Significant input received in review of Impairment Assessment Guidelines

(14 August 2023)

ReturnToWorkSA acknowledges the significant work contributed so far by various stakeholders as part of a co-design approach to consult on and draft new Impairment Assessment Guidelines.

A review of the medical chapters of the Guidelines has been completed, with 55 doctors providing their time and expertise. There has been significant collaboration throughout this process between the Stakeholder Representative Consultation Group (SRCG), sub-committees and stakeholders.

“ReturnToWorkSA is grateful for the hard work of all members of the sub-committees who reviewed the Guidelines, the SRCG facilitators and all of the support staff involved,” said Michael Francis, CEO.

The Guidelines are important to all parties in the Return to Work scheme. They govern the medical assessment of whole person impairment.

“We understand the importance of finding an objective, balanced, fair and consistent approach to the assessment of permanent impairment as a result of a work injury. We have been impressed by the commitment and care shown by all throughout the process so far to achieve this.”

Phase two of feedback is now open, which covers feedback on nine more chapters of the Guidelines.

For queries about the Guidelines and the work of the SRCG contact Mia Bell, SRCG Secretariat at mia.bell@rtwsa.com.

Background

A Stakeholder Representative Consultation Group (SRCG) was established to lead the co-design and consultation of a Third Edition of the Impairment Assessment Guidelines. The SRCG features representatives from the Australian Medical Association of South Australia, the Law Society of South Australia, SA Unions and ReturnToWorkSA.

Pre-consultation began in December 2022 to gather perspectives and issues for review in the Guidelines.

12 sub-committees were then formed in 2023 to review the medical chapters of the Guidelines. These committees included 55 doctors, many of whom are Impairment Assessors or medical college representatives. This phase of feedback covered 15 chapters of the Guidelines.

Phase two of the consultation on the medical reviews is now open, which covers nine chapters, including upper and lower extremities, the nervous system, spine and more.

A full, formal consultation on a draft of the Guidelines is expected to be released later in 2023.

To learn more about how to provide feedback contact Mia Bell, SRCG Secretariat at mia.bell@rtwsa.com.

SRCG members

• Dr Michelle Atchison, AMA(SA) Past President – Chair of SRCG
• Dr Peter Jezukaitis – Accredited Impairment Assessor nominated by AMA(SA)
• Paul Black, Co-Chair of the Law Society’s Accident Compensation Committee – nominated by the Law Society of South Australia
• Guy Biddle, Co-Chair of the Law Society’s Accident Compensation Committee – nominated by the Law Society of South Australia
• Kristen Rogers, Coordinator of Policy and Industrial Services – nominated by SA Unions
• James Large, Executive Leader Regulation – nominated by ReturnToWorkSA
• Secretariat: Mia Bell, Principal Advisor, ReturnToWorkSA