I wanted to thank the few people....largely from the Forensic Section it appeared to me......that posted comments related to the use of volunteer programs in the management of W/C disability claims. While a few people hinted at the ethical issues I had anticipated that the majority of the responses would have addressed this area. I remain curious as to what others think are the ethical implications of advocating a program that can appear to have minimal rehabilitative impact and which appears to be almost always utilized as some sort of holding pattern between injury and MMI or MMI and claim resolution. It is my understanding that there is no consultation with the injured worker about what type of volunteer opportunity they may be interested in, but rather a somewhat routine placement into whatever opportunity is available. Can such a placement/program be rehabilitative if there is no Client consultation or choice? Is it be ethical for a CRC to coordinate such a program?
I do accept and understand that there is a place for volunteer work in vocational rehabilitation, but I believe it should be on a case by case basis and geared toward some larger rehabilitation plan/goal. I also accept that I may not be thinking broadly enough and so I am very interested in what others think in this regard. I thank any of you who respond in advance and appreciate your time in doing so.
------------------------------
Stephen L. Sprauer, MS, CRC, CDMS
Manager, Vocational Services
TRIUNE Health Group
1100 Jorie Blvd., Suite 300
Oak Brook, IL 60523
stephen.sprauer@triunehg.com------------------------------