9/30/2008 37900

STATE POLICE MEDICAL OFFICER

DEFINITION: This is professional medical and administrative work in fitness for duty, applicant eligibility determinations, and medical related policy development in the Pennsylvania State Police.

The employee in this job functions as the agency’s chief physician specialist by examining and evaluating the medical condition of employment candidates and current employees to determine the ability to perform the physical and psychological requirements of a variety of law enforcement and non-law enforcement duties. Work involves reviewing and comparing medical reports against specialized job requirements, recommending and conducting medical examinations, and providing medical recommendations regarding appointment and full and limited duty work assignments. Work also involves evaluating the effects of prescribed drugs on the performance of duties, providing medical testimony in legal proceedings, and developing medical policies associated with agency objectives and human resource program requirements. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of an administrative superior who reviews work through conferences, observation of results, and evaluation of reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Reviews fitness for duty case requests and work-related injury/disability claims by evaluating witness reports, medical reports, and job requirements.

Recommends independent medical examinations and communicates with physicians and specialists regarding examination objectives and results.

Provides medical recommendations regarding the employee’s fitness for full or limited duty.

Monitors limited duty work assignments of State Police Troopers and recommends return to full duty whenever medically supported.

Evaluates the effects of prescribed drugs on employees’ ability to perform assigned duties and provides determinations regarding potential impairment.

Determines medical standards for State Police Cadets and Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainees.

Reviews medical records of employment candidates, assesses the individual’s ability to perform the requirements of a particular position, and makes recommendations relative to a candidate’s medical appropriateness for appointment or necessary medical follow-up.

Conducts medical examinations to determine fitness for appointment to State Police Cadet, Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee, or aviation pilot, and makes recommendations based on findings.

Examines State Police Cadets and Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainees to diagnose illnesses and injuries.

Prescribes and directs appropriate medical care and treatment and oversees rehabilitation for injured or ill State Police Cadets and Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainees, or refers individuals to medical specialists.

Determines whether State Police Cadets or Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainees who have received medical care and treatment should return to training or be released from employment.

Confers with Department human resources and legal staff regarding fitness for duty determinations.

Provides medical testimony at legal proceedings.

Conducts research associated with existing or anticipated medical issues, provides medical interpretations and recommendations, and develops medical policies consistent with agency objectives and human resource program requirements.

Provides medical interpretations regarding accident reconstruction and criminal investigations.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of medicine.

Knowledge of methods and techniques for medical diagnosis, care, and treatment.

Knowledge of medical jurisprudence.

Knowledge of the effects of prescription drugs on the body, including side effects and metabolic rates.

Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical medical material.

Ability to analyze and present medical information in clear, concise, and scientifically accurate reports.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Completion of an approved U.S. residency training program in the medical specialty of family practice, internal medicine, or occupational medicine; three years of professional medical experience; and Board Certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Boards of Family Practice, Internal Medicine, or Occupational Medicine.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a current unrestricted license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine or the Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

Possession of a current Controlled Substance Registration Certificate issued by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for prescribing scheduled medication.

POST EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT: Possession of current Federal Aviation Administration certification as an Aviation Medical Examiner within one year of appointment.