Expert, Collaborative Assessments for Professionals.

Fitness for Duty Assessment

There’s a great deal riding on the ability of professionals in high accountability roles to perform well, practice safely, and exercise good judgment. Physicians, nurses, attorneys, and business leaders have many people relying on them - their patients and clients; their staff and coworkers; as well as their families and loved ones.

If professionals are potentially struggling with addiction or exhibiting erratic or disruptive behavior symptomatic of a neurocognitive disorder, it is of utmost importance to determine the root cause of their issues - and ultimately guide them into treatment to restore their lives.

There is a very real economic reason for employers to take action. Evidence of impairment among professionals is a known risk factor for medical malpractice or negligence lawsuits. We work closely with employers, employee assistance professionals, and regulatory or licensing boards. Our expert, collaborative team is dedicated to providing a thorough, unbiased assessment for professionals in high value, safety sensitive careers. When required as a condition of employment or licensure, we communicate our findings quickly to enable organizations to resolve issues in an appropriate, efficient, and compassionate manner, while protecting the public.

Issues with the workplace prompting an assessment typically include:

  • Substance abuse

  • Sexual boundary issues

  • Neurocognitive impairment

  • Personality disorders

  • Psychiatric disorders

  • Disruptive behavior

  • Anger management

What to Expect

MCAP Chicago believes in a culture of respect and mutual trust. Individuals should expect to be evaluated by caring physicians and therapists who respect their privacy and understand how much is at stake. Every individual will receive the full attention of our team of experienced and knowledgeable experts, many of whom have multiple board certifications in their fields and are specialists in psychiatry, addiction medicine, and internal medicine.

MCAP Chicago provides a comprehensive diagnostic report within 10 business days from the conclusion of the assessment. Our team will then collaborate with you and/or your referent (if applicable) to determine next steps.

Recognizing Signs of Substance Abuse

Professionals typically exert maximum effort to hide symptoms of an addictive disorder or neurocognitive impairment. Their resourcefulness, determination, and intelligence means they may continue to function fairly well until their condition has advanced significantly. Bringing up your concerns with the individual could be met with denial, excuses, anger, or indignation.

Yet statistics suggest that 8 to 12% of physicians and nurses will develop a substance abuse problem during their career. Other research indicates attorneys have similar rates.

Signs of Substance Use in Physicians and Other Professionals:

  • Increased errors or oversights

  • Change in reliability or patterns of behavior

  • Disruptive or erratic behavior

  • Change in personality

  • Evidence or emotional distress or mood swings

  • Deteriorating personal hygiene

  • Changes in personal relationships, such as marital problems or increasing isolation from friends and co-workers

  • Inability to concentrate

  • Driving under the influence (DUI) citations

Recognizing the Signs of Neurocognitive Impairment

Drugs and alcohol addiction aren’t the only explanations for worrisome changes in behavior. MCAP Chicago examines all potential causes, including neurological issues.

Signs of impairment associated with neurological conditions:

  • Declining mental acuity or motor skills

  • Forgetfulness

  • Failing eyesight

  • Motor vehicle accidents

  • Changes in personality or patterns of behavior