Stay at Work Program

Staying active and engaged

In the Stay at Work Program, eligible State Fund employers who bring an injured worker safely back to work in a medically approved temporary light-duty or transitional job, (meaning the duties or work hours are modified to meet medical restrictions) may be reimbursed for some of their costs. Possible reimbursements include wages, cost of training, tools, equipment, or clothing required to do their job.

Preferred Worker Program

Everyone wins

When a worker has healed as much as possible from his/her injury, but cannot return to his/her previous job due to permanent medical restrictions, L&I may certify these workers through the Preferred Worker Program. This provides financial incentives and premium relief to eligible employers who create medically appropriate, long-term jobs for preferred workers. The Preferred Worker Program helps employers support the worker’s return to work while holding down costs. Hiring employers may also qualify for additional financial help to modify equipment at worksites to help preferred workers complete certain work-related tasks.

Functional Capacity Evaluations

What can the worker do?

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) may provide additional objective information in order for you to make return to work and treatment decisions. These evaluations are typically performed by an occupational and/or physical therapist lasting 3-6 hours and include a summary of results.

Job Analyses

Is this job OK?

A Job Analysis is frequently a key component to help your patient safely return to work. The Job Analysis is developed by a vocational provider and describes the physical demands and essential functions of a job. Vocational providers will seek your timely review and comment on the job analysis.

Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP)

Steps toward improvement

This service may help your patients who haven’t returned to work and haven’t improved with early interventions. PGAP® is a structured, evidenced-based, activity coach intervention created specifically to reduce or prevent disability associated with injury or illness. This service is for workers who express distress, fear of re-injury, anger, and/or hopelessness. PGAP® is administered by specially trained rehabilitation specialists who’ll meet or talk via phone with the worker once per week for up to 10 weeks. PGAP® and Activity Coaching.

Job Modifications

How can the employer help?

Modifying jobs is a common way an employer and L&I can help your patient return to work by accommodating work restrictions. For eligible workers, L&I will provide financial assistance of up to $5,000 for the employer to cover the cost of a modification. This may include modifying the work environment or purchasing a piece of equipment.

Retraining

When it's the only option

Some workers don’t have the skills or capacities to return to work. These workers may be found eligible to be retrained. The vocational provider will need your help, to include commenting on a job analysis, as they develop a retraining plan for the worker.