WorkSafeBC policy in the Rehabilitation Services and Claims Manual Volume II provides guidance on how and when decisions are communicated to workers and employers.

At issue is whether policy on Notification of Decisions should be revised to provide: what constitutes a decision; when a decision is "made"in light of triggering the timelines on reconsideration, review and appeal; how decisions are communicated; a definition of finding of fact; and notice of review and appeal rights to applicants whose claims for compensation are rejected.

At their meeting on May 13, 2009 the Board of Directors approved a further round of consultation and the release of a revised discussion paper with options and draft policy amendments for stakeholder comment. Proposed deletions of policy wording are identified with a strikethrough and additions are identified in bold.

The discussion paper and a summary of how you can respond to the consultation request may be found at the following link:

Consultation Link

The consultation period will end on September 14, 2009. The Board of Directors will consider stakeholder feedback before making a decision on policy amendments.

Please note that all comments become part of the Policy and Research Division's database and may be published, including the identity of organizations and those participating on behalf of organizations. The identity of those who have participated on their own behalf will be kept confidential according to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.