Fitness for Duty Evaluation in Michigan
Objective, employer-initiated psychological assessments that determine whether an individual can safely and effectively perform the essential functions of their position — conducted by Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP, a licensed psychologist.
What Is a Fitness for Duty Evaluation?
A fitness for duty evaluation is a psychological assessment requested by an employer, licensing board, or agency to determine whether an individual can safely and effectively perform the essential functions of their job. These evaluations are initiated when workplace behavior, performance concerns, or a critical incident raises questions about an employee’s psychological capacity to continue working.
At Bright Pine Behavioral Health, fitness for duty evaluations are conducted by Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP. Dr. Nuar provides an objective, independent assessment that is fair to the employee and actionable for the referring organization.
Fitness for duty evaluations are not initiated by the employee. Because the purpose is to address a concern raised by the employer or a regulatory body, self-referral is not appropriate — there may be a discrepancy between what the individual believes is needed and what the referring entity actually requires.
Who Requests Fitness for Duty Evaluations?
Fitness for duty evaluations are requested by employers and human resources departments, occupational health services, supervisors and department heads, law enforcement agencies evaluating police or corrections personnel, military command structures, and regulatory or professional licensing boards.
What the Evaluation Includes
Every fitness for duty evaluation is tailored to the specific referral questions. Evaluations typically include the following components.
Clinical Interview and History
A comprehensive interview covering medical history, psychiatric history, and the circumstances surrounding the referral. Dr. Nuar reviews the referral reason and relevant background information in detail.
Mental Status Examination
A structured assessment of the individual’s current cognitive and emotional functioning, providing a clinical snapshot at the time of the evaluation.
Psychological Testing
Standardized psychological instruments administered as needed based on the nature of the referral concern, providing objective data to supplement the clinical interview.
Employment Record Review
Relevant employment records, performance documentation, incident reports, and prior evaluations are reviewed to understand the context of the referral.
Substance Use Assessment
When substance use is relevant to the referral concern, a focused substance use assessment is included as part of the evaluation.
Functional Capacity Analysis
A direct evaluation of the individual’s capacity to perform the essential functions of their specific role, including identification of any impairments or limitations.
Risk Assessment
An assessment of risk factors related to safety, impairment, and the potential for harm to self or others in the workplace context.
Collateral Interviews
With appropriate consent, Dr. Nuar may interview supervisors, coworkers, or other individuals who can provide additional context relevant to the referral questions.
What the Report Covers
The fitness for duty report is comprehensive and structured to give the referring organization clear, actionable information. It includes the reason for referral, a summary of background and history, methods used, clinical findings, assessment of current functioning, analysis of ability to perform essential job duties, identification of impairments or limitations, and recommendations — fit, unfit, or fit with restrictions and accommodations.
When applicable, the report also includes suggested interventions, treatment, or follow-up; a risk assessment addressing safety concerns and risk of recurrence; and relevant legal, regulatory, or occupational considerations.
Reports are typically completed within 3–5 weeks after all evaluation components and documentation have been submitted.
Your Evaluator
Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP
Dr. Nuar brings extensive clinical and forensic experience to every evaluation. With a Doctorate of Psychology and specialized training in child custody and parenting evaluations from Palo Alto University through the AAFP, she conducts each assessment with the thoroughness and objectivity that legal proceedings demand.
Dr. Nuar stays current with evolving forensic methodology and ethical standards. Her evaluations are structured to be clear, defensible, and directly useful to attorneys, judges, and the individuals she evaluates.
Who We Work With
Individuals & Families
- Parents involved in custody or parental fitness cases
- Individuals facing court-ordered evaluations
- Immigration applicants needing psychological documentation
- People involved in guardianship or conservatorship proceedings
- Personal injury claimants requiring neuropsychological assessment
Attorneys & Referring Professionals
- Family law attorneys handling custody and parental fitness cases
- Immigration attorneys seeking hardship or asylum evaluations
- Criminal defense attorneys needing competency assessments
- Employers and HR departments requesting fitness for duty evaluations
- Probate attorneys involved in guardianship petitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an employee request their own fitness for duty evaluation?
No. Fitness for duty evaluations are initiated by employers, licensing boards, or agencies — not by the individual being evaluated. This is because the evaluation is designed to address specific concerns raised by the referring entity, and the scope must align with those concerns.
What does “fit with restrictions” mean?
If the evaluation finds that the individual can perform their job duties with certain modifications, the report may recommend fitness with restrictions or accommodations. These could include modified duties, mandatory treatment, follow-up evaluations, or workplace adjustments.
Is the evaluation confidential?
The evaluation is conducted within the bounds of professional confidentiality, but the report is shared with the referring organization. The specific limitations of confidentiality are explained to the individual before the evaluation begins.
How long does the evaluation take?
The length depends on the complexity of the referral concern, the amount of documentation to review, the need for psychological testing, and the number of collateral contacts required. The written report is completed within 3–5 weeks after all components are finished.
What industries do you conduct fitness for duty evaluations for?
Dr. Nuar conducts fitness for duty evaluations for law enforcement, corrections, healthcare, corporate settings, education, and individuals referred by professional licensing boards.
Forensic Neuropsychological Evaluation
Specialized neuropsychological assessments for legal contexts including personal injury, brain injury, and disability proceedings.
Learn more →
Guardianship Evaluation
Assessments of cognitive and functional capacity for guardianship proceedings in Michigan probate courts.
Learn more →
Court-Ordered Psychological Evaluation
General psychological evaluations ordered by the court to address mental health status, behavioral functioning, or case disposition.
