Neuropsychological and Psychological Assessments
Careful assessments take into account the brain pathology and the individual’s psychological functioning. A thorough history includes a review of records and a full interview. Collateral interviews might be necessary. A full neurocognitive examination is done with set rules to determine impairment. A psychological evaluation is used to assess social and emotional functioning.
Civil Litigation
A thoughtful appraisal of the objective facts, claimant statements, and the guidelines help determine if the claimant meets criteria for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and, if so, what is the level of injury. State law guides the determination of various capacities that relate to legal competencies.
Criminal Cases
State and federal laws guide the examination of competencies/capacities in criminal cases. Careful examination reveals these capacities or their absence.
Pilot Examinations (FAA Specs)
These examinations become necessary when pilot applicants (or existing pilots) have a history of ADHD treatment, substance use problems, SSRI use, or a brain problem from a history of seizures, stroke, HIV infection, or traumatic brain injury (TBI). They are about whether there is impairment of aeromedical significance that would have an impact on safe operation of aircraft.
Licensing Board Examinations
A licensee needs evaluation when there is a question of whether they can practice with reasonable safety and skill without harm to their clients/patients. Careful analyses determine if impairment is significant and can affect abilities to practice. We have provided examinations for the Boards of Medicine, Nursing, Psychology, Chiropractic, Social Work, and Counseling.
Fitness-For-Duty (FFD)
FFD examinations help an employer determine whether a worker in a safety-sensitive position (e.g., driver of school bus; operator in chemical plant) can perform usual tasks/duties without harm to themselves or others in a safety-sensitive environment (like a chemical plant).
QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
- Did the accident in question cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI)? If so, how bad was it?
- Is the operator too psychologically unstable to go back to work in the chemical plant?
- Does the pilot applicant’s history of ADHD render him unable to pay attention and operate the aircraft safely?
- The hospitalist seems to be having some memory problems; is she able to perform her responsibilities with reasonable safety for her patients and coworkers?
- Did the claimant develop PTSD from the explosion?
- Has the federal agent sufficiently recovered from his stroke to be able to resume his safety-sensitive duties with his agency?
Feel free to contact us to see if we can answer your questions.