WSIB-Requested Health Examinations

Document sections:| Policy | Guidelines | References |

Policy

If the WSIB requests it, a worker must undergo an examination by a health professional selected and paid for by the WSIB.

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Guidelines

Need for examination

The WSIB determines that an examination is needed and may arrange one if it will help

• in the worker's work reintegration activities
• the worker re-enter the labour market in a suitable occupation
• the worker get the most timely access to treatment possible
• clarify discrepancies in opinions between health professionals, or
• clarify the nature of the injury, work relatedness, the level of disability/impairment, or the worker's physical precautions.

The WSIB pays for both the examination and the report.

Nature and extent of examination

When arranging an examination, the WSIB considers its appropriateness. The examination must relate-either directly or indirectly-to the injuries, diseases, or conditions for which the worker is claiming benefits.

A health professional as defined in s.2(1) of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA) must conduct the examination. If the WSIB selects one of its own health professionals, the policy on chaperones applies, see 17-04-04, Chaperones.

Compliance

If the worker refuses or obstructs the examination, the WSIB determines whether the worker has reasonable cause or excuse, such as severe weather conditions, death in the immediate family, or serious illness.

The WSIB reduces or suspends benefits for as long as the worker fails to comply without reasonable cause, see 22-01-03, Workers' Co-operation Obligations.

Application date

This policy applies to all health examinations requested by the WSIB on or after February 15, 2013, for all accidents.

Document history

This document replaces 17-04-03 dated October 3, 2007.

This document was previously published as:

17-04-03 dated October 12, 2004

17-04-03 dated June 15, 1999

16.1 dated January 1, 1998.

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References

Legislative authority

Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, as amended

Section 35

Workers' Compensation Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended

Section 69(3), (4)

Minute

Administrative

#14, January 28, 2013, Page 504

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