We are carrying out a two-part evaluation to ensure that the revised Personal Capability Assessment (PCA) constitutes a fair, robust and evidence based assessment of limited capability for work.
An initial, limited, evaluation of the revised descriptors and scores was conducted in October 2006 to enable us to begin drafting regulations.
The initial evaluation of the revised PCA descriptors involved 104 cases and 64 of these had a mental health condition. There were no cases involving either a learning disability or an autistic spectrum disorder because the majority of customers with these conditions are currently exempt from the PCA face to face examination.
We are about to embark on a more extensive evaluation with a more representative sample of claimants. We are working with the consultative groups who are advising the Department on the review on how to ensure that customers with these conditions are included in the evaluation.
Members of the personal capability assessment consultative groups have received a demonstration of the Logic integrated Medical Assessment (LiMA) and how it works. It is outside the remit of the PCA consultative groups to review the LiMA software which is owned by Atos Origin and is, therefore, commercially sensitive information.
The LiMA system does not make the benefit entitlement decision and is used as a computer based support tool for doctors conducting face-to-face PCA examinations.
The LiMA system is constantly under review. It will be fully updated to take account of the revised PCA descriptors prior to the introduction of employment and support allowance.