This is what the US State department tells those would would like to
be Foreign Service Officers:

"Potential candidates with known medical conditions should be aware of
the possibility that they may not be granted an unlimited medical
clearance if the Office of Medical Services determines that their
condition requires monitoring or follow-up care that would not be
available at all Foreign Service posts"

I want to know if a person with Bipolar Disorder can be granted
"unlimited medical clearance,"  and if so, as a rule or
exception.  In other words, what are the chances of receiving it.

Assume this about the person:  Currently employed full time as a
teacher (a job that requires a background check). Symptoms under
control since 1991 with 1200mg of lithium carbonate daily.  No history
of psychiatric hospitalization.

Hello,

After playing phone tag with about 5 different goverment agencies (I
guess the stereotype is true about passing the buck) I finally got in
touch with the Evaulations department of Human Resources and also the
Office of Medical Services. A very kind lady (she never mentioned her
name) contacted the Office of Medical Services and gave me their
number to follow up (which you should do) and said Bi-polar disorder
in itself is not grounds for disqualification by itself, but is
handled on a case by case basis. What she discussed with me was psych
history (which you would seem to pass with such a positive history),
and whether or not medication can be skipped or reduced (I guess she's
thinking worst case scenario where you can't find a pharmacist). Most
importantly, the evaluation board go on their own psych evaluation as
a final judgement call. She said not to be discouraged from applying
though, as she didn't see it as much of a hurdle, and encouraged
applications to be sent in as quickly as possible because they're
currently filling in lots of vacancies. At the bottom please find the
pertinent phone numbers to call if you want to verify this information
or discuss details with the Office of Medical Services so that you can
gain more knowledge about your personal situation. Thank you for
letting me help you with your question.


Search Strategy:

"Office of Medical Services" disqualification on google:
://www.google.com/search?q=%22Office+of+Medical+Services%22+disqualification


Additional Links:

Steps to becoming a Foreign Service Specialist:
http://www.foreignservicecareers.gov/specialist/fss/steps.html

Office of Medical Services Phone Number:
202-663-1611 

Department for requitment Foreign Service Specialists Phone Number:
202-261-8888


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skermit-ga

quick answer