Fitness for Duty Evaluations (FFDE)
How Can This Evaluation be Helpful?
A fitness for duty evaluation is a process in which a qualified mental health professional assesses whether an employee is able to safely and effectively perform their job, typically after concerns about their mental health, behavior, or well-being have arisen; this usually involves a confidential interview, review of relevant medical or work records, and sometimes psychological testing, after which a report is provided to the employer (without sharing private medical details) indicating whether the employee is fit to return to work or if accommodations or further treatment are recommended.
What To Expect
During a fitness for duty evaluation, you’ll first be informed of the reason for the assessment and asked to provide consent. You’ll then meet with a mental health professional for an interview about your work history, current concerns, and relevant medical background, and you may complete psychological tests or questionnaires. The evaluator may review your records (with your permission) and observe your behavior during the assessment. Afterward, a summary report—focused only on your ability to safely perform your job—will be provided to your employer, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about the process or next steps.