WSIB - Ontario Nurses' Association

cess an RN (EC) or physiotherapist to document the physical findings anddiagnosis when they are able to do so. Where there is no access to an RN (EC)or a physiotherapist, they should at least ask another RN to document the accidentand any physical findings observed within their scope of practice.When the injured worker does not have access to a doctor, chiropractor, RN(EC) or physiotherapist and they ask another RN to document their findings,the RN who does the assessment should simply send a letter to WSIB of theirfindings. Please ensure that, in these unique situations, the RN only sends inthe findings from a member’s assessment by way of written letter, and doesnot fill out any WSIB forms. (The WSIB will not pay an RN to write this letter,therefore, it would have to be done voluntarily.)The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) has indicated to us that an RN andRN (EC) can also authorize lost time. If you are injured and require time offwork due to your injury, and again are in an area where you have no accessto a doctor, you should at the very least have an RN (EC) authorize your losttime. Where you do not have access to an RN (EC), you should then ask anotherRN if they could authorize your lost time for you in writing and submitthis to WSIB.Understand that when using the RN (EC) and physiotherapist to fill outforms, or when using the RN to send a letter, we believe the injured memberwill likely be under close scrutiny by WSIB to ensure they first did everythingpossible to see a doctor.14. Make sure your health professional has physically examined you andthat s/he has documented all your physical findings in her/his clinical records(ie. range of motion – very important, spasm, etc.). Make sure yourdoctor/health professional provides this information on Form 8 to WSIB.15. If you are planning to make a claim with WSIB and you require time offfrom work, you will need authorization from your doctor/health professional.If your doctor/health professional believes you require time off work,s/he should not document any restrictions on Form 8 or Functional AbilitiesForm.16. If your doctor/health professional recommends time off, make sure s/hegives the reason for the time off on Form 8 or Functional Abilities Form.For example, if you have a back injury and are experiencing muscle spasm,usually you will require a period of rest to give the muscles a chance to relax.Rest is an appropriate treatment recommendation for WSIB claims, especiallyin the acute period after an injury, but WSIB claims adjudicators don’t6