Download the form here on our FAE services page.
Quick Overview:
A Functional Ability Assessment (FAA) is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by qualified professionals to determine an individual’s functional abilities and limitations. This assessment plays a crucial role in disability management, as it helps employers, insurance companies, and the legal community make informed decisions regarding accommodation, return-to-work plans, and long-term disability claims.
Answer to the question: What is a Functional Ability Assessment?
1. Objective Evaluation: A FAA involves an objective evaluation of an individual’s physical, cognitive, and psychological capabilities to perform essential job tasks.
2. Identification of Limitations: The assessment identifies any functional limitations that may hinder the individual’s ability to carry out specific job duties effectively.
3. Accommodation Recommendations: Based on the identified limitations, recommendations are provided for reasonable workplace accommodations that can help mitigate barriers to employment.
4. Return-to-Work Planning: FAA results assist in developing personalized return-to-work plans tailored to the individual’s unique needs and capabilities.
5. Supporting Disability Claims: The findings from a FAA can provide valuable evidence when assessing eligibility for short or long-term disability benefits.
Detailed FAQs:
1. Who conducts Functional Ability Assessments?
– Qualified healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists or vocational rehabilitation specialists typically conduct FAAs.
2. When should a Functional Ability Assessment be conducted?
– FAAs are typically conducted when there is uncertainty about an employee’s ability to perform their job duties due to illness or injury.
3. Is consent required for a Functional Ability Assessment?
– Yes, individuals must provide informed consent before undergoing a FAA.
4. How long does a Functional Ability Assessment take?
– The duration varies depending on factors such as complexity of the case but generally ranges from two to four hours.
5. Are Functional Ability Assessments legally binding?
– While FAA reports hold significant weight in decision-making processes related to accommodation or disability claims, they are not legally binding documents themselves.
6. Do Functional Ability Assessments consider mental health conditions?
– Yes, FAAs assess both physical and mental health conditions that may impact an individual’s functional abilities.
7. Can employers use the results of a Functional Ability Assessment to terminate an employee?
– FAA results should not be used as sole grounds for termination; they are intended to inform accommodation and return-to-work planning efforts.
BOTTOM LINE:
A Functional Ability Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by qualified professionals to determine an individual’s functional abilities and limitations. It provides objective information for developing return-to-work plans, accommodating employees with disabilities, and assessing eligibility for disability benefits. While FAAs are valuable tools in decision-making processes, they are not legally binding documents on their own.