Rehabilitation programs and rehabilitation and return to work plans

Rehabilitation Programs and Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plans are based on medical advice regarding the abilities and restrictions of the worker with regard to duties to be performed at work.

Such 'medical advice' is information from treating health professionals including the staff member's general practitioner, psychiatrist/psychologist, physiotherapist etc.

The Rehabilitation Programs and Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plans are developed jointly by the injured or ill staff member, his or her supervisor and the Rehabilitation Case Manager. If requested by the staff member a nominated representative may be present at such discussions.

The 'nominated representative' may be a treating practitioner, Health and Safety Representative, Union Representative, family member or other person nominated by the staff member.

The staff member and the person who is acting as supervisor during the return to work program both sign the return to work plan and retain a copy of the plan and of the medical certificate which covers the period of the return to work plan.

The Rehabilitation Case Manager also signs the Rehabilitation Program or Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plan and places the original document on the staff member's rehabilitation file.

The Rehabilitation Program and Return to Work Plan includes a medical review date. After each medical review the Rehabilitation Program or Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plan will be reviewed.

If the staff member's preferred language is not English an interpreter will assist with formulation of the Rehabilitation Program and Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plan. If necessary a translated copy of the Rehabilitation Program or Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plan will be provided.

Refusal to sign Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plans shall be documented on the Rehabilitation file.