Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions Position Statement (INS Form N-648)
Frequently, patients will ask Dr. Leon to complete a form for application for U.S.citizenship who seek an exception to the English and civics testing requirements for naturalization because of “developmental disability or mental impairment”. It is the official position of Suncoast Pediatric Epilepsy & Neuropsychology Specialists that only patients with a documented anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities to include central nervous system disorder; referred by a neurologist or other physician will be considered for consultation.
Initial Consultation: If upon consultation and review the patient appears to have a genuine medical/physiological condition that can be evaluated, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation will be recommended and scheduled at the patients request. If there does not appear to be any disability eligible for Exception, the patient will be so advised and no further services recommended.
Neuropsychological Evaluation: If the results of the neuropsychological evaluation provide objective,clinical evidence of a neurocognitive disability or impairment rendering the patient incapable of meeting the INS testing requirements, Dr. Leon will complete the INS Form N-648. Dr. Leon will only complete the form under the following conditions:
- That there is independent medical documentation of disability or impairment that antedates the decision to seek Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
- That there is independent medical evidence of anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities as evidenced by documented medical studies (ie; X-rays, CT Scan, MRI , fMRI, Pet Scan, EEG)
- That there is neuropsychological assessment results to include measures of effort/malingering that support neurocognitive disability or impairment.
Under no circumstances will Dr. Leon complete an INS Disability Form without comprehensive review of medical records and administration of a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Further, performing a comprehensive assessment does not guarantee that a patient will be eligible for Exception and Dr. Leon will not complete the form if deficits are not supported. If deficits are supported, the patient will be advised and at the patient’s request, the INS Form N-648 will be completed. *
Form Completion: Upon completion of the Neuropsychological Evaluation, the results will be summarized in a comprehensive report. The results of the Neuropsychological Assessment together with medical documentation will be used to complete the N-648 Form. Upon completion, the form will be directly forwarded to the INS with the patient’s written permission.
* Please note that there is a separate charge of $350.00 based on a fee for two hours, at $175.00 per hour to complete the form. Please note that the fee is for Dr. Leon’s time and that no forms or opinions are rendered on a fee for service basis.
