{"id":289,"date":"2025-08-15T12:24:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T16:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/?page_id=289"},"modified":"2025-12-01T16:23:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T21:23:11","slug":"faqs-for-medical-providers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/eoo\/accommodations\/resources\/faqs-for-medical-providers\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs for Medical Providers"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?<\/h3>

\nA reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment that allows an individual with a disability to enjoy the same employment opportunities as their colleagues.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

How is 'disability' defined by BU?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an employee with a disability is defined as a person who: Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; Has a record of such an impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment.<\/p>\n

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What needs to be included in the medical documentation to effectively help support your patient?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

We need to have the following information to ensure our office can explore potential accommodations with your patient and their supervisor:
\n\u2022 the nature, severity, and duration of the impairment;
\n\u2022 the activity or activities that the impairment limits;
\n\u2022 the extent to which the impairment limits the ability to perform the activity or activities;
\n\u2022 why the requested reasonable accommodation is needed; and
\n\u2022 whether the requested accommodation will be effective<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

If my patient has a disability that does NOT limit a major life activity, can they still request an accommodation?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

They can still request an accommodation, but if your patient’s disability\/medical condition does not limit a major life activity, then they will not be able to move forward with our process under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Who can complete the Request for Information for ADA Reasonable Accommodation Form?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

The best person to fill out the form is the health care provider who knows the medical condition and how it affect the person, including any impairment and functional limitations. The provider does not have to be a medical doctor (MD); they may be psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and licensed mental health professionals. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list of acceptable providers.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Do I need to provide the diagnosis\/condition, and can I provide recommended accommodations?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

No. Our office requires medical limitations and\/or restrictions and will work with your patient’s manager to explore potential accommodations. If only a recommendation or diagnosis is provided, it will not allow us to explore potential accommodations properly, and additional follow-up from our office may be needed.<\/p>\n

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Why must I provide a duration for the impairment?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

This information is helpful as it allows our office to understand the potential length of the requested accommodation. If unknown, please provide an estimate based on your medical judgment.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Why am I being asked for further documentation?<\/h3>
<\/p>\n

Our office needs to fully understand the connection between the medical restrictions and\/or limitations and the accommodation request. If the medical documentation is incomplete or does not identify the restrictions and\/or limitations, we will request supplemental or clarifying information to support your patient’s request.<\/p>\n

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