Policy
WorkSafeNB may provide medical aid that it considers necessary as a result of a worker’s injury.
The medical aid provided will be consistent with standards of health care practices in Canada.
When making medical aid decisions, WorkSafeNB has the exclusive jurisdiction to:
- Determine the need for medical aid treatments and examinations;
- The type of medical aid required to effectively treat a compensable injury and phase of the injury or occupational disease; and
- The extent to which medical aid is required.
Interpretation
- WorkSafeNB uses the following information to determine the most appropriate, effective and efficient medical aid for injured workers:
- Standards of care developed by WorkSafeNB to ensure timely implementation of quality medical aid;
- Up-to-date scientific evidence about effective medical aid;
- Evidence-based guidelines developed by professional health organizations across Canada and the United States; and
- Recommendations from WorkSafeNB approved medical aid providers.
- WorkSafeNB may obtain information and opinions, as needed, to determine the appropriateness of any medical aid. WorkSafeNB places emphasis on gathering evidence that is factual and measurable and considers this evidence more persuasive, impressive, and significant when making a decision. In all cases, objective evidence carries more weight than self-reported findings, opinions, or feelings.
- WorkSafeNB does not approve treatment or examinations when it is likely that they will do more harm than good or are of unknown benefit.
- Eligible medical aid expenses incurred by the injured worker will require receipts for reimbursement. Medical aid payments may be included on a T5007.
Skinner v. Nova Scotia (Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal), 2018 NSCA 23
Examinations – assessments and evaluations authorized by WorkSafeNB to determine the medical and return to work status of an injured worker.
