PERF physicals are a statutory requirement for Indiana employers hiring police officers and firefighters who will participate in the 1977 Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Pension and Disability Fund. These evaluations are not discretionary medical exams. They are a mandated, statewide baseline process designed to ensure that public safety employees are medically capable of performing essential job functions without posing undue risk to themselves, coworkers, or the public.
For employers, PERF physicals serve three critical purposes. First, they establish compliance with Indiana law and INPRS requirements prior to final appointment. Second, they create a defensible medical baseline that supports long-term disability and retirement determinations. Third, they help reduce operational and liability risk by identifying medical conditions that could result in sudden incapacitation or inability to perform critical duties.
Indiana statute requires that no applicant may be fully hired into a police or fire position covered by the 1977 Fund until the statewide baseline physical and mental examinations have been completed, certified, and approved. A conditional offer of employment may be extended, but that offer remains contingent on successful completion of all required evaluations and approvals by INPRS.
The PERF physical process begins with a comprehensive medical history completed by the applicant. This history is extensive by design and requires disclosure of prior illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, injuries, medications, allergies, military service, occupational exposures, and lifestyle factors. Employers benefit from this depth because it establishes a clear, documented baseline that supports future medical comparisons and administrative decisions.
Applicants must complete a full review of systems that addresses cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, dermatologic, and sensory concerns. This structured review ensures that no clinically relevant system is overlooked and that potential risk factors are identified early in the process rather than after hire.
The physical examination itself is performed by a licensed physician and follows a standardized format required by the statewide baseline packet. General appearance, skin, head and neck, cardiovascular, pulmonary, abdominal, neurological, and musculoskeletal systems are evaluated in detail. Findings are documented objectively, with abnormalities clearly described rather than implied.
Vital signs are a required component of the PERF physical. Blood pressure, pulse, respiration, height, weight, body mass index, and body fat measurements are recorded to assess baseline cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Hypertension thresholds and medication use are evaluated carefully, as uncontrolled blood pressure may constitute an excludable condition under state rules.
Vision testing is mandatory and must meet specific statewide standards. Visual acuity is measured with and without correction, along with color vision and peripheral vision. These standards exist to ensure that public safety employees can safely operate vehicles, equipment, and firearms while maintaining situational awareness.
Audiometric testing is also required and must be conducted using ANSI-compliant equipment and protocols. Hearing thresholds are evaluated across multiple frequencies, and deficits are assessed against defined decibel limits. Employers benefit from standardized hearing testing that supports both safety and occupational health surveillance.
Pulmonary function testing is a core component of the PERF physical, particularly for firefighters. Spirometry is performed using validated techniques to measure forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume. These results help determine whether an applicant can safely perform strenuous duties, including working in respiratory protective equipment.
Cardiovascular evaluation includes a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram interpreted by a qualified physician. This screening helps identify arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, or evidence of underlying cardiac disease that could increase the risk of sudden incapacitation during duty.
When indicated by age, risk factors, or clinical findings, treadmill cardiac stress testing is required. Stress testing assesses the heart’s response to exertion that more closely approximates the physical demands of police and fire work. From an employer perspective, this step is critical for preventing catastrophic cardiac events on duty.
Laboratory testing is comprehensive and standardized. Required labs include complete blood count, blood chemistries, liver function tests, hemoglobin A1c, urinalysis, HIV testing, syphilis serology, and urine drug screening with documented chain of custody. These tests provide objective data that supports medical clearance decisions.
Tuberculosis screening is required unless there is documented prior positivity or treatment. This protects both the workforce and the public by identifying communicable conditions that could pose a safety risk in close-contact environments.
Chest imaging or other diagnostic studies may be required when clinically indicated. All imaging must be interpreted by qualified specialists, and results must be included in the application packet. Employers benefit from clear documentation that diagnostic follow-up was completed appropriately.
The statewide baseline standards also identify a comprehensive list of potentially excludable conditions across cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, metabolic, musculoskeletal, and other systems. These conditions are evaluated individually, with consideration given to severity, stability, and the applicant’s ability to safely perform essential job functions.
Importantly, Indiana’s PERF process allows for individualized assessment rather than automatic disqualification. Conditions that are well controlled with treatment may still meet baseline standards, provided the risk of sudden incapacitation is low and the applicant affirms compliance with prescribed care.
Mental health evaluation is a required and distinct component of the PERF process. The statewide baseline mental examination utilizes the MMPI-III and must be interpreted by a licensed psychiatrist or PhD-level psychologist who has no pre-existing relationship with the applicant.
WorkingWell does not perform the mental health examination directly. Instead, WorkingWell coordinates with qualified psychologists and psychiatrists within each community to ensure applicants are scheduled promptly and evaluated in accordance with INPRS requirements. This coordination helps employers avoid delays while maintaining strict compliance with statutory standards.
Mental health findings are certified by the examining psychologist or psychiatrist and reviewed by the local pension board. Copies of the mental examination results are not sent to INPRS, but certification that the applicant passed the required standards is mandatory for application approval.
Once all physical and mental components are complete, the local pension board and appointing authority certify that the applicant has met all baseline statewide standards and any additional local requirements. This certification is a critical administrative step and must be completed accurately to avoid processing delays.
The complete application packet, including medical examinations, test results, specialist reports if applicable, and certifications, is submitted to INPRS for review. INPRS determines whether the applicant meets baseline physical standards and whether any Class 3 excludable conditions apply.
If approved, the employer may extend an unconditional offer of employment and proceed with enrollment in the appropriate reporting systems. If denied, the applicant has the right to appeal under Indiana administrative procedures, underscoring the importance of accurate, well-documented evaluations.
From an employer standpoint, the PERF physical process is as much about documentation and defensibility as it is about clinical care. Incomplete forms, missing signatures, or outdated testing can result in delays or denials that disrupt hiring timelines.
WorkingWell’s role is to manage the clinical components of the PERF physical efficiently, ensure alignment with statewide standards, and coordinate specialty services when required. This integrated approach helps employers move candidates through the process while maintaining compliance and consistency.
Ultimately, PERF physicals protect Indiana employers by ensuring that police officers and firefighters enter service medically prepared for the demands of their roles. They support public safety, reduce preventable risk, and create a clear medical baseline that benefits both the employer and the employee throughout their career.
For employers seeking PERF physicals in Indiana, the most effective programs are those that combine clinical rigor, regulatory knowledge, and coordinated care. When executed correctly, PERF physicals are not an administrative burden. They are a foundational element of a safe, compliant, and resilient public safety workforce.