There are numerous posts where conditions appear similar to that of the U.S. but which also suffer from some of these restrictive characteristics. Do. The purpose of a medical clearance is to identify specific health needs and medical conditions that may require specialty management, follow-up or monitoring. Candidates who do not receive a security clearance are ineligible for the fellowship. Waivers of these DOD requirements may be granted in select cases. Page 2 must be signed and dated. Once employee obtains verification of ICASS medical program participation, submit the signed: 3308.5: Institutional Contractor ICASS Verification Form, The healthcare provider should review all yes answers on page 2 of the. The in-service clearance process is simplified by the use of a DS-3057: Medical Clearance Update (MCU) form. 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. The waiver justification need only provide enough information from the employee and/or MED to demonstrate a strong basis for the request to enable the Committee to make are commendation. The three levels of personnel clearance in the military are confidential, secret, and top-secret. Indicating the ESCAPE post(s) of assignment is REQUIRED. (Uniform State/USAID/U.S. Denial of Medical Clearance. Foreign Service Officers are required to serve much of their career overseas. 7. Such information should be provided directly to the Director of Medical Clearances in the Office of Medical Services, not to the CDO. 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, . DOD Contractors must include a 3308: DOD ICASS Verification Form. 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. Any medical clearance must be reviewed and possibly modified for the development of any new significant medical, mental health or educational issue. Post Approval Process for Foreign Service Officers, Limited Non-Career Assignment, Foreign Service Fellows or their Eligible Family Members with a Post Specific (Class 2) Clearance. Many Embassy or Consulate Health Units will complete a pre-employment or pre-assignment medical clearance. 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 . However, service members are subject to random reinvestigations at any time. 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. Expect to work with a variety of personalities from many cultures. Any documentation should be submitted well in advance of bidding season. A top-secret security clearance is the highest level granted to members of the military. As soon as you are selected for the Fellowship, the Department of State will request that you complete and submit an application within about two weeks. Trafficking in or abuse of narcotics or controlled substances. Worldwide Availability Requirement for Foreign Service Officer Candidates, Fellows, and some First-Time Limited Non-Career Appointees. Criminal conduct is pretty straightforward. 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. However, for some individuals with on-going medical, mental health or educational issues adequate medical resources may not be available in all countries. An additional sheet of paper may be used if more space is needed. The examiner must sign and date page 4 of the DS-1843. The difference is the government studies any evidence of dual citizenship which might conflict with your duties of having a security clearance. Medical Clearance Process for ESCAPE Posts. You are also subject to an interview by an SSBI investigator along with field interviews of your references. Have foreign citizenship to protect financial or business interests in another land. There may also be infectious and communicable diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, tuberculosis, rabies, encephalitis, and gastrointestinal diseases. The healthcare provider must also review all current medications, dosages, and frequency of use. 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. Conduct which clearly shows poor judgment and or lack of discretion which may reasonably affect an individual or the agencys ability to carry out its responsibilities or mission. The medical clearance exam may be completed for you and your family members by a licensed medical provider of your choice. There are different types of security clearance, including Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. The military needs proof that if you were put in a position to maintain secrecy in the past you didnt abuse that privilege. 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. Where a particular physical or mental health condition, extraordinary stress, or similar circumstances a represented as the justification for a 6/8 waiver, MED or an outside medical professional must confirm the basis for the A-4.4A-04 revised 01/2018 request. Employees and their EFMs of one of the 5 Foreign Service Agencies must complete a: Employees, LE Staff, Contractors, and EFMs who are Non-Foreign Service Personnel must complete a: Persons holding a current valid ESCAPE medical clearance and are extending their tour at an ESCAPE post must complete the below documents annually. If you struggle from any of the conditions mentioned below, it is a good idea to speak with a local U.S. Military recruiter. For further questions or information, please contact MEDClearances@state.gov or call 202-663-1519. If a person is not Worldwide Available, MED Clearances will issue a Post Specific (Class 2) with a list of approved countries or a Domestic Only (Class 5) medical clearance for those whose care is best only with a domestic assignment. Alcohol-related incidents at work, such as reporting to the place of employment intoxicated or impaired, reflect poorly on a record. Fellows will receive decisions on their medical clearances from the State Department. CONUS Option: The employee and EFMs are encouraged to have the separation medical exam completed by their private medical provider in the US. Your CDO or agency HR will send your list to MED Clearances. Do NOT submit your bids to MED Clearances. Pre-Employment or Pre-Assignment Medical Clearance Process for ESCAPE Posts. The security clearance process involves a comprehensive background investigation, conducted by the U.S. Department of State in cooperation with other federal, state, and local agencies. The Department of Defense conducts a thorough background check to see if you qualify for one of the levels of clearance. There are many specific medical conditions that may disqualify you from joining the U.S. Military. A Post Specific (Class 2) Medical Clearance means you (or your EFM) have (or has) an on-going medical, mental health, or educational issue where the medical capabilities needed may not be available at every post in the world. Failure to have all family members medical clearances completed will delay the issuing of travel orders for individuals departing Washington D.C. Please read and follow the instructions in Medical Clearance Guidance for Deploying to ESCAPE Posts. 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. 1 year after issuance of a medical clearance of all individuals who extend at an ESCAPE post. For information on how to schedule an appointment with the Exam Clinic, contact. Medical Clearances matches that individuals medical needs with posts capable of providing the specific medical or educational services they need. Under Status of Employee check or write in the appropriate designation (Employee, contractor, EFM, TDY, etc). CONUS based individuals who do TDY travel to ESCAPE posts for 30 or more consecutive days have a medical clearance valid for two years from the date of issuance. A CONUS based employee who does TDY travel for 30 or more consecutive days has a medical clearance valid for 2 years from the date it was issued. You might not see how your financial history ties into serving the military yet the government considers a track record of not meeting financial obligations as irresponsible and untrustworthy. The point of contact in MED is the Chief of Domestic Programs (MEDDP@state.gov), who will relay the request to the appropriate office or person in MED and return a formal recommendation to the CDO or Committee, as appropriate. Many waiver requests are based on confidential medical or mental health information regarding the requesting employee and/or members of the employees family. Individuals assigned to an ESCAPE post has a medical clearance valid for one year. Mental incompetence determined by a mental health professional. Please return to Start Here to click on the steps to a medical clearance that best fits your status and overseas assignment. Tips for Your In-Service Medical Clearance Update. Clearly print the persons name and date of birth on each page submitted to Medical Records. Provide a personal, legible e-mail address good for the next 90 days. Financial irresponsibility, including a history of not meeting financial obligations or an inability to satisfy debts. Medical Clearances matches an individual medical needs with posts capable of providing adequate medical or education services. The Suitability Review Panel has the authority to terminate your candidacy. When to Start the Medical Clearance Process for an Individual with a Post Specific (Class 2) or Domestic Assignment Only (Class 5) Clearance. MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND CLEARANCE (CT:PER-986; 05-11-2020) . Please send inquiries only to this email address. ESCAPE posts have limited medical capabilities and personal security risks. For some individuals with on-going medical, mental health or educational issues adequate medical resources may not be available in all countries. Fellows should be aware that these posts are neither few in number nor confined to a specific geographic region. 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. You can begin up to one year prior to departure from your current post. Include the Medical Records coversheet. 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. Submit your completed forms and other medical reports to Medical Records: Send via email to MEDMR@state.gov (preferred) In addition to the labs on DS-6561, a Hepatitis C Antibody Screen, and a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Screen, plus a lipid profile for those 35 or older must be added to the DS-6561 or DS-1843. Review posts with the clinicians in Clearances. A MED Clearances Clearance Consultant assigned to you will: Post Approval Process for employees of non-Foreign Service agencies, CONUS-based TDY, WAE/REAs, contractors and their EFMs with a Post Specific (Class 2) Clearance. Even if you are a US citizen, but you have family ties or other close connections to a foreign country, that could be enough to disqualify you. Waiting well into that time frame may result in a longer processing time. A security clearance is an authorization granted by the United States government that allows individual access to classified information. Keep in mind that some security clearance disqualifiers are automatic while others can get justified and mitigated. Current or history of ocular tumors. The U.S. government issues military clearance to select personnel at one of three levels. The healthcare provider must print or stamp their name, as well as sign and date page 4. Security Clearance Jobs -. Those individuals will remain in a pending status. Send your completed forms and medical reports: The employee, contractor or EFM will be notified within 30 days of their clearance status. The post approval process for non-Foreign Service agencies, contractors and their EFMs mirrors the approval process for Foreign Service agencies. Secondly, the military needs to examine your immediate family members. 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. The Department of Defense uses the Defense Security Service (DSS) to conduct background checks for security clearance. People who have no significant health concerns can be posted anywhere in the world and are given a Worldwide Available (Class 1) clearance. EFMs, age 18 and over, must provide their own email address for privacy reasons. Or fax to 202-647-0292 (less preferred) Is there a list of conditions that would automatically . It is your clearance. Obtaining reports from specialists, hospitals, therapists, and schools is time consuming. Some posts could face extreme isolation due to limited air and other transportation services, and unreliable Internet, telecommunications and postal and delivery systems. 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. CONUS-based TDY and WAE/REA should list all known posts they will travel to. Employees or eligible family members with a Class 5 medical clearance may not be assigned outside the United States. A Department of Defense military security clearance investigation examines your character, conduct, criminal background, financial responsibility, and emotional stability. Although qualified students who travel on educational travel orders are eligible for care abroad under the Medical Program up to their 23rd birthday (16 FAM122.2, subparagraph a(2)), their separation examination must be completed within 90 days of their 21st birthday (16 FAM 122.2, subparagraph a(1)). https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/information-management-specialist-selection-process/, Stories from the Field: Unexpected New Challenges Bring Rewarding Results, 7 Black Pioneers in Computer Science [Infographic], FAIT Fellowship Application Tip: Dont Skip the Statement of Financial Need, FAIT Fellowship Applicant Eligibility Checklist, FAIT Fellowship Celebrates Five Years, Five Successful Cohorts. All items listed in the physical exam section on page 3 must be completed by the medical provider (examiner). A security clearance investigation examines your personal conduct for a reason. Take charge! MED Clearances will issue a Post Specific (Class 2) clearance only to posts capable of meeting that individuals needs. Criminal conduct is pretty straightforward. While an individual may have Worldwide Availability under DOS guidelines, that same individual may not be approved for an ESCAPE post under DOD deployment requirements. Is there a list of conditions that would automatically disqualify you from service or a medical form that is openly available? For the most part, the military uses the same criteria for judging eligibility with the three levels. Getting reports from specialists, hospitals, therapist and schools is time consuming. Criminal, dishonest, or disgraceful conduct. Related Article DEVGRU: 7 things you didnt know about SEAL Team 6. Contract employees should refer to their Contracting Office Representative (COR) to determine if they are participants in ICASS for medical care. Our process is an individualized assessment based upon your medical records, including immunizations, current medical conditions, and ongoing treatment. Privacy Policy. the State Department denied Dara Katz the medical clearance she needed to qualify for an . All prospective employees and their family members should understand that principle before pursuing a career in the Foreign Service. Additionally, the introduction/removal of hardware, software, or media from any information technology system without authorization is a red flag. This is accessible to Department of State Employees only. Or fax to 202-647-0292 (less preferred) It is your clearance. ESCAPE posts comprise a subset of Special Incentive Posts (SIP). The examiner/provider should complete the physical exam and lab portion of the exam. Do NOT include any personal medical information in this communication to HR, only the posts you wish to bid upon. The process for completing a Pre-employment or Pre-assignment medical clearance varies by on t employment status and where you are going. 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. Medical Clearance related medical expenses not covered by your medical insurance may be reimbursed by receiving a DS-3069 payment authorization form from your human resources and submitting your invoices and Explanation of Benefits to Medical Claims at MEDClaims@state.gov. Your personal record is scrutinized more than confidential clearance yet not as thoroughly as top-secret clearance. All optional tests are optional, unless clinically indicated, and not required for an ESCAPE post clearance. 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. Other Medical Information for a Pre-employment or Pre-assignment Medical Clearance. The Six-Year Rule. The majority of people who have no significant health concerns and can be posted anywhere in the world. The step-by-step process for completing a separation and/or becoming a REA/WAE is found by returning to Start Here and choosing Separation or REA/WAE. Include the Medical Records coversheet. Learn more about the various security clearance disqualifiers for confidential, secret, and top secret security clearances. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. Ask . The purpose of a medical clearance is to identify specific health needs and medical conditions that may require specialty management, follow-up or monitoring. Most importantly you dont want to demonstrate deceptive or illegal financial practices such as employee theft, check fraud, tax evasion, or embezzlement. 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. All persons must undergo a full physical exam for their first medical clearance. A medical clearance to an ESCAPE post expires at: Tips to Employees Completing ESCAPE Post Forms, Tips to Medical Providers Completing ESCAPE Post Forms. This exam is recommended but not mandatory. Pertinent sections of the Department of State Human Resources SOP A-04 state: The Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, 22 U.S.C.3901 et seq., requires all Foreign Service employees to serve a substantial portion of their careers overseas and limits the number of years Foreign Service employees can spend in continuous domestic assignments. Medical Clearances matches that individuals medical needs with posts capable of providing the specific medical or educational services they need. The examiner must sign page 4. Foreign Service Officer Candidates and EFMs of one of the 5 Foreign Affairs Agencies1, Limited Non-Career Appointees, Contractors, Civil Service, Locally Employed Staff, Personnel from Non-Foreign Service Government Agencies, and EFMs. Post Specific (Class 2) Medical Clearance Process for ESCAPE Posts. Top-secret status is described as having access to information that unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. For How Long is a Medical Clearance Valid? The employee, contractor, LE Staff, or EFM must provide a full explanation of all answers checked Yes on page 2. This exam is recommended but not mandatory. The point of contact in MED is the Chief of Domestic Programs (MEDDP@state.gov), who will relay the request to the appropriate office or person in MED and return a formal recommendation to the CDO or Committee, as appropriate. Contractors and DOD Civilians should contact their sponsors human resources. The investigation wants to check your paper trail and interview employers, coworkers, neighbors, associates, and acquaintances to make sure you are an upstanding citizen. The examiner/provider should complete the physical exam, lab, and assessment/plan portion of the exam. These are DOD medical standards. If you are an institutional contractor, write the name of the specific contracting company or NGO. 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 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. The military provides emergency medical support for the Department of State in Afghanistan, Libya, Peshawar, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. This investigation provides the information necessary to determine a candidates suitability for appointment to the Foreign Service and for a Top Secret security clearance. 2 Post Health Unit Option: If you would like the examination at post, please contact your Foreign Service Medical Provider (RMO or MP) for guidance. Essentially the DOD is confirming that you dont have signs of alcohol abuse or dependence. You need to provide 10 years worth of history and information for top-secret levels compared to 5 years for confidential and secret status on the Security Clearance Background Investigation Questionnaire. In evaluating suitability, the Suitability Review Panel takes into consideration the following factors: More information about clearances can be found at https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/information-management-specialist-selection-process/. Alcohol is a substance that some people are able to handle and control better than others. Take charge! The Director General has delegated the authority to grant such a waiver to the Director of HR/CDA (Bureau of Human Resources, Office of Career Development and Assignments) by memorandum dated August 8, 2005. 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 . Keep original documents for your permanent files. 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. You dont need to be a boy scout but a pattern of dishonesty or rule violations is a red flag for the DOD. Complete a DS-1622: Medical History and Examination for Foreign Service for Children Age 11 and Younger form. Driving under the influence, alcohol-related fights, child or spouse abuse, or criminal incidents related to alcohol use all get studied. The Eight-Year Rule. Several Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), including Fire Control Technicians and Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analysts, require you to have some form of security clearance. Each diagnosis must have a statement clarifying prognosis, stability, follow-up plan, and if that follow-up must be done by a specialist. The following information will help explain the process of completing a Separation Exam. Institutional Contractors must include a 3308.5: Institutional Contractor ICASS Verification Form. All personnel and their EFMs who have been issued a medical clearance in the past must update their clearance prior to departure for a new overseas assignment. For example, an inability or unwillingness to satisfy debts is a red flag. List your prescription medications, hospitalizations, and medical conditions since your last clearance. Top-secret clearance takes four to eight months to complete (sometimes closer to a year depending on the applicant). 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 Since youll be serving overseas as a Foreign Service Specialist after successfully completing the FAIT Fellowship program, youll need to be able to obtain and maintain a worldwide (Class One) medical clearance. 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. These include conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, heart issues, Asperger's, and PTSD. 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. Do not travel to your next overseas assignment without a valid medical. Copyright 2023 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. The Committee reserves the right to seek MEDs opinion when it deems such opinion is necessary for proper adjudication of the request (see Section below), consistent with applicable privacy laws and policies. ESCAPE posts comprise a subset of High-Threat, High Risk (HTHR) posts. 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. The Departments Office of Medical Services determines whether a candidate is medically eligible for assignment to all Department of State posts worldwide. CDOs will submit on behalf of State Department employees a bid list of no more than 10 countries. Often children are under one parents orders for their current assignment and need to be switched to the other parent for an onward assignment. You may begin submitting documents up to one year prior to departing your current post or domestic assignment. Include the Medical Records coversheet. A TDY medical clearance is valid for 2 years from the date it was issued. The process considers such factors as: failure to repay a U.S. Government guaranteed loan or meet tax obligations; failure to register for the Selective Service; past problems with credit or bankruptcy; unsatisfactory employment records; a criminal record or other violations of the law; drug or alcohol abuse; and less than honorable discharge from the armed forces. The Department of Defense does study some habits of your sexual behavior. Medical Clearances will not clear an individual to go to a post that does not have adequate resources for that person. Please read and follow the instructions in Medical Clearance Guidance for Deploying to ESCAPE Posts. Keep in mind that the requirements for receiving confidential security clearance are similar to secret or top-secret clearance. A missing signature will delay the medical clearance review process. All Rights Reserved. MED Clearances will reevaluate as to whether you could be issued a Post Specific (Class 2) or even a Worldwide Available (Class 1) Clearance. So its best not to lie and stay truthful as you fill out the personnel security questionnaire. (Uniform State/USAID/U.S. A MED Clearances Nurse Consultant assigned to you will follow this process: Review the list of posts submitted by the CDO or agency HR. Weve compiled a list ofFrequently Asked Questions. Please print your email legibly. Complete a DS-1843: Medical History and Examination for Foreign Service or Individuals Age 12 and Older form.