From 1 July 2025, WorkCover Queensland will implement a significant change to the way it handles work capacity certificates submitted by medical practitioners on behalf of injured workers.
Under the current system, WorkCover typically registers a claim upon receipt of a work capacity certificate from a treating doctor. However, this will no longer be the case. Going forward, a claim for compensation will not be automatically initiated simply because a certificate is submitted by a dcotor.
Instead, the responsibility will shift to the injured worker, who must now include the work capacity certificate as part of their claim for compensation. To support this change, WorkCover has directed medical practitioners to refrain from sending certificates unless they are accompanied by both a completed claim form and a written statement from the worker. It is important to note that the preparation of claim documentation and personal statements falls outside the typical scope of a doctor’s duties.
This policy shift is intended to ensure WorkCover’s compliance with the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023, particularly regarding the collection of personal information. WorkCover aims to enhance transparency and obtain proper consent from workers before collecting sensitive data.
These changes will not apply to claims involving catastrophic injuries.
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