Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 12, March 20, 2024
The MPTC establishes the following medical standards
which shall be used in evaluating whether a candidate can, with or without
reasonable accommodations, perform the essential functions of the position. The
existence of any one of the following conditions is only to be considered
potentially disqualifying. Each police agency must consider the medical
standard to ensure that it is job-related and consistent with business
necessity with respect to their entry-level police officer position. The
examining physician or practitioner must determine, based upon his/her medical
judgment, whether the existence of such condition renders the candidate unable
to perform the essential functions of an entry-level police officer.
(a) Eyes and vision. Requires a case-by-case
assessment of each candidate to determine if the candidate is able to perform
the essential functions of the position. Unless otherwise specified, all
testing under this subdivision must be administered by a qualified physician or
practitioner.
(1) Visual acuity. For visual
acuity, the Snellen test is generally recognized as standard. All candidates
should have vision better than or equal to 20/30 in each eye. If a candidate
must use corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) in order to satisfy the 20/30
vision standard, then such candidate's uncorrected vision should be no worse
than 20/100 in each eye.
(2) Color
perception.
(i) For color perception, only
the 24-plate edition of the Ishihara Test (1974 or subsequent equivalent
edition) should be used. Generally, perception of color should be deemed
acceptable if the candidate correctly reads at least 9 or more of the first 13
plates of the 24-plate edition of the Ishihara Test. As described in the test
manual, this test should be given under lighting conditions approximating a
daylight illuminated room (indirect daylight), and not primarily using tungsten
or fluorescent lamps. The MacBeth Easel Lamp or the True Daylight Illuminator
(TDI), which meets the standards specified by the International Commission on
Illumination, or equivalent may be used.
(ii) If the candidate's color perception is
deemed unacceptable through the use of said test, and he/she believes the
results to be incorrect, then such individual must be informed that he/she has
recourse to additional testing and a facility identified where he/she may, at
his or her own expense, take the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test under the
following conditions:
(a) The division must be
notified in writing, with a copy to the appropriate municipal civil service
agency, of the candidate's intention to take the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue
Test.
(b) The test must be taken at
a hospital, medical center, or an academic ophthalmology center having the
proper equipment as hereafter specified and the notice must set forth the name
of the institution and the New York State (NYS) licensed optometrist or
ophthalmologist who will administer the examination.
(c) Written approval, or under extenuating
circumstances, verbal approval, for the taking of said examination must be
received from the division by the candidate before the test is administered and
the test must be administered within 45 days of the mailing date of the
approval. Such approval shall be granted in every instance provided that the
division finds that the hospital, medical center or academic ophthalmology
center at which the candidate proposes to be tested has the capability and
equipment necessary to perform such test and that the optometrist or
ophthalmologist who will administer or interpret the test is properly
qualified. In the event that the division finds the facility at which the
applicant proposes to be tested is not properly equipped or that the individual
who is proposed to administer or interpret the test is unqualified, it shall
direct the candidate to a person and/or facility, as conveniently located as
practicable, by whom or where such test may be properly administered. Where
such an alternate test site is directed, the 45-day period referred to above
shall be adjusted or extended to accommodate the candidate's needs and
convenience.
(d) If the candidate
takes and completes the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test, the optometrist or
ophthalmologist administering the test shall set forth in writing the results
of said test, including the "total error score," the type, nature and degree of
any apparent confusion axis, and, if available, the percentile rank of the
total error score with reference to the normal population. The optometrist or
ophthalmologist shall certify, whether or not the candidate meets the required
color perception standards. If upon receipt by the division and by the
appropriate municipal civil service agency, the test results demonstrate that
the candidate meets said certification, the candidate shall be deemed to have
met the color perception requirement.
(iii) The test distance stipulated in the
Ishihara instruction manual is 75 cm (approximately 30 inches) which makes this
primarily a near vision task. Although no specific distance is stipulated for
the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test, it is assumed that it would be
approximately the same or closer distance than that used for the Ishihara Test
since the test boxes must be within easy reaching and viewing distance from the
candidate.
(iv) The qualified
physician, practitioner, optometrist or ophthalmologist administering the
vision test should test at least near visual acuity immediately prior to
administration of the Ishihara and Farnsworth-Munsell 100- Hue tests,
respectively, and the visual acuity thresholds noted and reported along with
the color vision test scores. The "Rosenbaum Pocket Vision Screener" or
equivalent with testing administered under recommended lighting conditions and
at approximately 14 inches from the candidate should ensure accurate
results.
(v) If the candidate's
near visual acuity is within normal limits (Jaeger 2 or Snellen Equivalent of
20/30), the color vision tests should be performed without correction
(glasses). For example, even a mild tint in glasses could distort viewing
conditions for the color vision tasks and invalidate the test
results.
(vi) If the candidate is
further examined by the use of the Farnsworth Munsell 100-Hue Test, said test
should be administered under CIE type C (6740) illumination by using a MacBeth
Easel Lamp or the True Daylight Illuminator (TDI) or equivalent. The use of
non- specific tungsten or fluorescent illumination is not acceptable for this
test. If a candidate fails the initial test, he/she should, upon request, be
immediately retested and the lower total error score used for the purposes of
qualification. A total error score of not more than 124 is deemed acceptable.
The use of any lens by a candidate in order to meet the color perception
standards is not acceptable.
Note: Prior to administration of the Farnsworth-Munsell
100-Hue Test, the optometrist or ophthalmologist may deem it advisable to
administer as an adjunct the Farnsworth Panel D-15 Test. This may be done to
familiarize the candidate with the procedural task common to both tests, and
supplement interpretation of the required Test. The Farnsworth Panel D-15 Test
must likewise be given with the illumination specified for the
Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test
(3) Depth perception. Depth perception shall
be sufficient to demonstrate normal stereo depth perception to the correctable
standard of 80 ARC seconds
(4)
Peripheral vision
(b)
Ears and hearing. Requires a case-by-case assessment of each candidate to
determine if the candidate is able to perform the essential functions of the
position
(1) Hearing acuity. Hearing levels
should be tested from 500 Hertz (Hz) to 6,000 Hz. For purposes of
qualification, single hearing levels should not exceed 25 decibels (DB) at
either 500, 1,000, or 2,000 Hz nor exceed 30 DB at 3,000 Hz frequencies in each
ear. For abnormal testing results between 4,000 and 6,000 Hz frequencies,
further refined audiological evaluation is recommended. Unless otherwise
specified, the hearing tests are to be administered by a qualified physician or
practitioner in an environment and using equipment that meet the current
standards (ANSI 1969 or Subsequent Specifications). Any other testing system or
conditions are not valid and may not be used
(2) Recourse testing. If the candidate's pure
tone screening test is deemed unacceptable, such candidate may, at his/her own
expense, have an audiological examination administered by a NYS licensed
audiologist, including:
(i) hearing
sensitivity;
(ii) speech
discrimination in quiet; and
(iii)
speech discrimination in noise. Testing should be performed in a sound treated
environment meeting the 1969 ANSI or any subsequent standard. The CID W-22 word
lists should be presented at 50 DB HL via a calibrated speech audiometer
through a single speaker stationed at 0 degrees azimuth with the candidate
seated at approximately 1 meter (39 inches) from the speaker. Speech (hearing)
discrimination testing in a background of broad-band noise should be conducted
in the same sound field environment. Again, using a different version of one of
the CID W-22 word lists presented at 50 DB HL, a competing noise should be
simultaneously presented at 40 DB HL (S/N = +10) through the same speaker (0
degrees azimuth) as the test words or through a separate speaker located at 180
degrees azimuth. The minimal acceptable standard of speech (hearing)
discrimination shall be a score no poorer than 90 percent in quiet and 70
percent in noise on two of the pre-recorded versions of the CID W-22 word
lists. An open-test response format should be utilized with the candidate
responding in writing. Hearing Aid Check -- Biological (HAC-B): Use of hearing
aids to achieve such standards are permitted as long as they are self-contained
and fit within (auricular) or behind or over (post-auricular) the ear. Hearing
Aid Check -- Acoustical (HAC-A): Candidates with hearing aids shall, at their
own expense, provide evidence from a licensed audiologist, using functional
gain or real ear measurements, that such aid(s) meet the stipulated
manufacturer's standards
(3) Perforated Tympanic Membrane
(4) Acute Otitis Media, Otitis Externa, and
Mastoiditis
(5) Inner/middle/outer
ear disorders affecting equilibrium
If the candidate has historically had episodes of
vertigo, he/she may require further evaluation
(c) Nose, throat and mouth. Requires a
case-by-case assessment as to the control of the condition and the presence and
severity of symptoms and complications to determine if the candidate is able to
perform the essential functions of the position
(1) Loss of sense of smell
(2) Aphonia, speech loss or speech
defects
(3) Abnormalities of the
nose, throat or mouth which interfere with the candidate's breathing or the
proper fitting of a gas mask
(d) Peripheral vascular system. Requires a
case-by-case assessment as to the control of the condition and the presence and
severity of symptoms and complications to determine if the candidate is able to
perform the essential functions of the position
(1) Hypertension. Resting blood pressure
should be less than, or equal to, 140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic on
three successive readings
(2)
Peripheral vascular abnormality, including severe and/or symptomatic varicose
veins, venous insufficiency, and thrombophlebitis
(e) Heart and cardiovascular system. Requires
a case-by-case assessment as to the control of the condition and the presence
and severity of symptoms and complications to determine if the candidate is
able to perform the essential functions of the position
(1) Congenital Heart Disease
(2) Valvular Heart Disease
(3) Coronary Heart Disease
(4) ECG Abnormalities, if associated with
organic heart disease, which shall include but not be limited to:
(i) 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 Extrasystole (Frequent - 20/minute with exercise, 10/minute without
exercise);
(viii) Ventricular
Tachycardia;
(ix) Atrial
Fibrillation or Flutter; or
(x)
Symptomatic Supraventricular Tachycardia
(5) Angina
(6) Congestive Heart Failure
(7) Cardiomyopathy
(8) Pericarditis, Endocarditis, and
Myocarditis
(9) The candidate
should have a functional and therapeutic cardiac classification of no greater
than NYS Class 1A. (Note: according to the New York Heart Association, Inc., a
functional classification of Class 1 refers to patients with cardiac disease,
but without resulting limitations of physical activity. Ordinary physical
activity does not cause undue fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea or anginal pain. A
therapeutic classification of Class A refers to patients with cardiac disease
whose physical activity need not be restricted in any way.) This determination
shall be made clinically or by a cardiac stress test
(f) Respiratory system. Requires a
case-by-case assessment as to the control of the condition and the presence and
severity of symptoms and complications to determine if the candidate is able to
perform the essential functions of the position
(1) Pulmonary Tuberculosis, if associated
with abnormal pulmonary function
(2) Chronic Bronchitis
(3) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease
(4) Emphysema
(5) Bronchiectasis and Pneumothorax
(6) Pneumonectomy
(7) Acute Mycotic Diseases, including, but
not limited to, Coccidioidomycosis and Histoplasmosis
(8) Acute Pleurisy
(9) Malignant Diseases
(g) Gastrointestinal system. Requires a
case-by-case assessment as to the control of the condition and the presence and
severity of symptoms and complications to determine if the candidate is able to
perform the essential functions of the position
(1) Colitis, including but not limited to
Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (symptomatic or
needing medication), and Bacterial Colitis
(2) Diverticulitis
(3) Esophageal Disorders, including, but not
limited to Esophageal Stricture, Lower Esophageal Ring and Esophageal
Spasm
(4) Pancreatitis
(5) Gall Bladder Disorders
(6) Active Peptic Ulcer Disease
(7) Symptomatic Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral,
Femoral, or Incisional Hernias
(8)
Malignant Disease of the Liver, Gall Bladder, Pancreas, Esophagus, Stomach,
Small or Large Bowel, Rectum or Anus
(9) Gastrointestinal Bleeding
(10) Active or Chronic Hepatitis
(11) Cirrhosis of the Liver
(h) Genitourinary system. Requires
a case-by-case assessment as to the control of the condition and the presence
and severity of symptoms and complications to determine if the candidate is
able to perform the essential functions of the position
(1) Pregnancy. The qualification of the
candidate is dependent upon the stage of the normal pregnancy
(2) Nephrectomy
(3) Acute Nephritis
(4) Nephrotic Syndrome
(5) Acute Renal/Urinary Calculi
(6) Renal Transplant
(7) Renal Failure
(8) Hydrocele and Varicocele
(Symptomatic)
(9) Malignant
Diseases of Bladder, Kidney, Ureter, Cervix, Ovaries, Breasts, Prostate,
etc
(10) Active Venereal
Diseases
(11) Urinary Tract
Infection
(12) Polycystic Kidney
Disease
(13) Pelvic Inflammatory
Disorders
(14)
Endometriosis
(15) Inflammatory
Disorders, including but not limited to Prostatitis, Orchitis,
Epididymitis
(i)
Endocrine and metabolic systems. Requires a case-by-case assessment as to the
control of the condition and the presence and severity of symptoms and
complications to determine if the candidate is able to perform the essential
functions of the position
(1) Uncontrolled
Thyroid Disease
(2) Diabetes
Mellitus
(3) Adrenal Dysfunction,
including but not limited to, Addison's Disease and Cushing's Disease
(4) Symptomatic Hypoglycemia
(5) Untreated Thyroid Malignancy
(j) Musculoskeletal system.
Requires a case-by-case assessment as to the control of the condition and the
presence and severity of symptoms and complications to determine if the
candidate is able to perform the essential functions of the position
(1) Disorders that limit motor
performance
(2) Cervical Spine or
Lumbosacral Fusion
(3) Degenerative
Cervical or Lumbar Disc Disease, if Symptomatic
(4) Extremity Amputation
(5) Osteomyelitis
(6) Muscular Dystrophy
(7) Loss in motor ability from tendon or
nerve injury/surgery, if an area that is related to the candidate's performance
of the essential job functions
(8)
Arthritis
(9) Coordinated
Balance
(10) Symptomatic Herniated
Disc
(11) Spinal
Deviations
(k)
Hematopoietic and lymphatic systems. Requires a case-by-case assessment as to
the control of the condition and the presence and severity of symptoms and
complications to determine if the candidate is able to perform the essential
functions of the position
(1) Hematopoietic
disorders, including malignancies, including, but not limited to, Sickle Cell
Disease and Thalassemia
(2)
Hemophilia
(l) Nervous
system. Requires a case-by-case assessment as to the control of the condition
and the presence and severity of symptoms and complications to determine if the
candidate is able to perform the essential functions of the position
(1) Seizure Disorder (Petit/Grand Mal). The
candidate is expected to have been seizure- free for at least 12 months prior
to the date of this examination. In addition, certification may be required
from the treating neurologist that there are no restrictions on the candidate
related to the performance of the essential functions of the entry-level
position
(2) Cerebral
Palsy
(3) Movement Disorders,
including, but not limited to Parkinson' s
(4) Cerebral Aneurysms
(5) Syncope
(6) Progressive Neurological Diseases,
including, but not limited to, Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington's
Chorea
(7) Peripheral Nerve
Disorder, including, but not limited to Polyneuritis, Mononeuritis and
Neurofibromatosis
(8)
Narcolepsy
(9) Cerebral Vascular
Accident
(10) Central Nervous
System Infections.
