Frequently asked questions -- vocational rehabilitation

Questions

1. What are vocational rehabilitation services?

2. What is a qualified rehabilitation consultant (QRC)?

3. How are vocational rehabilitation services requested?

4. What is the employer's or insurer's response to a rehabilitation consultation request?

5. Who chooses the QRC?

6. What determines eligibility? The rehabilitation consultation is a meeting between the QRC and the employee to determine whether the employee is eligible for rehabilitation services. The QRC will also talk with the employer and the health care provider to assess the likelihood that the employee will return to work with the employer. Eligibility for vocational rehabilitation is based on whether: the worker is unable to do his or her usual and customary job because of the injury; the employer is unable to provide other suitable employment, and; rehabilitation services will benefit the worker. A dispute about eligibility can be settled by filing a Rehabilitation Request form with the department.

7. Who develops the rehabilitation plan?

8. What are the responsibilities of the injured worker in a vocational rehabilitation program?

9. What should the injured worker expect of the QRC?

Ask a question

If you don't see your question answered here or want more information about vocational rehabilitation, send an email message to DLI's Workers' Compensation Division or call the division at (651) 284-5005, toll-free at 1-800-342-5354.