Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Braden on October 26, 2006, regarding chronic pain claimants.
Of the 39 claimants diagnosed with chronic pain, 17 have been resolved and closed, three are open and working toward a resolution, and 19 are receiving a pension for their original injury. Of the 19 on pension, four are also receiving ongoing temporary benefits related to chronic pain.
In response to the second question, the number of injured workers who have returned to work has increased from 23 to 29 since June 2006. Of the 29 who have returned to work, 24 have returned to the kind of work and pay that they had before being diagnosed. There are currently four appeals in process related to chronic pain: three for workers who have not yet returned to work, and one for a worker who returned to work but not at the same level.
In response to the third and final question, each case is looked at individually to consider all circumstances. It must first be determined if the worker is able to return to work without further treatment. Although most workers
return to their pre-accident employer, if the worker cannot return to their pre-accident employer, they may be eligible for the vocational rehabilitation process. If the worker returned to work and later requested to participate in pain management treatment it would be reconsidered.
If a worker declines to participate in treatment and they are unable to return to work, their benefits may be reduced or suspended according to policy 04.01. This policy states that an injured worker is required to undergo certain medical investigations or examinations and is obliged to cooperate fully in his/her recovery by taking reasonable measures to moderate the disability. If a worker does not comply with these measures, the WCB may first notify the worker of the actions he/she must take to meet these requirements, and then reduce or suspend the workers' compensation payments if the worker does not comply with the requirements in a reasonable time.
In relation to training, a worker is fully involved in their vocational rehabilitation process and participates in the creation of their plan. Under policy 05.01, if a plan is selected and then the worker does not participate, the WCB can cancel the training program and limit benefits to 13 weeks for job search. Prior to the commencement of the job search, workers receive up to two weeks of job seeking skills training along with the associated benefits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.