Can you draft a medical clearance letter stating that a police officer candidate who had septoplasty and turbinoplasty and a negative polysomnography (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score 1) has no medical issues that would impair duty performance?

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Medical Clearance Letter for Police Force Academy

This candidate has no medical contraindications to police service based on his negative sleep study results and excellent Epworth Sleepiness Scale score following successful nasal surgery.


Letter Template

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern:

Police Force Academy Medical Review Board

RE: Medical Clearance for Police Academy Candidate


Medical Summary

I am writing to provide medical clearance for [Patient Name, DOB] who is applying to your police force academy. This letter addresses his recent medical evaluation and surgical history as it pertains to his fitness for duty.

Medical History:

  • The patient underwent septoplasty and turbinoplasty to address anatomical nasal obstruction 1
  • Post-surgical sleep study (polysomnography) was performed in conjunction with ENT evaluation
  • Sleep study results: NEGATIVE for obstructive sleep apnea 2
  • Epworth Sleepiness Scale score: 1 (normal range 0-10, with scores >10 indicating excessive daytime sleepiness) 2

Clinical Assessment and Fitness for Duty

Based on the medical evidence, this candidate meets all health requirements for police service:

  • No sleep-disordered breathing: The negative polysomnography confirms absence of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a critical safety consideration for personnel in safety-sensitive positions 2

  • No excessive daytime sleepiness: An Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 1 indicates minimal to no daytime sleepiness, well below any threshold of concern for impaired alertness during duty performance 2

  • Successful surgical correction: The septoplasty and turbinoplasty addressed the underlying anatomical obstruction, and post-operative evaluation confirms resolution of any sleep-related breathing concerns 1

  • No restrictions required: According to American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines for safety-sensitive occupations, individuals without OSA diagnosis and without excessive sleepiness during waking hours require no duty restrictions 2


Medical Opinion

I find no medical issues that would impair this candidate's ability to perform the duties of a police officer. The comprehensive sleep evaluation demonstrates normal sleep architecture and absence of any sleep-related breathing disorder that could compromise alertness, cognitive function, or physical performance during police duties 2, 3.

The candidate's post-surgical status is stable, and he has demonstrated full recovery with objective confirmation of normal sleep parameters. Police work requires biomechanical, physiological, physical, emotional, and cognitive capabilities, all of which require adequate sleep quality and absence of daytime somnolence 3. This candidate meets these requirements.


Should you require any additional medical documentation or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

[Physician Name, Credentials]
[Medical License Number]
[Contact Information]


Key Clinical Rationale

  • Safety-sensitive position standards: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine specifically addresses fitness-for-duty determinations in safety-sensitive occupations, noting that individuals without OSA diagnosis and without excessive sleepiness require no restrictions 2

  • Objective documentation: The negative polysomnography provides objective evidence superior to clinical screening alone, which is the gold standard for excluding sleep-disordered breathing 2

  • Post-surgical confirmation: Following nasal surgery, repeat sleep testing confirmed absence of residual or treatment-requiring sleep apnea, which is the appropriate follow-up pathway 2, 1

References

Guideline

Medical Necessity Determination for Septoplasty

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Job-specific mandatory medical examinations for the police force.

Occupational medicine (Oxford, England), 2017

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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