Evidence-Based Vocational Evaluation Recommendations for the Consideration and Consequences of Opioid/Opiate Usage in Forensic Vocational Evaluations

Treating injuries that result in pain and discomfort can involve a wide range of medical modalities, including the use of pain medication. Evidence-based forensic vocational evaluation must consider all relevant medical factors of disability, including addiction, and measure or determine the specific vocational impact on an individual’s ability to engage in competitive work. As such, this article addresses opioid addiction in the context of forensic rehabilitation settings, including case management, forensic consultation, and professional counseling; provides a list of commonly prescribed opioids for pain relief; and, it entails an analysis of case law and court decisions that direct the vocational evaluator in California as an expert. Lastly, the authors also offer methods by which the vocational expert may address side effects of opioids