(a) Evaluator Requirements

Every public safety dispatcher candidate shall be evaluated to determine if the candidate is free from any physical (i.e., medical) condition that might adversely affect the ability to perform the duties of a public safety dispatcher. The evaluation shall be conducted on behalf of and for the benefit of the employing department by a licensed physician or a licensed health care professional under the supervision of a licensed physician.

(b) Timing of the Medical Evaluation

The medical evaluation shall commence only after the department has extended a conditional offer of employment to the public safety dispatcher candidate. The medical evaluation must be completed within one year prior to date of appointment. A new medical evaluation shall be conducted on public safety dispatcher candidates who are reappointed to the same department, unless the prior evaluation occurred within one year of the date of reappointment.

(c) Medical Screening Procedures and Evaluation Criteria

The medical screening procedures and evaluation criteria used in the conduct of the medical evaluation shall be based on the public safety dispatcher duties, demands, and working conditions as defined by the department. This information shall be provided to the physician, along with any other information (e.g., risk management considerations) that will allow the physician to make a medical suitability determination.

(d) Required Sources of Information for the Medical Evaluation The medical evaluation shall include a review of the following sources of information prior to making a determination about the candidate's medical suitability.

(e) Medical Evaluation Reporting Requirements

(f) Second Opinions

'A candidate who is found medically unsuitable has the right to submit an independent evaluation for consideration before a final determination of disqualification is made [2 California Code of Regulations section 11071(b)(2)]. When a candidate notifies the department that s/he is seeking an independent opinion, the department shall make available the public safety dispatcher duties, demands, and working conditions and the medical screening requirements specified in Commission Regulation 1960. Other information, such as specific procedures or findings from the initial evaluation, may be shared with the second-opinion evaluator at the discretion of the department. The means for resolving discrepancies in evaluations is at the discretion of the department, consistent with local personnel policies and/or rules.