Employees of other Government agencies, contractors, and all Eligible Family Members (EFMs) do not need to meet this worldwide availability requirement on their first overseas assignment. I would like to be reassured that mental health care will not negatively affect security clearances, and that management understands and appreciates the benefits of mental health care and genuinely encourages people to receive the help they need. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. As a result, stress levels among employees may be very high. f. Incomplete/Cancellation (Class 8): Issued to an individual whose pre-employment medical evaluation is incomplete and the application has been inactive for more than 90 days. Have a question about medical clearances? Submit your completed forms and other medical reports to Medical Records: Send via email to MEDMR@state.gov (preferred) Consequently, you can expect the most scrutiny and thorough background investigation of any of the three levels. Page 2 must be signed and dated. While a medical clearance is not required for TDY travel of less than 30 days, persons with health concerns should avoid to travel to localities where medical care is inadequate to meet their needs. The Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, 22 U.S.C. A deliberate omission, concealment, or falsification of relevant and material facts from a questionnaire is among the security clearance disqualifiers. Send your completed forms and medical reports: The employee, contractor or EFM will be notified within 30 days of their clearance status. The employee, contractor, LE Staff, or EFM must provide a full explanation of all answers checked Yes on page 2. You want to reflect that you have good discretion and judgment when it comes to sex. Document rationale for Post Approvals and/or Disapprovals. All individuals going to these posts must meet strict medical standards. This is not guaranteed. If you are going on TDY, indicate if you are CONUS-based, any possible ESCAPE posts you may travel to, and estimated duration of your TDY. Medical Clearance Process for ESCAPE Posts. The name of the examinee (employee, contractor, LES or EFM) and DOB must also appear at the top of each page 2, 3, and 4. Foreign Service (FS) or to be eligible for tenure as a career Foreign Service Officer (FSO); 2) When a Class 2 post-specific medical clearance is sought for an assignment by an FSO; or 3) When a Class 2 post-specific medical clearance is sought for a non-career appointment overseas and the individual has exhausted all appeal opportunities These include conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, heart issues, Asperger's, and PTSD. In the spirit of that requirement prolonged continuous service domestically of greater than six years requires permission from Human Resources. When to Start the Medical Clearance Process for an Individual with a Post Specific (Class 2) or Domestic Assignment Only (Class 5) Clearance. Everyone is cleared to be in the United States. of the Foreign Service or a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Global Talent Management as the Director General's delegatee will review the case of any Department of State Foreign Service candidate who has been denied an unlimited medical clearance for assignment worldwide, . The medical examination performed at the time of separation from the Medical Program serves to identify medical conditions that may have developed during service abroad. Provide a current phone number and valid mailing address. Include the Medical Records coversheet. Tips for Your Separation Medical Examination. The process for completing a Pre-employment or Pre-assignment medical clearance varies by on t employment status and where you are going. 7. In its recent decision in Katz v. Department of State, Appeal Nos. Providers are also encouraged to submit supporting medical reports, labs, and consults for each chronic condition. A CONUS based individual who does no TDY travel may delay reporting notification about the new condition until bidding on or being assigned to an overseas post. Parts 160 and 164. The only difference is that top-secret applicants receive more analysis and scrutiny compared to confidential security applicants. Please be sure that the name, DOB, and email address are all printed clearly. Do. The medical clearance process is designed to identify medical, mental health, or educational issues before departing for an overseas assignment. While many employees are excellent colleagues, the Department has its fair share of bad bosses and nasty coworkers. Medical Clearance Notices will be sent to your via the e-mail address you place on your form. The background check looks into your personal character, conduct, criminal record, financial history, and may involve contacting references. d. Temporary Travel (Class 6): Issued only to an eligible family member who is not medically cleared to reside at the employees assigned post but is authorized to visit that post for a period of time not to exceed 120 days per calendar year. Please send inquiries only to this email address. Clearly print the persons name on each page submitted to Medical Records. EFMs, age 18 and over, must provide their own email address for privacy reasons. ESCAPE posts comprise a subset of Special Incentive Posts (SIP). All items listed in the physical exam section on page 3 must be completed by the medical provider (examiner). Where Can I Look Up My Current Clearance? This brief, two-page document does not require a physical exam. Page 2 must be signed and dated. This includes those who retire/separate, move to another agency, divorce an FSO, or age out of the MED program at age 21 years. The misuse of information technology systems is a fairly new addition to the background investigation with growing technology as well as the advent of social media. Trafficking in or abuse of narcotics or controlled substances. All persons posted overseas or on TDY travel for 30 or more consecutive days must have a valid medical clearance before they can access a posts health unit and other Medical Program benefits abroad including coordination of a medical evacuation or hospitalization. Individuals assigned to any of these ESCAPE posts, including TDY travel of 30 or more consecutive days, must meet more rigid standards and undergo further medical vetting than addressed in this document. Clearly print the persons name and date of birth on each page submitted to Medical Records. Privacy Policy. A DS-3057: Medical Clearance Update (MCU) is the preferred method of renewing a medical clearance. This reduces the need for medical travel due to lack of local health resources and limits the number of curtailments for pre-existing medical conditions. Please check the signature area. Foreign Service Officers and Limited Non-Career Appointees from any of the 5 Foreign Services Agencies must be able to serve at any post in the world for their first tour based on their pre-employment medical exam. fc-falcon">foreign service medical clearance disqualifiers. It includes illegal or unauthorized modification, manipulation, destruction, or denial of access to information on a system. Misconduct in prior employment, including marginal performance or inability to interact effectively with others. The separation (or retirement) physical examination is for employees and eligible family members (EFMs) leaving the Foreign Service. foreign service medical clearance disqualifiers. Any documentation should be submitted well in advance of bidding season. Global AIDS Coordinator and Global Health Diplomacy, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Special Representative for Syria Engagement, U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Office of the U.S. Ask questions! Part of your eligibility for the FAIT Fellowship . Financial problems that are related to gambling, alcoholism, or drug abuse also are security concerns. How Long is an ESCAPE Post Clearance Valid? Medical clearance determination by Medical Services is based on its thorough review of each fellows medical history and a physical examination, including an individual assessment of his/her specific medical needs and the medical capabilities of Foreign Service posts to meet those needs. Public . All items listed in the physical exam section on page 3 must be completed by the medical provider (examiner). MED Clearances will issue a Post Specific (Class 2) clearance only to posts capable of meeting that individuals needs. The Eight-Year Rule. Answer (1 of 3): You will not be accepted if you fail in any of the following tests: written test (based in mental stability questions), the drug test, the vision. . Related Article DEVGRU: 7 things you didnt know about SEAL Team 6. Learn more about the various security clearance disqualifiers for confidential, secret, and top secret security clearances. The same is true of having associations with persons involved in criminal activity. You are also subject to an interview by an SSBI investigator along with field interviews of your references. Please return to "Start Here" to click on the steps to a medical clearance that best fits your status and overseas assignment. Each fellow, therefore, must meet rigorous medical standards in order to qualify for the required worldwide medical clearance. Those applying for secret security clearance realize that unauthorized disclosure could cause serious damage to national security. - All BOL status submissions must be reported as either "Suitable" or . Such requests should be submitted no earlier than May prior to the new bidding cycle and no later than 30 days prior to the bid due date. While a candidate may effectively manage a chronic health condition or limitation within the United States or in specific areas outside of the U.S., the Office of Medical Services might well determine that the same individual is not eligible for a worldwide (Class One) medical clearance. Or fax to 202-647-0292 (less preferred) Provide explanations in section IIA on page 2 or on a separate sheet of paper. Criminal Conduct. Alcohol-related incidents at work, such as reporting to the place of employment intoxicated or impaired, reflect poorly on a record. Contract employees should refer to their Contracting Office Representative (COR) to determine if they are participants in ICASS for medical care. This includes those retiring/separating from the Foreign Service, moving to the private sector, Civil Service or another agency, divorcing from a Foreign Service Spouse and Eligible Family Members turning 21 years of age. Employees requesting a waiver should follow the instructions in Human Resources SOP A-04. Individuals assigned to an ESCAPE post has a medical clearance valid for one year. Related Article 20 Health Conditions That May Disqualify You From Military. Because everyone is medically cleared to be in the United States, individuals whose next tour is a domestic assignment do not require a medical clearance unless they will be doing TDY travel of 30 or more consecutive days during their domestic tour. All prospective employees and their family members should understand that principle before pursuing a career in the Foreign Service. Providers are also encouraged to submit supporting medical reports, labs, and consults for each chronic condition. Denial of Medical Clearance. Service members applying for secret clearance (along with confidential clearance) must provide five years worth of information. If that is the case a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Programs (SAP) is required for clearance. Allergies must also be reviewed. Individuals who currently have a Post Specific (Class 2) medical clearance or have a new significant medical, mental health or educational issue will need to supply supporting documentation of their condition and treatment plan. Coordinator for the Arctic Region, Bureaus and Offices Reporting Directly to the Secretary, Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues, Office of the U.S. A medical diagnosis of drug abuse or dependence is problematic for security clearance. ESCAPE Posts: Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Syria, and Peshawar. Persons who are CONUS based doing frequent TDYs to ESCAPE post/s must complete the below documents every two years. So before you apply to the program, you should be aware of the clearances that you must be able to obtain and maintain to stay in the program. Foreign Service Officers Candidates, Foreign Service Fellows, and some first-time Limited Non-Career Appointees under the 5 Foreign Services Agencies must be able to serve at any post in the world for their first tour. MEDICAL REVIEW OF A CLEARANCE DECISION FOR PRE-EMPLOYMENT 22.9 On occasion, a medical clearance may be denied or limited because an applicant has a medical condition that is serious enough to preclude conversion to the Foreign Service. The following employees, contractors and EFMs should not use a MCU: New employees (including newly hired EFMs), those switching agencies, any person not currently assigned to or has a valid TDY clearance for an ESCAPE post, separating from the Foreign Service, and new REA/WAEs. Post Specific (Class 2) Medical Clearance Process for ESCAPE Posts. If you are TDY indicate if you are CONUS or overseas based, all possible ESCAPE posts you may travel to, and the estimated duration of your TDY stay. Do not travel to your next overseas assignment without a valid medical. A top-secret security clearance is the highest level granted to members of the military. Top-secret status is described as having access to information that unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. For example, if an individual needs an English speaking speech therapist, there are many posts he or she can go to, but many others that would not have that resource. Any service (whether compensated, volunteer, or employed) with a foreign country, national, or interest is questioned. While a medical clearance is not required for TDY travel of less than 30 days, persons with health concerns should avoid travel to localities where medical care is inadequate to meet their needs even if that travel is only for a few days. The process for completing the in-service clearance varies by employment status and where you are going. The Committee reserves the right to seek MEDs opinion when it deems such opinion is necessary for proper adjudication of the request, consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and implementing regulations at 45 C.F.R. Part of your eligibility for the FAIT Fellowship program is your ability to enter the Foreign Service upon completion of the program. Confidential Medical Information. Given its high-pressure working environment, the Foreign Service has elevated levels of stress that can negatively influence behavior. All blanks need to be filled in. Failure to have all family members medical clearance in order may delay your travel orders. Tips for Submitting Your Medical Clearance Application. Required fields are marked *. Tips for Your In-Service Medical Clearance Update. The Suitability Review Panel has the authority to terminate your candidacy. Read more about the other eligibility requirements in this article and on the How to Apply web page. If you are retiring and plan to work as a REA/WAE, please check the form under both separation and pre-assignment with REA/WAE handwritten next to pre-assignment. The examiner/provider should complete the physical exam, lab, and assessment/plan portion of the exam. An official website of the United States Government, Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Office of the U.S. The following in-service employees, contractors and EFMs are required to update their medical clearance and can use the MCU form: The following employees, contractors and EFMs must under-go a complete physical and should complete either a DS 1843: Medical History and Examination Form Over 12 Years of Age or a DS-1622: Medical History and Examination for Children Age 11 and Younger . Secret Security clearance is considered the midlevel security clearance. There may be no health unit at the post and next to no local medical facilities. Review the list of posts submitted by the CDO or agency HR. While not everyone in the military is required to have a security clearance, it helps to know the process. Individuals with no health issues should be notified after review that they have a Worldwide Available (Class 1) clearance. Your CDO or agency HR will send your list to MED Clearances. Please read and follow the instructions in Medical Clearance Guidance for Deploying to ESCAPE Posts. The Committee reserves the right to seek MEDs opinion when it deems such opinion is necessary for proper adjudication of the request, consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and implementing regulations at 45 C.F.R. An SSBI investigation checks records held by employers, courts, and rental offices. Specifically, what specialist appointments, radiology, laboratory, therapy visits, medications, educational interventions, and other treatment regiments you will need, when and how often. Misuse of Information Technology Systems, DEVGRU: 7 things you didnt know about SEAL Team 6, Security Clearance Background Investigation Questionnaire, 20 Health Conditions That May Disqualify You From Military, Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), military treats mental health very seriously, Military Hearing Requirements and Disqualifications, List Of 9 Army Patches And Their Meanings, Army Sharpshooter Badge: 6 Things To Know, confidential security clearance disqualifers, top secret security clearance disqualifiers, 12 Military Drones Employed By The US Military, How to Switch From Reserves to Active Duty, Army Service Ribbon (ASR): 5 Things To Know, Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM): 8 Things To Know, Emotional, Mental, and Personality Disorders. Those who send documents to MEDMR@state.gov will receive a confirmation e-mail indicating that the documents have been received. In addition, MED encourages you to have your exam at your future medical providers office so that you can establish a medical relationship with your new provider. All direct hire employees, Locally Employed Staff, contractors, and Eligible Family Members who will be posted to a designated ESCAPE posts for 30 or more consecutive days are required to obtain a more comprehensive medical clearance than other posts. 8. We take the protection, release, and use of health information very seriously and follow strict privacy standards as stated in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 . This is accessible to Department of State Employees only. The Departments Office of Medical Services determines whether a candidate is medically eligible for assignment to all Department of State posts worldwide. Confidential security clearance refers to unauthorized disclosure that could cause damage to national security. Weve compiled a list ofFrequently Asked Questions. After it is determined you need some form of military clearance, like secret security clearance, the government has you fill out a Security Clearance Background Investigation Questionnaire. Given the representational nature of employment in the Foreign Service, employees must observe proper standards at all times. The Office of Medical Clearances is responsible for ensuring the U.S. government personnel receive adequate medical evaluation and clearance prior to their assignments abroad. with a medical condition listed will NOT meet the medical standard required for an 1811 or 1801 position. An FSO or Eligible Family Member (EFM) may start updating their medical clearance one year prior to departing from their current post or domestic assignment. An official website of the United States government, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Office of the U.S. Many Foreign Service posts are located in remote areas with extremely limited medical support. During the clearance process, you also need to complete a medical exam to assess your physical and mental health as it relates to essential job duties. Certain conditions may require that the employee stay in the United States for longer than 6 years. The Department of Defense uses the Defense Security Service (DSS) to conduct background checks for security clearance. Examples include, but are not limited to, the need to spend time with otherwise healthy children; to assist their readjustment to new living circumstances; to complete an adoption; or to assist in the career or personal needs of a non-tandem spouse. The process for completing an ESCAPE post clearance varies by your employment status and where you are going. Ask questions! Per 16 FAM 122. Travel orders are not required to start the process. The Office of Medical Services of the Department of State determines a candidates medical fitness and ability to serve overseas. After a Medical Clearance is issued, any required follow-up care for any medical condition is the patients responsibility. Exam Clinic Option: Appointments for separation or retirement examinations are available at Department of State Exam Clinic. See Post Specific (Class 2) Clearance for details, Afghanistan, Erbil, Iraq, Libya, Peshawar, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. The medical clearance process is designed to identify medical, mental health, or educational issues before departing for an overseas assignment. For information on how to schedule an appointment with the Exam Clinic, contact. Post Health Unit Option: If you would like the examination at post, please contact your Foreign Service Medical Provider (RMO or MP) for guidance. All optional tests are optional, unless clinically indicated, and not required for an ESCAPE post clearance. There are different types of security clearance, including Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. The healthcare provider should review all yes answers on page 2 and provide relevant comments. The Department of State, therefore, requires the highest standards of conduct by employees of the Foreign Service, including an especially high degree of integrity, reliability, and prudence. state department medical clearance disqualifiers.