Work capacity certificate
Before making a claim for workers’ compensation with an insurer, a worker will need a work capacity certificate from their doctor.
Claim applications are not valid without a completed work capacity certificate.
Only a doctor (registered medical practitioner), nurse practitioner (minor injury), or dentist (oral injury) who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) can issue a work capacity certificate.
An insurer will not accept a work capacity certificate completed by an allied health provider, such as a physiotherapist or psychologist.
What is a work capacity certificate?
A work capacity certificate is a type of medical certificate that tells an insurer about a work-related injury or illness, and what treatment and/or time off work is needed.
These certificates are used specifically for workers' compensation related matters. They include a lot more information than a standard medical certificate.
What information is on a work capacity certificate?
A work capacity certificate provides important information to an insurer, including:
- a worker’s full name and details
- the type of injury/illness (diagnosis)
- the date the injury occurred and how it occurred
- what treatment is needed
- whether a worker can return to work or if time off is needed
- any restrictions in completing certain tasks or functions
- any workplace changes or considerations that are needed to help support return to work
- the details of the medical practitioner who completed the certificate.
Below is a sample work capacity certificate. Some doctors may use an older version of this form.
How is this certificate used?
The information provided on a work capacity certificate is used by an insurer to make a decision on a worker’s claim and to help them to understand how to best support a worker.
Information about a worker’s capacity for work, including what tasks they can do, will also be shared with their employer to help them plan return to work and suitable duties.
Submitting a work capacity certificate
It is a worker’s responsibility to submit a valid work capacity certificate when they make a claim for workers' compensation, or to confirm with their medical provider that they will submit it on their behalf.
Are you a medical provider?
For more information on how to fill out a work capacity certificate for an injured worker, please visit this page.