Non-Service Connected Temporary Disability & Light Duty Policy (PGFD)

30 vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and definitions from the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS General Order on non-service connected temporary disabilities, light-duty requests, and assignments.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Federal civil-rights law that prohibits employment and service discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.

ADA Amendments Act of 2008

Legislation that broadened the ADA’s definition of disability and reinforced protections for affected employees.

Individual with a Disability

Person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having one.

Reasonable Accommodation

Modification or adjustment to a job or workplace that enables a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential job functions without imposing undue hardship on the employer.

Full Duty

Status in which an employee can perform all fire-suppression, EMS, position-description tasks, and meet NFPA 1582 fitness requirements.

Light Duty

Temporary status limiting an employee to non-operational tasks (e.g., data entry, office work, unmarked vehicle operation, lifting <40 lbs, phone/radio work, inspections).

No Duty

Status for employees temporarily incapacitated and unable to perform any work.

Medical Advisory Board (MAB)

County-appointed panel that renders expert medical opinions on fitness for duty and disability-retirement eligibility for public-safety employees.

Fitness for Duty Evaluation

Assessment arranged by Health & Wellness and conducted by a County physician to determine an employee’s ability to perform assigned duties.

Health & Wellness Office

PGFD division responsible for receiving medical forms, placing personnel on light or non-operational status, and assigning light-duty positions.

Attending Physician’s Statement/Temporary Disability Form (Attachment A)

Mandatory form completed by treating physician outlining diagnosis, restrictions, and work status for disabled employees.

Request for Light Duty: Non-Job Related (Attachment B)

Employee-initiated form, accompanied by medical documentation, used to seek temporary light-duty assignment for non-service injuries/illnesses.

Light Duty Assignment Form (Attachment C)

Document that notifies an employee of light-duty supervisor, start date, duration, and specific restrictions/tasks.

Administrative Procedure 142

County policy detailing implementation of the ADA in Prince George’s County government.

Administrative Procedure 212

County policy governing personnel details, including light-duty assignments.

Personnel Law §16-189

County statute covering disability-related separations and retirements.

NFPA 1582

National Fire Protection Association standard establishing medical and fitness requirements for fire-department personnel.

Career Employee

Paid fire/EMS staff member subject to annual fitness testing and eligible for full or light duty per policy.

Volunteer Member

Unpaid operational member who must follow the same notification and medical-form procedures for disabilities and light-duty requests.

Civilian Employee

Non-operational, non-uniformed staff member whose light-duty or no-duty status is managed by Health & Wellness.

Disability Leave

Leave category allowing time off for medical appointments directly related to an injury/illness; generally limited to 4 hours per visit unless otherwise justified.

EAP Counselor

Employee Assistance Program professional who may identify performance issues requiring Fitness for Duty evaluation for career or civilian staff.

VAP Counselor

Volunteer Assistance Program professional who may flag performance concerns among volunteer members.

Light Duty Supervisor

Designated manager responsible for overseeing day-to-day attendance, leave, and tasks of employees on light duty.

Temporary Disability Update Interval

Requirement that supporting medical documentation be provided to Health & Wellness at least every 30 days or after each doctor visit.

Non-Service Connected Temporary Disability

Injury or medical condition not arising from duty that limits an employee’s ability to perform full operational tasks.

Illegal Activities/Negligence Exclusion

Provision stating that light-duty requests stemming from employee misconduct, negligence, or horseplay will be denied.

Attachment

Supplementary documents (A, B, or C) required for processing medical status and light-duty assignments.

Disability Review Board

Body that uses MAB findings to decide eligibility for disability retirement of public-safety employees.

Essential Job Tasks

Critical fire-suppression and EMS functions listed in NFPA 1582 §5.1.1 that define full-duty capability.