Download the form here on our FAE services page.
Quick Overview:
The Functional Abilities Form (FAF) is a tool used in Alberta to assess an individual’s functional abilities and limitations related to their ability to perform work tasks. It is commonly used by employers, insurance companies, and the legal community in disability management cases. Here are five key facts about the FAF:
1. Purpose: The primary purpose of the FAF is to provide objective information about an individual’s functional abilities and limitations, which can help determine their eligibility for disability benefits or accommodations at work.
2. Assessment Process: The FAF is typically completed by a healthcare professional, such as a physician or occupational therapist, who evaluates the individual’s physical and mental capacities based on specific criteria outlined in the form.
3. Scope of Evaluation: The FAF assesses various areas of functioning, including mobility, self-care activities, communication skills, cognitive abilities, interpersonal interactions, and workplace-specific tasks.
4. Legal Validity: In Alberta, the completion of an accurate and comprehensive FAF is crucial for ensuring defensibility in disability management cases. It helps establish evidence-based decisions regarding return-to-work plans or long-term disability claims.
5. Jurisdictional Variations: While this overview focuses on Alberta’s use of the FAF as per RIDM services’ expertise within Canada; it’s important to note that other provinces may have similar but slightly different assessment forms or processes.
FAQs:
Q1: Who completes the Functional Abilities Form?
A1: Healthcare professionals with relevant expertise such as physicians or occupational therapists usually complete the form based on their evaluation of an individual’s functional capabilities.
Q2: Can employers request employees to complete a Functional Abilities Form?
A2: Employers cannot directly request employees to complete a Functional Abilities Form themselves; however they can refer employees for assessments through appropriate channels if required due to medical concerns impacting job performance
Q3: How long does it take to complete a Functional Abilities Form?
A3: The time required to complete a Functional Abilities Form varies depending on the complexity of the case and the availability of relevant medical information. It can range from a few hours to several weeks.
Q4: Can an individual challenge the findings of a completed Functional Abilities Form?
A4: Yes, individuals have the right to request a review or appeal if they believe that their functional abilities were not accurately assessed or represented in the completed form.
Q5: Are there any specific guidelines for completing a Functional Abilities Form?
A5: Yes, healthcare professionals must adhere to specific guidelines provided by regulatory bodies and professional associations when completing a Functional Abilities Form to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Q6: How is confidentiality maintained when completing a Functional Abilities Form?
A6: Healthcare professionals are bound by legal and ethical obligations regarding patient confidentiality. They must handle all personal health information with utmost care and follow privacy laws while completing the form.
Q7: Is it mandatory for employers or insurance companies to use the Functional Abilities Form in Alberta?
A7: While it is not legally mandated, using the Functional Abilities Form provides objective evidence about an individual’s functional capabilities, which can help make informed decisions related to disability management cases more defensible.
BOTTOM LINE:
The Functional Abilities Form (FAF) is an essential tool used in Alberta for assessing an individual’s functional abilities related to work tasks. Completed by healthcare professionals, it helps determine eligibility for disability benefits or workplace accommodations. Adhering to guidelines ensures accuracy, defensibility, and respect for patient confidentiality throughout this process. Although not legally mandated, using FAF enhances decision-making based on objective evidence in disability management cases.