Workplace rehabilitation is a managed process involving timely intervention with appropriate and adequate services based on assessed need. It is also aimed at maintaining injured or ill employees in, or returning them to suitable employment.
Responsibilities
Workplace rehabilitation providers are engaged to provide specialised expertise in addition to what is generally available within the employer’s and insurer’s operations. Depending on the jurisdiction, workplace rehabilitation providers can undertake a range of services from functional and workplace assessments and advice concerning job modification, to vocational retraining and assistance with job seeking. Table 6.7a provides information on the responsibilities of workplace rehabilitation providers in each jurisdiction.
Nationally consistent approval framework for workplace rehabilitation providers
The Heads of Workers’ Compensation Authorities (HWCA) have endorsed a principles-based framework for the delivery of workplace rehabilitation provider services. The Principles for Practice for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers recognise the importance of work in recovery and are intended to:
- guide Workplace Rehabilitation Providers in delivering workplace rehabilitation services to a worker
- inform the Workplace Rehabilitation Provider approval and management frameworks of workers’ compensation authorities
- support the vision of the National Return to Work Strategy 2020-2030
- complement the Clinical Framework for the delivery of treatment services
Qualifications and fees structure
The National Framework outlines the minimum qualifications for rehabilitation providers. Some jurisdictions have additional requirements. These are outlined in Table 6.7b as is information on the fees structure in each jurisdiction.
Prescribed time period to establish a return to work plan
Table 6.8 shows the 3-point contact and the return to work plan development as specified by legislation in various jurisdictions.