Brief Overview:When an Independent Medical Examination (IME) is required in New Brunswick, employers are responsible for providing certain documentation to support the assessment process. This documentation helps ensure that the IME is conducted accurately and thoroughly. Here are five key pieces of information that employers need to provide:
1. Employee’s medical history: Employers must furnish the employee’s complete medical records, including any relevant diagnostic tests or treatment plans.
2. Job description: A detailed job description outlining the physical demands and essential functions of the employee’s position is necessary for assessing their ability to perform their job duties.
3. Accident or incident report: If the IME is related to a workplace injury or accident, employers must provide a copy of the accident report detailing how and when it occurred.
4. Return-to-work plan: Any previous return-to-work plans or accommodations made for the employee should be shared with the independent assessor to help determine if further modifications are needed.
5. Relevant insurance policies: If applicable, employers should supply copies of any insurance policies covering disability benefits or workers’ compensation claims involving the employee.
FAQs:
1. Can an employer refuse to provide documentation for an IME?
No, employers have a legal obligation under New Brunswick law to cooperate with reasonable requests for information related to an IME.
2. How soon should employers submit requested documents?
Employers should aim to submit all requested documents promptly after receiving notice of an upcoming IME appointment, ideally within 10 business days before the scheduled examination date.
3. What happens if an employer fails to provide required documentation?
Failure by an employer to provide necessary documentation may delay or compromise the accuracy of the assessment process and could potentially impact decisions regarding disability claims or work capacity evaluations.
4. Are there specific formats for submitting documents?
While there may not be strict guidelines on document format, electronic submissions in PDF format are generally preferred due to ease of sharing and maintaining confidentiality.
5. Can employers redact sensitive information from the documents?
Employers should consult with legal counsel or their disability management provider to determine what information can be redacted while still ensuring compliance with privacy laws and regulations.
6. Are there any restrictions on the types of medical records that need to be provided?
All relevant medical records related to the employee’s condition, including those from treating physicians, specialists, therapists, and hospitals, should be disclosed.
7. What if an employer does not have all the requested documentation?
If certain documents are missing or unavailable, employers should communicate this to the requesting party as soon as possible and provide a reasonable explanation for their absence.
BOTTOM LINE:
When it comes to IMEs in New Brunswick, employers must provide essential documentation such as medical history, job description, accident reports, return-to-work plans, and insurance policies. Failure to comply may result in delays or compromised assessments. It is crucial for employers to promptly submit requested documents in an appropriate format while adhering to privacy regulations.