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Quick Overview:
The Functional Abilities Form (FAF) in Saskatchewan is a tool used to assess an individual’s functional abilities and limitations related to their work tasks. It helps determine if an employee is able to return to work or requires accommodations.
Answer:
The FAF in Saskatchewan serves as a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates an individual’s functional abilities and limitations. Here are five supporting facts about the FAF:
1. Purpose: The main purpose of the FAF is to provide objective information about an individual’s ability to perform specific job tasks, helping employers make informed decisions regarding return-to-work plans.
2. Assessments: The FAF assesses various areas such as physical demands, cognitive demands, environmental factors, and interpersonal interactions relevant to the individual’s job requirements.
3. Collaboration: The completion of the form involves collaboration between healthcare professionals, employers, and employees themselves for accurate representation of capabilities and limitations.
4. Accommodations: If an employee has certain restrictions or limitations identified through the FAF, accommodations may be made by employers to ensure they can continue working effectively.
5. Legal Considerations: In Saskatchewan, it is important for employers and insurance companies involved in disability management cases to utilize this standardized form for defensible assessments that comply with legal regulations.
FAQs:
1. Who completes the Functional Abilities Form?
– Typically, healthcare professionals such as physicians or occupational therapists complete the initial assessment based on medical information provided by the employee.
2. Can I request my own healthcare professional complete the form?
– Yes! Employees have the right to request their own healthcare professional complete additional assessments or provide input on their functional abilities.
3. How long does it take for a Functional Abilities Form assessment?
– The duration depends on various factors like complexity of job tasks and availability of required medical information but generally takes around 30-60 minutes.
4. What happens after completing a Functional Abilities Form assessment?
– The completed form is used by employers, insurance companies, and legal professionals to determine an employee’s ability to return to work or need for accommodations.
5. Can the Functional Abilities Form be used in legal proceedings?
– Yes! The FAF provides objective information that can be used as evidence in legal proceedings related to disability management cases.
6. Is the completion of a Functional Abilities Form mandatory?
– In Saskatchewan, there is no specific legislation mandating its use; however, it is highly recommended for accurate assessment and defensibility purposes.
7. Are employers required to provide accommodations based on the results of a Functional Abilities Form assessment?
– Employers have a duty to accommodate employees up until undue hardship. If reasonable accommodations can be made based on the FAF results, they should be provided.
BOTTOM LINE:
The Functional Abilities Form (FAF) in Saskatchewan serves as an important tool for assessing an individual’s functional abilities and limitations related to their job tasks. Its completion involves collaboration between healthcare professionals, employers, and employees themselves. The form helps inform decisions regarding return-to-work plans and accommodations if necessary. It also holds value in legal proceedings due to its objectivity and compliance with regulations. While not mandatory by law, utilizing the FAF ensures accurate assessments that are defensible when needed.