A common term within the labor and health industry is the Functional Capabilities List. This is an important document when an employee is in absenteeism or headed toward the UWV. But what exactly is this form and why is it important?
What is an FML?
An FML is a structured form in which a UWV insurance physician records what an employee can still do, despite his or her limitations. This looks at the physical and mental capacity of an employee. The list of possibilities is used to determine to what extent an employee is still able to work and what activities he or she can still perform.
5 categories of a Functional Capabilities List
An FML is divided into 5 main categories:
- Personal functioning
- Social functioning
- Adapting to working conditions
- Dynamic operations
- Static postures
How is an FML prepared?
There are several steps for preparing an FML:
- The medical assessment: An insurance physician conducts a medical examination. This may include interviews, a physical examination and any additional information from practitioners.
- Analysis of limitations: Based on the medical records, the doctor assesses which activities are limited or not possible.
- Completing the FML: The doctor fills out the FML with detailed information about what an employee can still do despite any limitations. Medical information is not included in this.
Why is the FML important?
The Functional Capabilities List is an important component in assessing the work (dis)ability of an employee and the amount of any WIA benefit. Because the FML is drawn up by the UWV, it is often drawn up earlier during the Wet Verbetering Poortwachter in order to have an Labor Department examination carried out. This examines whether the employee is still suitable for his or her current work, whether any adjustments need to be made to the job or whether there is other suitable work the employee can perform.
