When a claim for workers compensation is disputed the first step is that the insurer/employer seeks a determination by the Workers Rehabilitation & Compensation Tribunal of a ‘reasonably arguable case’. There is a relatively low threshold for the Tribunal to make such a finding i.e. establish that there is some reasonable doubt about liability. This […]
Peter Sharman withdraws from role as Convenor of AMA Workers Compensation Subcommittee
After nearly 3 years in this challenging role, I have decided to withdraw as Convenor of the AMA Workers Compensation Subcommittee. I have recognised that it would be best for another interested doctor to take on this role to explain and progress the AMA’s proposals for improvements to Tasmania’s workers compensation system. I have reached the conclusion […]
ACHRF ‘Committee’s Choice’ Poster Award
I made a presentation at the recent Australasian Compensation Health Research Forum in Melbourne. The presentation was in the form of a Poster presenting the work the AMA had done in promoting the concept of ‘Complex Case Management’ as an alternative ‘clinical pathway’ for workers with potentially poor-prognosis work injuries. I was pleased to be awarded […]
Podcast – Interview with Peter Sharman about Complex Case Management
For those interested listen to this podcast. See link below: Podcast – IV with Peter Sharman about Complex Case Management on RTW Nation
Medical Dispute Resolution Survey – Last Days
We have had more than 75 people complete the survey, providing information about the views of people who attend the practice about IME assessments and whether they have had any experience with alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. I am planning to collate the results in final preparation for my presentation to the ALA Conference next week. […]
AMA Presents Reform Submission to the WorkCover Board
Neurosurgeon, Mr Andrew Hunn, AMA CEO, Mr Tony Steven and Occupational Physician, Dr Peter Sharman were invited to attend the September meeting of the WorkCover Board to present a submission about the AMA’s ideas for workers compensation reform. The centrepiece of the submission were ideas about how ‘complex’ cases can be streamed into an alternate […]
Second Injury Scheme Seminar – 23 October 2015
Worker Assist and WorkSafe Tasmania have organised a seminar to explore the concept of a ‘second injury scheme’ for Tasmania as part of WorkSafe Month. The concept is that there is a need for incentives to employers take on workers who cannot return to their previous job because of their injury. This […]
WorkSafe releases ‘Consultation Overview Paper” Potential Act Amendments
During 2014 the Tasmanian Government requested that the WorkCover Board engage with scheme participants and stakeholders about opportunities to reduce ‘red tape’ in the Tasmanian Compensation Scheme. A ‘Consultation Overview Paper’ has been released by WorkSafe Tasmania listing the potential amendments to the legislation. The amendments relevant to workers, rehabilitation providers and doctors include changes relating […]
The Myth of Workers Compensation Fraud?
Alex Collie, CEO of ISCRR recently drew attention to this article. See article on Insult and Injury Blog: The Myth of Workers Compensation Fraud
WorkCover Legislative Review Tabled in Parliament
Finity Consulting Pty Limited were commissioned to provide a review of various amendments to the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1998. Their report has recently been posted on the WorkCover website. I understand the report was recently also tabled in Parliament. See link below to full report. The recommendations following the review were stated as follows: […]