I. Provide a medical assessment. a. A face-to-face examination is required, which will include an independent medical assessment by the IME. b. Chart review of applicable record and relevant reports to aid in the assessment. II. Fitness for duty a. When there are conflicting medical opinions on fitness for duty, and when requested by the Commissioner of Fire, the IME may be asked to evaluate certain BFD employees for return to duty assessment. b. Assessment will require an outcome report from the IME to determine the assignment for duty to one of four categories: i. Return to full duty. ii. Assignment to Manpower Light Duty iii. Assignment to Non-manpower light duty iv. Modified duty v. Not currently fit for duty III. Expectations regarding IME duties a. Honesty in all communications is required. b. Respect the rights of the examinee and other participants and maintain the highest standard of professionalism in all interactions. c. At the examination: i. Introduce him/herself to the examinee as the examining physician. ii. Advise the examinee they are seeing him/her for an independent medical examination, and the information provided will be used in assessment and presented in a report. iii. Advise the examinee that they will continue medical treatment and therapy with their current personal care practitioners and not the IME office. iv. Explain the examination process. v. Close the examination by telling the examinee that the examination is over and ask if there is any further information the examinee thinks would be helpful as part of the assessment.
