of Motor Vehicles Form.

C. The employee may obtain second opinions, from a licensed medical doctor. The District shall be allowed adequate time to provide the necessary documentation to the evaluator. The District reserves the right to contact the evaluator to conduct a briefing on the standards of the evaluation. Payment for the second opinion will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

5. Functional Capacity Evaluations will be conducted on new hires to safety positions and for safety employees returning from a major injury, illness or extended leave, as required by policy.

6. Functional Capacity Evaluations may be conducted after successful completion of the medical evaluation. The medical evaluator may refer the employee to a testing facility.

7. The final determination by the medical evaluator will be based on both the Medical and Functional Capacity Evaluations.

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