Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) neuropsychological evaluation is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in cases where it has been determined critical to assess neurocognitive deficits in pilots. Proper neurocognitive function is essential for effective pilot performance and the subsequent safety of the passengers and crew. Not only will these neurological assessments help to assure that a pilot is operating at an acceptable level of cognitive function, they are required to determine the eligibility for medical certification, recertification and Special Issuance.
What Is Included in FAA-Required HIMS Neurological Testing for Pilots
Concentration, reaction time, situational awareness, impulse control, spatial recognition, reaction time, coordination, mental calculation, verbal comprehension, reasoning and memory are all included in the neurological testing of pilots required by the FAA.
At a minimum, FAA-approved neuropsychological evaluation reports must include:
- A review of available records for mental disorders, psychiatric hospitalizations, treatment and observation;
- A thorough clinical interview with a detailed history of all psychosocial or development problems, academic and employment performance, legal issues, substance use and abuse, as well as related treatment and recovery information, aviation background and experience, medical conditions, medication use, along with behavioral observations during the interview;
- A mental status exam;
- Interpretation of neurological and psychological testing including core test battery and
- A summary of findings with a detailed diagnostic statement, opinions and recommendations regarding those findings and their potential impact on aviation safety consistent with Federation Aviation Regulations
Once complete, the FAA will conduct its review and keep this information safeguarded. There may be additional inquiries for more testing information requested by the FAA before a decision is made.
Conditions for Which the FAA May Require HIMS Neurological Testing
Conditions with the potential for cognitive impairment for which the FAA may require an HIMS neuropsychological evaluation may include:
- A history of head injury,
- Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease,
- Depression or anxiety,
- ADHD/ADD
- Substance abuse
Who Is FAA-Approved to Provide Neuropsychological Evaluations for Pilots
As stated by the FAA, neuropsychological evaluations for aviators must be conducted by a neuropsychologist on the FAA Neuropsychologist List.
The HIMS Neuropsychologist Advantage
HIMS neuropsychological evaluations are much more suited to aviators than ordinary neuropsychologists, because HIMS neuropsychologists are specifically trained for the cognitive testing of pilots and air traffic controller (ATCs). HMIS-trained neuropsychologists are also intimately familiar with industry standard testing including CogScreen-AE, as required by the FAA. Additionally, HIMS neuropsychologists possess the ability to compare test data and evaluation results specific to pilots and ATCs with those of the general population – an extremely valuable tool for assessing the cognitive competence of aviators.
Why Choose Aviation Neuropsychology for Your HIMS Neuropsychological Eval
Even more beneficial than a HIMS neuropsychological evaluation is one performed by a pilot, offering unique insight and compassion for fellow aviators. An accomplished neuropsychologist with nearly 100 flight hours logged, HIMS certified, licensed Neuropsychologist Dr. Lisa S. Merilson, Psy.D. of Aviation Neuropsychology is exactly that. She understands and appreciates the time and effort pilots invest to obtain their flight credentials and she has dedicated her knowledge and experience to helping her clients keep them.
As owner of Volusia Neuropsychology & Behavioral Health and 21 years of clinical practice experience, Dr. Lisa Merilson specializes in clinical and aerospace neurological evaluations. Her practice focuses on neurological services with conditions including, yet certainly not limited to ADHD, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and dementia.
For more information about Dr. Lisa Merilson and Aviation Neuropsychology HIMS evaluations or to schedule your HIMS neuropsychology evaluation with Dr. Merilson, call 386-478-9873 or email drmerilson@merilsoncapital.com.
Volusia Neuropsychology & Behavioral Health strives to help patients manage life’s obstacles, meet and exceed their expectations and establishing long-term, positive results. Providing services within a supportive environment, the team at Volusia Neuropsychology & Behavioral Health is dedicated to the evaluation of brain function, cognitive and emotional assessments and personality changes which can occur through injury and neurologic and medical illness. Volusia Neuropsychology & Behavioral Health is conveniently located at 512 Canal Street in the heart of New Smyrna Beach and is currently accepting new patients for appointments, preventive care, medical care, as well as ongoing patient care.
