Tim-

 

If a FFD case on one of our own employees is referred to Occ Med, a provider will conduct the evaluation, with drug and alcohol testing by our nurses if indicated.

 

We don’t make a formal referral to specialists. This is a real gray legal area. For our own employees, when we see the FFD eval, we are not a treating provider and there is no physician-patient relationship. We are performing a service specifically for the employer. If we were to refer to a specialist, this could obligate the employer to then pay directly for all care related to the condition, since it was an employer rep (Occ Med) that referred.

 

Instead, we provide a “Dear Doctor” letter to the employee with some mostly standardized questions about medical status, need for accommodations, etc. It then becomes the employee’s responsibility to seek medical eval and treatment (using their own health insurance a payor). The employee will typically be placed on paid admin leave by HR and given a reasonable timeline to bring the letter back with accommodation recommendations (or for drug/EtOH impairment, completion of a treatment program). If the employee needs more time to get through the medical wickets to figure out what is going on, they are directed to apply for STD.

 

I know not every institution will approach it in this way. This is how our employment legal expert has guided us to ensure we maintain the difference between treating and performing the employer function.

 

David

 

 

Hello everyone, I wanted to see how others are managing fitness for duty concerns with employee.  Specifically, for those who are involved in the fitness for duty process, who leads the Occupational/Employee Health participation, a nurse, a provider or someone else? 

 

When you have to refer an employee to see a specialist, do you have a set list of specialists who have agreed in advance to play this role, or do you connect with a specialist for referral as the need arises?

 

Thank you as always for any input.  Warmly, Tim

 

 

Tim Crump, MSN, FNP

Tim Crump, MSN, FNP

He/Him/They/Them

Family Nurse Practitioner

Multnomah Pavilion (Second Floor, SW Wing), 3161 SW Pavilion Loop

Occupational Health

Healthcare Human Resources

 

+ ASIST Trained Caregiver [ohsu.edu]

 

Oregon Health & Science University

Occupational Health

3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd,

Mail code: UHN 89

Portland, OR 97239-3098

Department Phone: 503-494-5271

Office Phone: 503-494-5184

Fax: 503-494-4457

Email: crumpt@ohsu.edu

 

Wed-Fri, 7:30-6:00

 

 

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