Occupational Assessment Center
A division of:
Kansas Building Industry Workers Compensation Fund
Physical Capacity Profile® Testing System
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the Physical Capacity Profile® Testing System and the benefits it can provide your company. We specialize in post-hire testing, return-to-work examinations, and Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE's) services for the business community. Following are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
1. When and how did this testing system begin?
Answer: In 1988, at the request of industries, Dr. Harbin, an orthopedic surgeon, made a substantial investment of time to review the literature and respected test methods regarding the reduction of work place injuries. His research resulted in the development of specialized medical equipment that has subsequently been patented. Over the last 15 years, the multiple enhancements in the equipment’s hardware and software have allowed an expanded customer base.
2. What types of organizations utilize the Physical Capacity Profile® Testing System to protect their employees?
Answer: Our Customers include both public and private corporations (including Fortune 500 Companies), municipalities, self-insured work comp organizations, statewide trade associations and school districts. The labor force of the companies tested range from clerical to very heavy industrial labor.
3. How are different organizations utilizing the Physical Capacity Profile® Testing System and its results?
Answer: It is being utilized to test the physical abilities of individual employees. By medically documenting the employee’s physical capacity, companies are able to match new employees to the essential functions of the job. It is also being used to document return to work status, following a work related injury. In addition, medical specialists are utilizing the testing system to document their patient’s ability to return to work following a non-work related medical condition, i.e.: heart attack. Physical therapists are also using it to perform FCE’s. State agencies have used the testing system to evaluate their clientele for re-entry into the work force.
4. How does the information from the Physical Capacity Profile® Testing System apply to the work comp laws in my state?
Answer: Because each state has unique work comp statutes, a thorough investigation must be completed, including case law. The investigation should include: a definition of impairments, accepted methods of determining impairments and relevant case law. In those states where pre-existing conditions are allowed to be reduced from final settlements, the test data has been accepted by Administrative Law Judges.
5. Has the Physical Capacity Profile® Testing System been challenged by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?
Answer: Yes. Two separate companies have undergone comprehensive EEOC audits. Those audits included close examination of the Physical Capacity Profile® test methodology, collection protocol and results delivery method. An EEOC representative was tested during the investigation. The Physical Capacity Profile® Testing System was not cited for any violation. In both cases, because no deficiencies were cited, this evidences the non-biased nature of the test.
6. What makes the Physical Capacity Profile® Testing System compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Answer: Before any test is administered, the employer must define the essential physical requirements of the job and make a conditional job offer to an individual. In addition, the signing of a service agreement between the employer and the test site requires the following: (1) all entering employees in the same job classification are given the same examination, (2) information regarding the employee’s medical history is placed in a separate, confidential file, and (3) the medical information is not used to discriminate against the newly hired employee.
7. Is the Physical Capacity Profile® Testing System compliant with the Health Information Protection Portability Act (HIPPA)?
Answer: An aggressive plan to be fully compliant with HIPPA regulations is in place. Oversight of HIPPA implementation was performed by legal counsel specializing in the field of medicine.
8. If a company has its own medical staff, could the testing be conducted in house?
Answer: Yes. Testing can be conducted in house by the company’s own medical staff. This is accomplished by utilizing standardized testing protocols and through the certification of all test administrators. Data analysis and report generation is conducted at Occupational Performance Center’s corporate offices, thereby eliminating report manipulation.
9. Is there a certification process required to administer the Physical Capacity Profile® Testing programs?
Answer: Yes. Certification is required to administer the Physical Capacity Profile® Testing programs. Occupational Performance Center instructors will provide a full day of training for qualified medical staff. For the FCE, a second day of training is added. Training for the FCE is conducted in Salina, KS.
10. As an employer, how can I get started with the Physical Capacity Profile® Testing System?
Answer: First, the employer will sign a service agreement. The employer will then provide a job description listing the essential physical requirements of jobs to be tested. Assistance is available to determine these job requirements. Upon making a conditional job offer, the employer would schedule the new employee for testing. As a companion to Physical Capacity Profile® Testing, drug collection will be available to minimize the employee’s time away from work.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Matt Mize L.P.N. – Occupational Health Manager
OCCUPATIONAL ASSESSMENT CENTER
2101 SW 36TH St.
Topeka, Kansas 66611
PH. # 1-877-266-4540, FAX # (785) 266-7953
Or E-Mail at oac@kbiwcf.com
Kansas Building Industry
Workers Compensation Fund
2101 SW 36th Street
Topeka, KS 66611
877-266-4540
Fax: 785-266-7953
www.kbiwcf.com