Board Releases Free Web Training on 2012 Guidelines for Determining Permanent Impairment and Loss of Wage Earning Capacity

Date: November 16, 2011

On November 3, 2011, I announced and released Subject No. 046-472, Workers' Compensation Board Announces 2012 NYS Guidelines for Determining Permanent Impairment and Loss of Wage Earning Capacity to take effect January 1, 2012. The 2012 Guidelines include:

• new impairment guidelines for the evaluation of non-schedule permanent disabilities
• new guidance on evaluating functional capabilities
• new guidance on determining loss of wage earning capacity

In addition, the Board has modified Form C-4.3, Doctor's Report of MMI/Permanent Impairment and created a new Form VDF-1, Loss of Wage Earning Capacity Vocational Data Form.

To promote consistent use of the 2012 Guidelines and the new forms by all stakeholders, the Board has developed free web-based educational programs. There are three learning modules available:

• 2012 Guidelines for Medical Professionals
• 2012 Guidelines: Modified Form C-4.3
• 2012 Guidelines: Basics for Non-Medical Professionals

Physicians may receive 1.25 CME credits for completing the 2012 Guidelines for Medical Professionals.

The training program is available on the Board's website. The website contains links to the courses and information about obtaining CME credits and how to log in, or register, to take the training. If you have previously registered to take the Medical Treatment Guidelines online training program, you can select log in and enter your email address and last name. If you have not previously registered for a Board training program, you will be directed to a registration screen the first time you select a course and will be asked to enter basic information and your email address.

The Board will post answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the website as they are received. If you have any questions or concerns about the training, please contact the Board at (877) 632-4996. If you have questions or concerns about the 2012 Guidelines and non-training related issues, please send them to the Board at 2012Guidelines@wcb.ny.gov.

Robert E. Beloten
Chair