Illinois Regulations 7110.10

• Vocational Rehabilitation

a) The employer or his representative, in consultation with the injured employee and, if represented, with his or her representative, shall prepare a written assessment of the course of medical care, and, if appropriate, rehabilitation required to return the injured worker to employment when it can be reasonably determined that the injured worker will, as a result of the injury, be unable to resume the regular duties in which engaged at the time of injury, or when the period of total incapacity for work exceeds 120 continuous days, whichever first occurs.

b) The assessment shall address the necessity for a plan or program which may include medical and vocational evaluation, modified or limited duty, and/or retraining, as necessary.

c) At least every 4 months thereafter, provided the injured employee was and has remained totally incapacitated for work, or until the matter is terminated by order or award of the Commission or by written agreement of the parties approved by the Commission, the employer or his or her representative in consultation with the employee, and if represented, with his or her representative shall:

1) if the most recent previous assessment concluded that no plan or program was then necessary, prepare a written review of the continued appropriateness of that conclusion; or

2) if a plan or program had been developed, prepare a written review of the continued appropriateness of that plan or program, and make in writing any necessary modifications.

d) A copy of each written assessment, plan or program, review and modification shall be provided to the employee and/or his or her representative at the time of preparation, and an additional copy shall be retained in the file of the employer and, if insured, in the file of the insurance carrier, to be made available for review by the Commission on its request until the matter is terminated by order or award of the Commission or by written agreement of the parties approved by the Commission.

e) The rehabilitation plan shall be prepared on a form furnished by the Commission.

History: Amended at 30 Ill. Reg. 11743, effective June 22, 2006.