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Forms
- Vocational Closing Report Routing Sheet (F252‑027‑000).
- Vocational Services Closing Cover Sheet (F252‑028‑000).
Find a complete list of vocational forms and publications.
Helpful links
Vocational WAC 296-19A Guidelines (68 KB PDF)
See page 12 for the Forensic Evaluation section.
Get Help Downloading Files (files open in a new window).
WAC's
WAC 296-19A-130 (www.leg.wa.gov)
What are the requirements for a forensic evaluation?
WAC 296-19A-210 (www.leg.wa.gov)
What are the qualifications to provide vocational rehabilitation services to industrially injured or ill workers?
(3) Forensic services.
About forensic evaluations
A forensic evaluation is used when an adjudicator requires an evaluation of a claim to clarify issues. It's also used to determine whether a deceased worker was totally and permanently disabled at the time of death.
The vocational provider:
- Conducts a review of both the medical and vocational records.
- Issues a report containing a recommended course of action.
- Must perform all of the work for that referral without assistance.
A provider can perform a transferable skills analysis, labor market survey, or job analysis when it is needed to arrive at or support a recommended vocational outcome.
The provider cannot submit a vocational plan during a forensic evaluation.
At the conclusion of the forensic evaluation the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) provides a professional opinion on possible job goals and the likelihood of an injured worker's success if not for the documented barriers.
The outcome of "further clarification of medical and vocational issues" was intended only for use when medical issues don't allow the VRC to recommend that:
- Vocational rehabilitation services aren't appropriate.
- Vocational rehabilitation services are appropriate.
- Injured worker is able to work.
A provider will need to coordinate with the claim manager if additional medical information is needed before a vocational outcome recommendation can be issued.
Forensic evaluations aren't included in the Complexity-Adjusted Cost per Outcome (CACO) scores. A provider can choose to wait for further medical or vocational evidence that may allow him or her to make a definitive recommendation.
