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Rehabilitation Program Under Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

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REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Under section 37 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYEES

About your rehabilitation program

Your rehabilitation program sets out the details of service and activities to assist you in your rehabilitation. It should be developed in consultation with you and your Case Manager, and may involve discussion with your supervisor, your treating doctor and if relevant your approved workplace rehabilitation provider (WRP). It contains goals or rehabilitation objectives, and details costs, time and actions considered necessary to achieve these goals or objectives.

Your rehabilitation program—when signed by the person (usually the Case Manager) who holds a delegation under section 41A of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act) to arrange your rehabilitation—constitutes a decision under s. 37 of the SRC Act 1988. If you have any concerns or experience difficulties undertaking your rehabilitation program speak with your Case Manager or WRP as soon as possible.

If you are satisfied with the rehabilitation program, you should sign it and your Case Manager will give you a copy.

NOTICE OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

What is a determination?

A determination is a decision—in this case, a decision made concerning the details of your rehabilitation program by the delegate (usually a Case Manager) under section 37 of the SRC Act 1988. Section 37 of the SRC Act 1988 sets out the matters your delegate should have considered in making the determination. These details are also provided on the signature page of this form.

What if I don’t agree with a determination made by the delegate?

If you do not agree with the determination made by the delegate (usually the Case Manager) you may ask Comcare to reconsider the determination that you undertake a rehabilitation program. Comcare will then consider the information available and will decide to affirm, revoke or vary the delegate’s decision.

To request a reconsideration of your rehabilitation program

You must provide the following information to Comcare within 30 days of receiving the determination:

> a copy of the rehabilitation program

> a written request for a reconsideration explaining why you don’t agree with the determination

> any new information that supports your request, such as medical reports that have not previously been considered.

Send the information to:

Disputed Claims

Comcare

GPO Box 9905

Canberra ACT 2601

Team.Reconsiderations@comcare.gov.au

30 day limit

If you are unable to put your request to Comcare within 30 days, you may apply for an extension of time.

What happens next?

Your employer will receive a copy of your request for reconsideration and may provide a response. Comcare will consider the information available and will decide to affirm, revoke or vary the determination.

What are your responsibilities?

> actively participate in any rehabilitation program developed by your Case Manager or WRP in consultation with you;

> implement any recommended and agreed changes to your work practices, workplace environment and/or home environment in consultation with your employer to minimise the chance of further injuries or accidents.

What if I do not participate fully in the rehabilitation program?

If you refuse or fail, without reasonable excuse, to participate in the rehabilitation program provided by your employer, your rights to compensation entitlements under the SRC Act 1988 (excluding medical treatment costs), and your right to institute or continue any proceedings under the SRC Act 1988 will be suspended until you participate in the rehabilitation program. This means you cannot claim retrospective compensation entitlements (excluding medical treatment costs) for the period of that suspension. Entitlements can only be reinstated on and from the date upon which you recommence participation in your agreed rehabilitation program (see ss. 37(8) of the SRC Act 1988).

Note: If you decide to have a solicitor help you with this process, any legal costs will be your responsibility regardless of the outcome of Comcare’s decision.

Privacy information

Your privacy is important to Comcare. We will only collect, use or disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and in connection with our functions under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act). Comcare is collecting the information you provide in this form to perform claims management and rehabilitation facilitation functions in accordance with the SRC Act. Comcare may also use and disclose your personal information for these purposes, including to your WRP or your employer. If Comcare is unable to collect your information for these purposes, Comcare may not be able to take action on your claim.

If your rehabilitation is managed by a Workplace Rehabilitation Provider (WRP), Comcare will also collect information about your rehabilitation program from your WRP. This may occur after you make complaints to WRPs or their Consultants about their delivery of services, and when your rehabilitation program is finalised. Comcare will collect this information to facilitate monitoring of WRP performance and compliance with their conditions of approval to provide services to you, in line with Comcare’s WRP approval functions under the SRC Act. Comcare may also use and disclose your personal information for this purpose. Your rehabilitation program will not be impacted if you do not provide your personal information to Comcare. Comcare is unlikely to disclose your personal information to overseas recipients.

For a copy of Comcare’s Privacy Policy, to request access to or a change of your personal information or to make a privacy complaint please refer to comcare.gov.au/privacy. You can also contact us on 1300 366 979 or email us at privacy@comcare.gov.au.

What if I want copies of documents held on my files?

You can write to Comcare requesting the documents you need held by Comcare.

Requests for information held by your employer or WRP should be directed to them.

More information

If you need any further information about your rights or other specific issues, please contact Comcare on 1300 366 979. You can also make an online enquiry or access resources via the Comcare website www.comcare.gov.au. You can provide feedback or raise concerns about your workplace rehabilitation provider to Comcare at rehab.approval@comcare.gov.au or call us on 1300 366 979.

Employee details

Surname

Given name(s)

Date of birth

Comcare claim number

Employee’s pre-injury occupation

Compensable condition

Date of injury

Nature of injury

Employee’s current work status

At work:

Not at work since

Employment ceased

Was a s36 assessment completed

(Please attach to this form)

Type of rehabilitation program

Referral date

Rehabilitation program start date

Expected rehabilitation program end date

Non-return to work rehabilitation program goal(s)

Medical restrictions

Employer details

Name of employer

Case Manager’s name

Case Manager’s details

Work phone

Email

Where a workplace rehabilitation provider (WRP) is being used complete the following details

WRP contact details

Name of organisation

Comcare provider number

WRP consultant

Phone

Fax

Email

I determine that no rehabilitation program is required at this time, for the following reasons

Delegate’s signature

REHABILITATION PROGRAM—SERVICE DETAILS

Employee’s name

Comcare claim number

Interim goal (RTW) in terms of workplace, duties and hours

Must be completed

Describe the interim goal in terms of workplace, duties and hours

Final goal (RTW) in terms of workplace, duties and hours

Expected final goal commencement date

Describe the final goal in terms of workplace, duties and hours

Responsibilities

Employee — Action / Outcomes expected / Target start date / Target end date

Supervisor — Action / Outcomes expected / Target start date / Target end date

Case Manager — Action / Outcomes expected / Target start date / Target end date

Workplace rehabilitation provider’s responsibilities

Sub-total for service 92

Sub-total for service 93

Sub total for service 94

Total cost (including GST)

This entire document constitutes a determination under subsection 37(1) of the SRC Act 1988

Before signing, please read the cover page.

Workplace rehabilitation provider to complete

I agree to provide this rehabilitation program to the employee named, subject to the Comcare standards and criteria for workplace rehabilitation providers.

Workplace rehabilitation provider’s signature

Date

Name

Title

Organisation/Agency

Supervisor to complete

I have been involved in the development of this return to work plan and agree to work with the Case Manager and employee to support the return to work process.

Supervisor’s signature

Date

Name

Employee to complete

I have been involved in the development of this rehabilitation program and understand my rights and obligations under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988.

Employee’s signature

Date

Name

I understand that if I am not satisfied with this determination I may request a reconsideration by Comcare (see ‘What if I don’t agree with a determination?’ on page 1).

Delegate to complete

I (holding a delegation), determine under subsection 37(1) of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 that the employee (being a person who has suffered an injury resulting in an incapacity for work or an impairment), should undertake the rehabilitation program described in this form. The program will be provided by (name of workplace rehabilitation provider where appropriate)

In making my decision I have had regard to subsection 37(3):

a) any written assessment given under subsection 36(8);

b) any reduction in the future liability to pay compensation if the program is undertaken;

c) the cost of the program;

d) any improvement in the employee’s opportunity to be employed after completing the program;

e) the likely psychological effect on the employee of not providing the program;

f) the employee’s attitude to the program;

g) the relative merits of any alternative and appropriate rehabilitation program; and

h) any other relevant matter

Evidence of this is demonstrated by:

Signature of the delegate

Date

Name

Organisation/Agency

Position

Distribution of copies:

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Overview: Rehabilitation Program under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988

The Rehabilitation Program under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 sets out structured interventions, return-to-work plans, and treatment pathways for workers with accepted injuries or illnesses. The program documents assessed functional limitations, agreed rehabilitation goals, provider referrals, and the responsibilities of the injured person, employer, and treating clinicians. Although the Act is an Australian statutory framework, this guidance focuses on preparing a clear, evidence-based program document and explains practical considerations for using electronic signatures and secure digital workflows when parties are located in the United States.

Why a documented rehabilitation program matters

A formal program clarifies roles, timelines, and measurable goals, reduces disputes about duties and treatment, and supports decisions about reasonable adjustments and benefits. Clear documentation also establishes a defensible record for insurers, regulators, and courts.

Why a documented rehabilitation program matters

Who typically completes and relies on the rehabilitation program

Several parties contribute to and depend on the rehabilitation program: case managers, treating clinicians, employers, and claims administrators.

  • Case managers coordinating treatments and workplace adjustments.
  • Treating clinicians documenting clinical findings and recommended interventions.
  • Employer representatives arranging suitable duties and workplace changes.

Collaborative completion improves accuracy and enforceability and reduces later disagreements about the scope and timing of rehabilitation activities.

Essential elements of a professional rehabilitation program document

A complete program is structured, evidence-based, and actionable; it links clinical findings to workplace tasks and measurable milestones while assigning responsibility for each action.

Participant details

Full legal name, contact details, employer, claim number, and primary treating practitioner contact for clear identification and correspondence.

Injury summary

Concise clinical description, date and mechanism of injury, current functional limitations, and pertinent diagnostic findings relevant to work capacity.

Rehabilitation goals

Specific short- and long-term objectives, measurable outcomes, and target dates to guide treatment and return-to-work milestones.

Treatment plan

Planned interventions, frequency, duration, responsible provider, and expected review points tied to measurable progress indicators.

Workplace adjustments

Proposed modified duties, hours, equipment changes, and timelines for implementation agreed with the employer.

Review and escalation

Dates for formal reviews, criteria for changing the plan, and escalation steps if progress stalls or disputes arise.

Core data fields required on the form

Claim Number: Unique claim identifier
Participant Name: Full legal name
Date of Injury: MM/DD/YYYY
Treating Provider: Clinic and clinician
Objectives: Measurable goals
Signatures: Signed and dated

Step-by-step: completing the rehabilitation program

Follow a structured sequence to gather information, confirm medical recommendations, and secure agreement from all parties before implementing the plan.

  • 01
    Collect records: Obtain clinical notes and test results.
  • 02
    Assess capacity: Document functional limitations and work tolerance.
  • 03
    Draft plan: List goals, interventions, and responsibilities.
  • 04
    Obtain sign-off: Secure dated signatures from parties.

How to set up a digital rehabilitation program workflow

A consistent digital workflow reduces delays and preserves an audit trail; configure fields, authentication, and routing before sending for review and signature.

Field Configuration
Participant Name Required text field; autofill from claim record
Medical Attachments Allow PDF uploads; mark as required
Signature Order Sequential signing: clinician → case manager → employer
Authentication Email link or SMS code; stronger KBA for higher risk

Where to send or file the completed program

Route the final document to specified custodians and store a certified copy in claims and medical records systems to support decisions and audits.

  • Claims system: Upload final PDF to the insurer's claims file.
  • Employer HR: Provide a complete copy to the employer contact.
  • Medical record: Attach to the treating provider's chart.
  • Participant copy: Send signed copy to the injured worker.

Digital signing and eSubmission essentials

Use a compliant eSignature workflow that provides identity verification, secure storage, and a tamper-evident audit trail.

  • Authentication: Email, SMS OTP, or KBA as required
  • Security: TLS in transit; AES-256 at rest
  • Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, and change log

When signers are in the U.S., ensure the platform complies with ESIGN and UETA, and obtain a business associate agreement if HIPAA data are involved.

Timelines and review expectations for a rehabilitation program

Set clear deadlines for plan milestones, review meetings, and reassessments to track progress and maintain administrative compliance.

Initial plan date:

Set at first agreed meeting

Short-term review:

Typically within 4–6 weeks

Medium-term review:

Every 3 months until return to work

Final review:

At completion or at 12 months

Document retention:

Retain per regulatory rules

Common pitfalls when preparing the rehabilitation program

  • Incomplete clinical evidence or missing diagnostic details that weaken treatment recommendations and delay approvals.
  • Vague or non-measurable goals that prevent objective assessment of progress and prolong case management.
  • Failure to obtain signed agreement from all parties leading to disputes about obligations and implementation.
  • Incorrect dates, mismatched names, or unsigned fields that can render the document administratively invalid.

Consequences of an incorrect or incomplete program

Claim delays: Extended benefit processing
Denial risk: Possible claim rejection
Legal exposure: Dispute and litigation
Regulatory action: Sanctions or fines
Patient harm: Inadequate care coordination
Data breach: Privacy incident consequences

Supporting documents commonly attached to the program

Attach contemporaneous evidence that substantiates the plan: medical reports, workplace assessments, and any employer agreements or consent forms.

Medical Reports

Recent clinical notes and imaging reports that describe diagnosis, prognosis, and documented functional limitations relevant to work.

Workplace Assessment

Job analysis or physical demands assessment describing essential tasks and accommodations proposed by the employer.

Consent Forms

Signed authorizations for release of medical information and for participation in rehabilitation activities when required.

Treatment Consent

Provider treatment plans and informed consent supporting the interventions listed in the rehabilitation program.

Who may sign and their roles

Case Manager

Typically the insurer or provider-appointed coordinator who oversees implementation, documents progress, convenes reviews, and confirms the plan aligns with claim management objectives.

Treating Clinician

The clinician provides the medical basis for goals and interventions, certifies functional capacity, and signs to confirm recommended treatments and expected timelines.

Comparing eSignature providers for executing rehabilitation programs

Vendor selection should consider compliance, per-user pricing, bulk send capability, audit trail robustness, and HIPAA support where protected health information is involved.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions and practical answers

Answers to common execution, signature, and compliance questions for Rehabilitation Programs used across jurisdictions and electronic workflows.


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