Functional Capacity Evaluation
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a standardized evaluation of various tasks to determine one’s maximum physical capabilities and ability to return to the workplace. If the employee is unable to return to work, an FCE provides a prognosis and the occupational rehabilitation measures that may be possible. These may be job specific or generic. FCEs are used to assist in identifying any changes needed to an employee’s workload, and any modifications to their work environment. FCEs are needed to determine if an employee is able to resume working in a capacity “commensurate with his or her skills or abilities” before the disability or medical condition was diagnosed. An FCE usually takes from 2 to 4 hours, and are normally completed in 1 session.
