Frequently Asked Questions
Source: Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry
The following are a number of common questions that an injured worker may have. For a better understanding of the services that may be available to you, consult the Q&A below:
What are vocational rehabilitation services?
A work injury usually does not interrupt employment, but when it does, the employer and employee, working together, can usually bring about a return to work. However, if a work injury prevents an employee from returning to the job, vocational rehabilitation services may be requested.
What is a qualified rehabilitation consultant (QRC)?
Rehabilitation services are provided by experienced rehabilitation counselors approved by the department as qualified rehabilitation consultants or QRCs. A QRC conducts the rehabilitation consultation, writes the rehabilitation plan, provides rehabilitation services and guides the delivery of rehabilitation services by others.
How are vocational rehabilitation services requested?
A rehabilitation consultation to determine eligibility for rehabilitation services is the first step. The employer/insurer can request this consultation by referring the case directly to a QRC. The employee may also request a consultation; this should be done in writing to the employer/insurer - employees may use a Rehabilitation Request form, available on the MN Workers' Compensation site. If liability for the claim is disputed, the employee may receive a consultation through the department's Vocational Rehabilitation unit.
What is the employers' or insurers' response to the rehabilitation consultation request?
When an employee requests a rehabilitation consultation, the employer or insurer responds to the request within 14 days by filing a Disability Status Report form.
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If the employer or insurer believes a rehabilitation consultation would be helpful, the employer or insurer refers the case to a QRC. If the employer or insurer believes the employee will return to work with the employer without vocational rehabilitation services, the employer may request a waiver of the consultation and of rehabilitation services, using the Disability Status Report form.
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If the department grants the waiver, the waiver is effective until 180 days after the injury. If the employee disputes there should be a waiver of a rehabilitation consultation, the employee may file a Rehabilitation Request form with the Department.
Who chooses the QRC?
The insurer may refer the employee to a QRC for a rehabilitation consultation; however, the employee has the right to choose the QRC for the rehabilitation consultation up to two months after a rehabilitation plan is filed with the department. After this period, the employee and the insurer must agree to any change, or have the matter settled by the department.