There are occasions where the treating practitioner or rehabilitation provider will recommend that the employee attend an Independent Living Centre (ILC) to assist them in the selection of aids and appliances that will help the employee with their return to work. The function of these centres is to provide an environment where varying aids and appliances are displayed and are able to be compared.

There are two categories of ILC: unassisted; and assisted visits.

Unassisted visits are those where the rehabilitation provider (following discussion with the treating practitioner and at the direction of the employer) visits the centre with the employee, and the assistance of members of the centre is not required.

Any fees associated with the visit would be covered by the existing Return to Work Plan (RTWP). Details of selected aids and appliances, where relevant, would then be listed and provided to Comcare for consideration under section 39 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act) for aids, appliances and alterations.

Assisted visits are less common and arise where an employee has already undertaken a return to work program or assessment and no longer has a rehabilitation provider. The employee requires assistance from someone experienced in the use of aids and appliances when visiting the centre.

A referral of support must be provided by the employee's treating practitioner prior to the visit, and any recommendations made by the ILC's qualified provider (usually an Occupational Therapist) must be provided in writing to Comcare for approval. Aid or appliance recommendations must indicate how the item will assist with improving an employee's independent functioning and enhance their return to work options.

The cost for this service is payable based on the same hourly rate for services applicable to approved rehabilitation providers (ARPs) (or Occupational Therapists) in each State. This cost should be shown separately when the claim for aids and appliances is made.

However, where the ILC merely provides assistance by pointing out aids and appliances or has photocopied information sheets, an hourly rate will not apply and you will be required to determine a reasonable cost commensurate with services provided. This will usually be in line with the Occupational Therapist hourly rate published by the Occupational Therapy Regulating body.

These visits are generally arranged by the rehabilitation provider as part of the rehabilitation program

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Made Live 20 December 2011