The workers' compensation certificates are legal documents that
can only be completed by a registered doctor, dentist or nurse
practitioner. Injured workers who wish to lodge a claim for a work
related injury must provide the insurer with a completed
certificate as part of the application process. There are two (2)
different types of certificates:
- Workers' compensation medical certificate - to
be used by doctor's and dentists. This certificate includes
information on rehabilitation and suitable duties
- Nurse practitioner workers' compensation
certificate - to be used by nurse practitioners.
This certificate can only be issued for up to 10 days after the
date of inury and no rehabilitation or suitable duties information
is inlcuded.
Certificates used by nurse practitioners are for minor injuries
only and will require minimual time off work and no suitable duties
plan to be created.
If a worker has an injury that requires a gradual return to work
and a suitable duties prorgam to be developed this will be
completed be referring to the Workers' compensation medical
certificate. This certificate sets out the treating doctor's
recommendations for return to work to insurers and employers. For
this reason it's important you follow these recommendations when
developing suitable duties programs so the worker can make a safe
return to work.
Download understanding the workers' compensation medical
certificate to give you an overview on how to use
the certificate to help you develop suitable duties for your
injured workers.