The WFNJ-MED-1 form, or Examination Report, is a document used within the Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) program, which is New Jersey's public financial assistance program. This form is utilized to report and evaluate the medical conditions of individuals requesting a medical deferral from the program's work participation requirement. Completion and submission of this form by a licensed healthcare professional are essential to determine if an individual is medically unable to participate in any work activity or if they meet the criteria for a medical deferral based on their health condition.
The form must be completed by a licensed physician, psychologist, midwife, or advanced practice nurse. The healthcare professional is responsible for providing a thorough in-person evaluation of the patient, including the patient's ability to participate in work activities considering their medical condition.
Information required on the form includes:
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The examining healthcare professional’s name, signature, professional credential, license number, office address, and phone number.
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Detailed clinical information about the patient, including diagnoses, treatment regimen, and the patient's ability to engage in gain-Rful employment or occupational training.
If the completed form is not returned to the agency within 30 days, the individual is expected to participate in a work activity. Failure to participate in a work activity, without a medical deferral, can result in the loss of public assistance benefits.
What happens if an individual is unable to participate in any work activity?
If it is determined based on the information provided in the WFNJ-MED-1 form that the individual is currently unable to participate in any work activity due to their medical condition, the healthcare professional should indicate the prognosis and when the individual might be well enough to return to some form of gainful employment or training. The form also inquires whether the patient's barriers to employment or training are expected to last longer than 6 or 12 months.
No, the completed form should not be returned to the client. Instead, it must be sent directly to the office indicated on the form. This ensures that the information is processed correctly and maintains the confidentiality of the patient's medical information.
The healthcare professional should consider the range of work activities available within the WFNJ program when assessing the individual's ability to participate. Work activities can include full-time employment, volunteer activities, vocational training, and educational activities among others, which require varying levels of physical and psychological capability.
Not completing and returning the form within the specified 30-day period can lead to the individual being required to participate in a work activity as part of their public assistance benefits. Failure to do so can result in the cessation of these benefits.
The healthcare professional must provide specific details about the patient’s diagnoses and how they impact the patient's ability to engage in gainRful employment or occupational training. This can include limitations like the inability to stand for long periods or lift objects, among other details.
Yes, the form must be submitted directly to the agency specified on the form. The exact submission process and address will be indicated, ensuring the form reaches the correct office for processing. Electronic submission may not be an option, depending on the agency's capabilities and requirements.