Medical assessment procedures
School Based Staff
Staff employed to work in schools may be required to undertake a medical assessment by a medical practitioner approved by the Secretary.
Medical assessments conducted by a medical practitioner approved by the Secretary are required to establish fitness for duty on appointment to an ongoing position and when an employee has been absent on account of illness for 13 weeks continuously and is either seeking further leave or seeking to return to work.
Medical assessments conducted by a medical practitioner approved by the Secretary to establish fitness for duty may also be required when:
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an employee has resumed duty after an absence on account of illness of less than 13 weeks but the principal is of the opinion that the employee is not fit for duty
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in the opinion of the principal, an employee’s state of health may make the employee a risk to the health, safety or welfare of other employees or persons at the workplace including students
- an employee is the subject of an inquiry into his or her physical or mental capacity.
The Secretary has approved all medical practitioners for the purpose of providing medical assessments in relation to school based staff. There may be circumstances where the staff member’s treating doctor’s assessment is sufficient to satisfy the principal in relation to an employee’s fitness or otherwise. It remains open to the principal to seek an independent medical assessment.
Where a medical assessment is required or a principal is of the opinion that a medical assessment may be required to establish fitness for duty, the principal is advised to contact the Medical Advisory Service (MAS).
Following consultation with the MAS, if the principal determines that a medical assessment is required the following procedures should be implemented:
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In consultation with the MAS, the principal will select an appropriate medical practitioner to conduct the medical assessment and will arrange an appointment with that practitioner.
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When referring an employee to a medical practitioner for a medical assessment the principal must prepare a referral letter for the medical practitioner which should include information outlining:
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reason for referral
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previous absences due to ill health (if applicable)
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instances of inappropriate behaviour (if applicable)
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employees specific duties and responsibilities
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advice to the medical practitioner that “ this information is provided in confidence and is not to be made available to the person the information is about”
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specific questions to which the principal requires an answer
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any other documentation that may assist the medical practitioner with the assessment.
Principals are advised to discuss the proposed referral with the medical practitioner prior to preparing the referral letter.
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reason for referral
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The principal must discuss the reason for the referral with the employee and advise the employee in writing of the details of the medical appointment.
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Following the medical assessment the medical practitioner will provide the principal with a report indicating whether the employee is fit, or unfit for their designated duties.
- The principal will advise the employee of the outcome of the medical assessment and initiate appropriate action in accordance with any recommendations, taking into consideration the needs of the school, the rights of the employee and the legal obligations of the employer.
The MAS can provide advice on appropriate action. Such action may include but is not limited to the approval of personal leave or another form of leave, return to work or modification of designated duties on a temporary basis until the health issues are resolved.
Legislation
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