Closing the rehabilitation program

When all the objectives of the rehabilitation program have been achieved—or as much as possible—the program should be closed. Closing a rehabilitation program does not stop rehabilitation services being provided in the future if circumstances change.

The rehabilitation program is usually closed when:

• the goals and objectives of the rehabilitation program have been achieved
• a return to pre-injury duties or optimum level of functioning in the workplace has been achieved
• current rehabilitation goals are no longer achievable and a new rehabilitation program with a different goal is needed
• specialist rehabilitation provider services are no longer required
• further workplace rehabilitation is no longer appropriate.

The case manager must make the final decision to close the rehabilitation program and complete and sign the return to work closure form detailing the rehabilitation outcomes that have been achieved.

At closure, the case manager must:

• Submit the closure form to the Comcare claims services officer.
• Review the case with the employee and their supervisor to work out whether the return to work has been durable.
• Reassess the employee’s circumstances and potential for employment if a successful and durable return to work has not been achieved. A further rehabilitation program or rehabilitation assessment may be needed.