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specific job. Sometimes, however, the goal is to document the claimant's job potential,
and/or measure ability to improve physical tolerance, productivity, and work behavior.
b. Referral for ORPs. CEs should refer cases meeting the criteria stated in paragraph 5c above
to the RS for an ORP assessment. The RS may also initiate an ORP placement. Also, the RS will
notify the responsible CE in any case already open for vocational rehabilitation which, in his or her
opinion, may benefit from this type of service.
c. Initial RS Actions. The RS opens for rehabilitation those cases referred by the CE that meet
the basic criteria. The RS refers the case to a RC for a screening interview and the scheduling of a
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) to determine the type and nature of the ORP most suited to
the claimant's needs. (See FECA PM 2-0810 for a discussion of Functional Capacity Evaluations.)
d. Authorization of ORP. When the FCE is completed, the RS authorizes the kind of ORP most
suitable for the claimant. The RS enters the authorization for the ORP in the "notes" section of the
Case Management File (CMF). Once the claimant is enrolled in the ORP, the RS so notifies the
treating physician, employer (when available), the RC and the CE that the program has been
authorized.
e. Obstacles to Completion. Medical or other issues which could delay or terminate the ORP,
such as the emergence of non-work related conditions, recurrences, complaints of high levels of
pain, etc. must be reported immediately to the RS and CE. When the ORP is interrupted, the RC
notifies the RS immediately, carefully detailing the reason(s) for the interruption. The RS
communicates this fact to the CE and recommends an appropriate course of action based on the
circumstances of the case.
f. Outcomes. The following outcomes are based on the results of a completed ORP:
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