This applies to agency medical rejections of referrals from certificates for permanent or temporary appointments, and appointments under direct hire, outside of the register, or delegated examining authority. If OPM sustains the agency's medical disqualification, the preference eligible may appeal to OPM by submitting evidence that he or she can perform the duties of the job notwithstanding the medical condition.
Agencies have the authority to medically disqualify non-preference eligibles.
However, such individuals have a right, upon request, to a higher level review of the determination within the agency. OPM Adjudication Based on Positive Drug Test Results Agency objections to preference eligibles that are based on the results of a verified, confirmed positive pre-employment drug screen are to be considered as medical disqualifications or passovers. These objections are referred to OPM for adjudication. They should not be processed as suitability cases. Situations in which applicants refuse or ignore the requirement to take a pre-employment drug test are to be handled as declinations.