• a name change from accredited occupational rehabilitation provider to approved workplace rehabilitation provider
• changes to the principles (previously standards) and conditions of approval
• change to a single category of approval, rather than approval to deliver either different employer services or same employer services. However these categories will continue to be measured separately
• a three-year approval process whereby rehabilitation providers seek renewal of approval every three years
• provider self-evaluations and periodic systems based audits conducted by WorkCover
• a systems and principle-based approach that promotes accountability and self-responsibility of the provider in achieving quality service provision to workers and employers
• changes to fees to better reflect the administration of a more rigorous approval framework.

The new approval framework for workplace rehabilitation providers will be launched in May 2008 to officially commence 1 July 2008.

Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers (General Guide)

The purpose of the new Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers is to enable improved durable return to work outcomes for injured workers.

The key objectives are to:

• ensure delivery of quality services to workers, employers and insurers
• objectively assess and analyse providers’ performance in meeting the conditions of approval, including exiting providers that do not meet the minimum requirements.

  Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers (General Guide)
Publication No. 5317 (PDF Format 327 Kb)

Application to Become an Approved Workplace Rehabilitation Provider

This form is to be completed by organisations wishing to apply for a certificate of approval in accordance with S.52(4)(c) of the New South Wales Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998.

  Application to Become an Approved Workplace Rehabilitation
Provider
Publication No. 5516 (PDF Format 678 Kb)

2008 Renewal of Approval of Workplace Rehabilitation Providers

This renewal application is only to be completed by existing WorkCover NSW accredited Rehabilitation Providers seeking approval to be a Workplace Rehabilitation Provider under the New Approval Framework commencing 1 July 2008.

  2008 Renewal of Approval of Workplace Rehabilitation Providers
Publication No. 5505 (PDF Format 671 Kb)

Renewal of Approval of Workplace Rehabilitation Providers

From 2009 onwards, this form is to be completed by organisations wishing to renew their certificate of approval in accordance with S.52(4)(c) of the New South Wales Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998.

  Renewal of Approval of Workplace Rehabilitation Providers
Publication No. 5512 (PDF Format 688 Kb)

  Provider Services: Information for Bulletin Number 2 (April 2008)