Medical examinations and appeals for NJ public service workers.
The state of New Jersey has more than 200,000 employees in merit system jobs, who are covered by the Department of Personnel's formal hiring mechanism, including a medical examination and appeals process in which physicians play an important role. The State Medical Examiners Panel provides an innovative and practical approach to supply the Merit System Board with independent and objective findings and medical recommendations regarding the appeals. This article summarizes this process and discusses the structure, functions, and outcomes of the medical examiners Panel.