WAC 296-19A-125   What is the purpose of forensic services?  The department may make a referral for forensic services to obtain an independent and objective evaluation of the vocational rehabilitation components of a complex claim. The department will only authorize a forensic evaluation when previous vocational referrals have not resolved an injured worker's vocational issues, except when necessary to make a determination regarding whether a deceased worker was totally and permanently disabled at the time of death. The forensic evaluation shall define what additional services, if any, are necessary and likely to enable an industrially injured or ill worker to become employable at gainful employment. A forensic evaluation shall also include collecting information relevant to making a vocational recommendation, according to the provisions in WAC 296-19A-130.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 51.04.020, 51.04.030, 51.32.095, 51.36.100, 51.36.110. 03-11-009, § 296-19A-125, filed 5/12/03, effective 2/1/04.]