'A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) evaluates an individual's capacity to perform work activities related to his or her participation in employment (Soer et al., 2008). The FCE process compares the individual's health status and body functions and structures to the demands of the job and the work environment. In essence, an FCE's primary purpose is to evaluate a person's ability to participate in work, although other instrumental activities of daily living that support work performance may also be evaluated. Similar types of testing may also be called a functional capacity assessment (FCA), physical capacity assessment or evaluation (PCA or PCE), or work capacity assessment or evaluation (WCA or WCE). A well-designed FCE should consist of a battery of standardized assessments that offers results in performance-based measures and demonstrates predictive value about the individual's return to work (Kuijer et al., 2011; Soer, et al., 2008)' ' retrieved from: www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Professionals/WI/Capacity-Eval.aspx

'FCE includes all impairments, not just those that result in physical functional limitations.' (Matheson, 2003)

Functional Capacity Evaluations help develop treatment programs, specify physical abilities of disabled covered employees before and after a rehabilitation program, assist to modify a rehabilitation treatment, evaluates whether a disabled covered employee can work and to determine when he/she can return to work. Vocational rehabilitation counselors use the FCE in developing a rehabilitation plan and for job placement decision. Workers' Compensation systems use FCEs in disability evaluations. FCEs are a part of case management and case closure.
Practitioners who provide a work capacity evaluation as a part of the disabled covered employee's return-to-work are under the umbrella of vocational rehabilitation system in Maryland. Under Workers' Compensation in Maryland registration regulation, practitioners who are properly trained can provide FCEs. The Commission's registry of practitioners includes Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Exercise Physiologists, and Kinesiologists as practitioners providing FCEs.

In order to determine the work capacity of the disabled covered employee, a functional evaluation may be ordered; a referral can be done by physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners; insurance representatives; or vocational case managers. Maryland Workers' Compensation regulations encourage the use of FCEs when making recommendation for further medical services or if needed for further determination as to whether the disabled covered employee is able to work. (COMAR 14.09.07.10A (3) (c))

FCE practitioners are responsible for conducting the functional capacity evaluation in an appropriate and safe setting. Just in the case of rehabilitation counselors and WCCMs ethically, FCE practitioners are to provide objective documentation of functional performance and work related function, ability or a lack of ability, and consistency.

The results of the evaluation have a high inference on employment, compensability determinations, and further medical and rehabilitation treatment, therefore, FCE practitioners must be trained properly and/or have a certification in FCE testing.

In any evaluation, practitioners are to make recommendation for services or treatment necessary to facilitate healing and return to work initiatives; therefore, FCEs should include whether work hardening or work conditioning may be appropriate in the patient's case.

The Commission favors any recommendations/modifications that of physical or occupational therapy that will lead to the disabled covered employee's ability to get back into the workforce.