Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
F.
Appeal process: When a
candidate who considered him/herself protected under the Americans with
Disabilities Act, is rejected by the employer, he/she may pursue recourse
through the courts. However, if the candidate is rejected by an examining
physician under the medical selection guidelines due to a medical condition of
particular severity, e.g., back problems, diabetes, cardiovascular disease,
etc., and he/she feels that he/she can perform the essential tasks, he/she can
appeal to the medical review board. At the candidate's initiation and expense,
the candidate may present evidence/testimony/demonstrations of his/her ability
to perform the essential tasks without posing a direct risk to his/her health
and safety and that of others. The medical review board cannot determine
whether accommodations are reasonable or unreasonable since those are matters
which are exclusive to the applicant and the employer. The medical review board
will review the information presented by the applicant and make a
recommendation to the academy board as to whether he/she can be admitted to the
academy. After consideration of the medical review board recommendation, the
academy board will make a final determination.
G.
Medical selection guidelines
(potentially excludable conditions") entry level law enforcement
officer:
(1) Eyes and vision.
(a) Visual acuity - distant
vision;uncorrected distant vision should be better than, or equal to, 20/100
(Snellen) binocular, and correctable to better than, or equal to, 20/30
(Snellen) binocular; distant vision correctable to better than, or equal to,
20/30 (Snellen) binocular. Preferred means of correction are soft contact
lenses or shatterproof frames and lenses with headband.
(b) Visual acuity - near vision;near vision
correctable to better than, or equal to, 20/40 (Snellen) binocular.
(c) Visual acuity - color vision;Correct
reading of at least nine or more of the first 13 plates of the Ishihara test
(24 plate edition). Recourse testing is available by means of the Farnsworth -
Munsell 100-hue test.
(d) Visual
acuity - depth perception; depth perception should be sufficient to demonstrate
normal stereo depth perception with or without correction to the standard: 100
ARC seconds.
(e) Visual acuity -
peripheral vision; Peripheral vision should be normal and not negatively impact
candidate's ability to perform essential tasks.
(f) Glaucoma - if the candidate meets visual
acuity guidelines following treatment, then the condition is
non-disqualifying.
(g) Strabismus -
if the candidate meets visual acuity guidelines following surgery, then the
condition is non-disqualifying.
(h)
Cataracts, current - if the candidate meets visual acuity guidelines following
treatment, the condition is non-disqualifying.
(i) Proliferative retinopathy - if the
candidate meets visual acuity guidelines following treatment, the condition is
non-disqualifying.
(j) Nystagmus or
other extra-ocular movement - if the candidate meets visual acuity guidelines,
then the condition is non-disqualifying.
(k) Monocular vision.
(l) Blindness, including
night-blindness.
(m) Retinal
detachment - if the candidate meets visual acuity guidelines following
treatment, then the condition is non-disqualifying.
(n) Chronic keratitis - if the candidate
meets visual acuity guidelines following treatment, then the condition is
non-disqualifying.
(o) Optic
neuritis - if the candidate meets visual acuity guidelines following treatment,
then the condition is non-disqualifying.
(2) Ears and hearing.
(a) Hearing acuity - the
average hearing level (HL) at the test frequencies, 500, 1000,
and 2000 Hz will not exceed 25dB in either ear, and no single hearing level
will exceed 30 dB at any of these test frequencies in either ear. Hearing loss
at 3000 Hz will not exceed 40 dB HL in either ear. Recourse testing of speech
discrimination ability using phonetically balanced word lists in the presence
of noise is available.
(b) Acute
otitis media, otitis externa, and mastoiditis - if the candidate meets hearing
acuity guidelines and the condition is under treatment, then the condition is
non-disqualifying.
(c) Any
inner/middle/outer ear disorder affecting equilibrium - if the candidate has
historically had episodes of vertigo, he or she may require further
evaluation.
(3) Nose,
throat, and mouth - the conditions which follow are not meant to be exclusive.
If the examining physician feels (an) other unstated condition(s) may adversely
impact the ability of the candidate to perform the essential tasks of the job,
it (they) should be noted for further evaluation.
(a) loss of sense of smell;
(b) aphonia, speech loss or speech defects;
or
(c) deformities interfering with
the proper fitting of a gas mask.
(4) Peripheral vascular system - the
conditions which follow are not meant to be exclusive. If the examining
physician feels (an) other unstated condition(s) may adversely impact the
ability of the candidate to perform the essential tasks of the job, it (they)
should be noted for further evaluation.
(a)
Hypertension - resting blood pressure should be less than, or equal to, 140
mmHg systolic and 90mmHg diastolic on three successive readings. (If the
candidate has controlled hypertension and is on medication with side effect
profiles which do not interfere with performance of essential tasks then the
condition may not be disqualifying.)
(b) Varicose veins - if the condition is
serious enough to affect the candidate's ability to perform essential tasks, it
should be noted.
(c) Venous
insufficiency - if the condition is serious enough to affect the candidate's
ability to perform essential tasks, it should be noted.
(d) Peripheral vascular diseases - if the
condition is serious enough to affect the candidate's ability to perform
essential tasks, it should be noted.
(e) Thrombophlebitis -if the condition is
serious enough to affect the candidate's ability to perform essential tasks, it
should be noted.
(5)
Heart and cardiovascular system - the conditions which follow are not meant to
be exclusive. If the examining physician feels (an) other unstated condition(s)
may adversely impact the ability of the candidate to perform the essential
tasks of the job, it (they) should be noted for further evaluation.
(a) Congenital heart disease - if the
candidate's functional work capacity is unimpaired, then the condition is
non-disqualifying.
(b) Valvular
heart disease - if the candidate's functional work capacity is unimpaired, then
the condition is non-disqualifying.
(c) Coronary artery disease.
(d) ECG abnormalities (
if associated
with organic heart disease) including, but not limited to:
(i) Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW)
syndrome.
(ii) ST
depression.
(iii) right or left
bundle branch blocks.
(iv) 3 degree
A-V block.
(v) Mobitz type ii A-V
blocks.
(vi) Sinoatrial block or
sick sinus syndrome.
(vii)
Ventricular extrasystoles (frequent - 20/minute with exercise,
10/minute without exercise).
(viii) Ventricular tachycardia.
(ix) Atrial fibrillation or
flutter.
(x) Symptomatic
supraventricular tachycardia.
(e) Angina.
(f) Congestive heart failure.
(g) Cardiomyopathy.
(h) Active pericarditis, endocarditis, and
myocarditis.
(6)
Respiratory system - The conditions which follow are not meant to be exclusive.
If the examining physician feels (an) other unstated condition(s) may adversely
impact the ability of the candidate to perform the essential tasks of the job,
it (they) should be noted for further evaluation.
(a) Active pulmonary tuberculosis
(b) Chronic bronchitis.
(c) Active asthma - if satisfactorily
treated, the condition is not disqualifying.
(d) Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease.
(e) Bronchiectasis and
pneumothorax.
(f)
Pneumonectomy.
(g) Acute/chronic
mycotic diseases - Including, but not limited to, coccidiodomycosis and
histoplasmosis.
(7)
Gastrointestinal system - The conditions which follow are not meant to be
exclusive. If the examining physician feels (an) other unstated condition(s)
may adversely impact the ability of the candidate to perform the essential
tasks of the job, it (they) should be noted for further evaluation.
(a) Colitis - Including, but not limited to,
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (symptomatic or
needing medication), bacterial colitis. If satisfactorily treated, the
condition is not disqualifying.
(b)
Esophageal disorders - including, but not limited to, esophageal stricture,
lower esophageal ring and esophageal spasm. If the candidate's condition is
controlled, then the condition is non-disqualifying.
(c) Hemorrhoids - If the candidate's
condition is controlled, then the condition is non-disqualifying.
(d) Pancreatitis.
(e) Gall bladder disorders.
(f) Active peptic ulcer disease.
(g) Symptomatic inguinal, umbilical, ventral,
femoral, or incisional hernias.
(h)
Malignant disease of the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, esophagus, stomach,
small or large bowel, rectum or anus.
(i) Gastrointestinal bleeding - If condition
is satisfactorily treated, then it is not disqualifying.
(j) Active or chronic hepatitis.
(k) Cirrhosis of the liver.
(8) Genitourinary system - The
conditions which follow are not meant to be exclusive. If the examining
physician feels (an) other unstated condition(s) may adversely impact the
ability of the candidate to perform the essential tasks of the job, it (they)
should be noted for further evaluation. People with communicable diseases must
be evaluated relevant to their ability to train for and perform essential tasks
without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves and
others.
(a) Pregnancy -qualification of the
candidate is dependent upon the stage of the pregnancy.
(b) Nephrectomy -If a candidate possesses
this condition with normal renal functions, then the condition is
non-disqualifying.
(c) Acute
nephritis.
(d) Nephrotic
syndrome.
(e) Acute renal/urinary
calculi.
(f) Renal
transplant.
(g) Renal
failure.
(h) Hydrocele and
varicocele (symptomatic).
(i)
Malignant diseases of bladder, kidney, ureter, cervix, ovaries, breasts,
prostate, etc.
(j) Active venereal
diseases.
(k) Urinary tract
infection.
(l) Polycystic kidney
disease.
(m) Pelvic inflammatory
disorders.
(n)
Cervicitis.
(o)
Endometriosis.
(p) Bartholin gland
abscess.
(q) Vaginitis.
(r) Inflammatory disorders - including, but
not limited to, prostatitis, orchitis, and epididymitis.
(s) Presence of illicit drugs.
(9) Endocrine and metabolic
systems - The conditions which follow are not meant to be exclusive. If the
examining physician feels (an) other unstated condition(s) may adversely impact
the ability of the candidate to perform the essential tasks of the job, it
(they) should be noted for further evaluation.
(a) Untreated thyroid disease.
(b) Diabetes mellitus.
(c) Adrenal dysfunction - including, but not
limited to, Addison's disease and Cushing's disease.
(d) Hypoglycemia.
(e) Pituitary dysfunction.
(f) Thyroid tumor.
(10) Skin and collagen diseases - The
conditions which follow are not meant to be exclusive. If the examining
physician feels (an) other unstated condition(s) may adversely impact the
ability of the candidate to perform the essential tasks of the job, it (they)
should be noted for further evaluation.
(a)
Serious dermatological disorders.
(b) Lupus erythematosus.
(c) Contact allergies (of a serious or
relevant nature).
(11)
Musculoskeletal system - The conditions which follow are not meant to be
exclusive. If the examining physician feels (an) other unstated condition(s)
may adversely impact the ability of the candidate to perform the essential
tasks of the job, it (they) should be noted for further evaluation.
(a) Disorders that limit motor
performance.
(b) Cervical spine or
lumbosacral fusion.
(c)
Degenerative cervical or lumbar disc disease (if symptomatic).
(d) Extremity amputation.
(e) Osteomyelitis.
(f) Loss in motor ability from tendon or
nerve injury/surgery.
(g) Arthritis
- if a candidate possesses this condition with no functional impairment, then
the condition is non-disqualifying.
(h) Joint conditions - any condition which
negatively impacts the ability of the candidate to perform essential tasks
should be noted for further evaluation.
(i) Coordinated balance.
(j) Herniated disc (symptomatic).
(k) Spinal deviations.
(l) Fracture deformities
(symptomatic).
(12)
Hematopoietic and lymphatic systems - The conditions which follow are not meant
to be exclusive. If the examining physician feels (an) other unstated
condition(s) may adversely impact the ability of the candidate to perform the
essential tasks of the job, it (they) should be noted for further evaluation.
(a) Anemia (all).
(b) Polycythemia.
(c) Sickle cell trait - sickle cell trait is
a non-disqualifying condition.
(d)
Sickle cell disease.
(e)
Hematopoietic disorders (including malignancies).
(f) Hemophilia.
(13) Nervous system - The conditions which
follow are not meant to be exclusive. If the examining physician feels (an)
other unstated condition(s) may adversely impact the ability of the candidate
to perform the essential tasks of the job, it (they) should be noted for
further evaluation.
(a) Epilepsy.
(b) Cerebral palsy.
(c) Movement disorders.
(d) Cerebral aneurysms.
(e) Syncope.
(f) Progressive neurological diseases -
including, but not limited to, multiple sclerosis and Huntington's
chorea.
(g) Peripheral nerve
disorder - including, but not limited to, polyneuritis, mononeuritis and
neurofibromatosis.
(h)
Narcolepsy.
(i) Cerebral vascular
accident.
(j) Central nervous
system infections.
