Approved workplace rehabilitation providers are organisations approved by WorkCover NSW to offer specialised services to help injured workers to return to work. They have the qualifications, experience and expertise appropriate to provide services in accordance with the following definition based on NOHSC (1995) definition: Workplace rehabilitation is a managed process involving early intervention with appropriate, adequate and timely services based on assessed need, and which is aimed at maintaining injured or ill employees in, or returning them to, suitable employment. The nationally consistent approval framework for workplace rehabilitation providers will commence 1 July 2010. See more about the transitional approval arrangements.
Workplace rehabilitation service provision is largely delivered at the workplace by:
Employers, insurers or doctors may recommend workplace rehabilitation to help in complex cases. However the insurer engages the rehabilitation provider and pays for their services. The cost of workplace rehabilitation services is recorded as a claims cost. Approved workplace rehabilitation providers are listed on the WorkCover website by name and region. A full list is provided below.
Organisations seeking to be an approved workplace rehabilitation provider will submit an application demonstrating how they will meet the Conditions of Approval. The Conditions of Approval and the application process is outlined in the Guide: Nationally Consistent Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers and NSW WorkCover Supplement to the Guide: Nationally Consistent Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers. The application process is also detailed in the Application for Approval as a Workplace Rehabilitation Provider. If the application is approved, the provider is granted a three year Certificate of Approval.
If the provider seeks to renew their Certificate of Approval they are required to submit a renewal application to WorkCover in March of the year that their approval period is due to expire. The renewal application process is detailed in the Guide: Nationally Consistent Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers and in the NSW WorkCover Supplement to the Guide: Nationally Consistent Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers and in the Renewal Application for Approval as a Workplace Rehabilitation Provider.Evaluation of Approved Workplace Rehabilitation Providers
Following initial approval the provider may be required to undergo a WorkCover initiated onsite evaluation 12 months after the application approval. During their three years of approval the provider is required to undertake an annual self-evaluation and may undergo a periodic onsite evaluation and/or exception onsite evaluation by an independent evaluator initiated at the discretion of WorkCover. The evaluation process and tools are detailed in the Workplace Rehabilitation Provider Evaluation Guide. An additional tool called Workplace Rehabilitation Provider Performance Data Spreadsheet can also be used to prepare for the onsite evaluations and to undertake self evaluations.
Workplace rehabilitation is a service delivery model that involves a designated rehabilitation consultant responsible and accountable for coordinating services designed to achieve a cost effective, safe, early and durable return to work for the injured worker. If a person does not meet the minimum qualifications of a rehabilitation consultant (as outlined in the Guide: Nationally Consistent Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers and in the NSW WorkCover Supplement to the Guide: Nationally Consistent Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers they can apply to WorkCover for approval to deliver workplace rehabilitation services. Applicants are required to demonstrate their knowledge to provide the workplace rehabilitation service for which the application is made. Some workplace rehabilitation services can only be delivered by designated professional groups. The minimum qualifications for professionals to deliver these services for workers are outlined in theNSW WorkCover Supplement to the Guide: Nationally Consistent Approval Framework for Workplace Rehabilitation Providers. If a person does not meet the minimum qualifications for these services they can apply to WorkCover for approval to deliver the following services: Vocational Assessment Services Functional Assessment Services Workplace Assessment Services Applicants are required to demonstrate their competence and knowledge to provide the workplace rehabilitation service for which the application is made.
The nationally consistent approval framework for workpalce rehabilitation providers will commence July 2009. For approval arrangements between November 2009 - July 2010 please refer to Transitional Approval arrangements for workplace rehabilitation providers.
These bulletins inform workplace rehabilitation providers, insurers and professional associations about the Approval Framework for workplace rehabilitation providers and other matters that will assist workplace rehabilitation providers deliver effective services to workers and employers. Information Bulletins
Provider Services Branch - WorkCover NSW 1800 801 905