Return to work programs

Yes, they are. By law, employers must develop a return to work program as soon as possible once you, as the treating medical practitioner, have:

• indicated, in writing, the need for a return to work program
• issued a certificate of capacity stating that the worker has some (or partial) work capacity, or has full capacity for work, but is unable to return to their pre-injury position.

When establishing a return to work program, employers must:

• give your patient an opportunity to participate in the development of the program
• describe the program in writing
• give copies of the program to you and your patient
• provide any changes to the program in writing to you and your patient.

As a bare minimum, a return to work program must include:

• the name and contact details of your patient and their employer
• the return-to-work goal for the program
• actions each injury management party (i.e. your patient, employer and injury management coordinator) will undertake
• a statement confirming your patient agrees with the program.

In addition to the basic requirements outlined above, a best-practice return to work program should also state:

• your patient’s capacity for work (i.e. what they can do, any limits or restrictions that apply)
• work duties that you, as a GP, have identified as suitable, given your patient’s capacity
• the hours and days your patient will return to work
• the workplace or location where the return to work program will take place
• your name and contact details (as the injured worker’s GP), along with the names and contact details of the insurer, your patient’s line manager and a contact person that your patient can speak to if they have concerns about their program (e.g. the injury management coordinator).

Find out more about the return-to-work planning and management process. Read about the importance of early intervention and case conferences, or learn how to refer your patient to a workplace rehabilitation provider.