Prostheses, Orthoses and Assistive Devices Policy 25-007 | Effective Date: September 25, 2025

Policy

Under the authority of subsection 41(1) and section 43 of the Workers’ Compensation Act, WorkSafeNB may provide prostheses, orthoses, and assistive devices that:

• Are medically effective in the treatment or ongoing care of the compensable injury; and
• Lessen or remove any handicap and support return to work and activities of daily living.

WorkSafeNB may also repair or replace a worker’s pre-accident prosthesis, orthosis, or assistive device, on a one-time only basis, when it is damaged during a compensable workplace injury. Any repair or replacement is to a similar type and quality as the pre-accident prosthesis, orthosis, or assistive device. A prescription from a WorkSafeNB-approved healthcare provider is required for replacement.

On a more limited, case-by-case basis, WorkSafeNB may provide prostheses, orthoses, and assistive devices that indirectly support a worker’s rehabilitative goal by improving function through social or recreational activities. Approval is generally limited to one expenditure per claim.

WorkSafeNB pays for repair or replacement of prostheses, orthoses, and assistive devices due to:

• Normal wear and tear;
• Changes in the physical condition of the worker and fit of the device; or
• Damage from accidental causes.

Rehabilitative footwear, including inserts and foot orthoses, is addressed in Policy 25-008 Clothing.

Interpretation

1. Medically effective prostheses, orthoses, and assistive devices:

• Are prescribed by a WorkSafeNB-approved healthcare provider;
• Improve functioning;
• Contribute to rehabilitative goals;
• Minimize the risk or aggravation of an injury; and
• Are appropriate given the physical characteristics of the injured worker. 

2. Before providing prostheses, orthoses, or assistive devices, a needs assessment is completed by a WorkSafeNB-approved healthcare provider with the expertise to determine:

• The injured workers' functional capacities;
• The injured worker's immediate and long term treatment needs; and
• Which prostheses, orthoses and sufficient to meet those needs.

3. An in-person assessment by a WorkSafeNB-approved healthcare provider may be required following the needs assessment, if not already completed, before approval of certain assistive devices (e.g., devices requiring modification to the home such as a tub or shower, hospital/adjustable beds, etc.).

4. WorkSafeNB determines if prostheses, orthoses, or assistive devices indirectly support the rehabilitative goal through social and recreational activities by considering whether the worker:

• Participated in a social or recreational activity before the accident and wants to resume this activity or;
• Can no longer participate in a pre-accident activity and wants to pursue a new social or recreational activity.

5. Following approval for the prosthesis, orthosis, or assistive device, including pre-approval for all necessary components, WorkSafeNB will reimburse the cost. Receipts are required.

6. Components of a prosthesis, orthosis, or assistive device in excess of what reasonably meets the need, or that add significant cost without adding function are not generally approved.

7. WorkSafeNB may approve assistive devices that require installation in the worker’s home. When this occurs WorkSafeNB will pay the cost of installation.

8. WorkSafeNB may approve assistive devices that require structural changes for workers who have severe long-term functional limitations. These structural changes are managed under Policy 21-403 Home Modifications to Assist with Functional Access.

9. Workers are responsible for the day-to-day care of their prostheses, orthoses, and assistive devices.

10. WorkSafeNB will consider, with the cooperation of the worker as required, any available warranty coverage before approving repair or replacement of a prosthesis, orthosis, or assistive device.

11. Before replacing orthoses or assistive devices, WorkSafeNB assesses whether the orthosis or assistive device remains necessary and continues to meet the criteria of medical effectiveness outlined in section 1.

12. WorkSafeNB may refuse to pay for repair or replacement of a prosthesis, orthosis, or assistive device if there is evidence that the worker has wilfully damaged or destroyed it.

Tax implications

Protheses, orthoses, and assistive devices, as outlined in this policy, are generally considered medical expenses and are not reportable on a T5007.

Previous versions

• Policy 25-007 Prostheses, Orthoses and Assistive Devices release 3, effective July 14, 2020
• Policy 25-007 Prostheses, Orthoses and Assistive Devices release 2, effective August 10, 2013
• Policy 25-007 Prostheses, Orthoses and Assistive Devices release 1, effective January 1, 2005