Expert opinions and certificates

Many people rely on long-term use of medications that fall under the Narcotics Act. Narcotics prescribed by a doctor may be carried in reasonable quantities when traveling abroad. To do so, a certificate issued by the doctor must be certified by the relevant public health department. Depending on the destination country, there may be different requirements that must be met in order to carry medications covered by the Narcotics Act.

• Travel to Schengen Agreement Member States: When traveling to a member state of the Schengen Agreement, you may carry medically prescribed narcotics provided that you have a certificate completed by your treating physician in accordance with Article 75 of the Schengen Implementation Agreement. This certificate must be certified by the competent public health authority. The form can be downloaded from the Downloads section.
• Traveling to Other Countries: When traveling to countries outside the Schengen Area, the treating physician should complete a multilingual certificate if the traveler is carrying medications that fall under the Narcotics Act. Since laws can vary from country to country, you should also familiarize yourself with the legal situation in your destination country before traveling. The International Narcotics Control Board provides information on its website regarding the regulations in individual countries.

The form can be downloaded from the Downloads section. The certificates are valid for 30 days. A separate certificate is required for each medication. Please call to schedule an appointment for certification well in advance of your departure.

The cost per certificate is 10 euros. You can pay with a debit card or in cash.

The Fulda Public Health Department is only authorized to certify medical certificates issued by physicians based in the Fulda district.

The Public Health Service conducts evaluations on behalf of government agencies, courts, and social service providers.

Examples of situations requiring an assessment include

• Examinations for the Civil Service
• Investigations for Social Services Agencies
• Investigations Conducted at the Request of Courts
• Investigations under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act/Residence Act

In the case of investigations under civil service or employment law, local jurisdiction is determined in accordance with Section 3(1)(2) of the Hessian Administrative Procedure Act (HVwVfG). Jurisdiction in such cases is determined by the (future) place of employment, provided that this is already known at the time of the examination. Otherwise, pursuant to Section 3(1)(3)(A) of the HVwVfG, the public health department at the place of habitual residence has jurisdiction.

The public health officer's opinions are intended to serve as a guide for decision-making. The final decision is made by the client.

What documents do you need to provide in advance?

• Authority's Mandate, Including Legal Basis and Cost Coverage
• First and last name, maiden name, date of birth, address, phone number, email address
• Medical records (treatment and diagnostic reports from primary care physicians and specialists, decisions from the Social Security Office containing diagnoses, hospital reports, etc.).

Without the required documents, the Public Health Service cannot process your request in a timely manner.

Please submit copies of all documents; otherwise, fees will apply.

Assessments of Inability to Take Exams Due to Health Reasons

In cases involving assessments of incapacity to take an examination, local jurisdiction is determined in accordance with Section 3(1)(2) of the Administrative Procedure Act (HVwVfG). Thus, the public health department at the student’s place of study has local jurisdiction.

An exception to this rule may be made in the following circumstances: If the student’s place of study is not the same as their place of residence, the student is staying at their place of residence, and their medical condition prevents them from making a long trip, the examination may also be conducted at the public health department in their place of residence.

What documents do you need to provide in advance?

• Certificate of Incapacity for Work with Diagnoses
• Medical certificate describing the symptoms/complaints and the duration of the inability to take the exam
• Academic and Examination Regulations (Excerpt regarding the procedure to follow in the event of absence from an exam due to illness).
• Exam Results (Name of the Exam, Date of the Exam, Name of the Examiner)

Children and Adolescents

Public health officials also issue medical reports for children and adolescents.

On behalf of health insurance providers, social security agencies, government offices, and other authorities, dentists at the public health department prepare dental reports.