Now is the time to let the Ontario Ombudsman know if you have a complaint about how the WSIB has dealt with your treating physician’s recommendations. Following recent events highlighting WSIB practices regarding medical evidence, the Ontario Ombudsman has agreed to consider whether they can launch a full systemic investigation into the issue.
The Ombudsman needs to hear from you about your case (if possible, before the end of January). If the advice of your healthcare team has been ignored by the Board, you can help encourage change by filing an official complaint yourself with the Ombudsman Office (download flyer):
- Visit Make A Complaint online or ask your legal representative for a paper copy. If you need help filling out the form, please contact Injured Workers’ Consultants legal aid clinic at (416) 461-2411.
Although this has been a longstanding concern among injured workers, their advocates and health providers, in the last few months it has drawn increased public attention through media coverage of a major ONIWG/OFL report “Prescription Over-Ruled”, produced with the assistance of six Ontario psychologists, and the courage of other physicians in also speaking out.
Related reading:
- “Raising the Alarm on WSIB’s Interference in Medical Care” (5 Nov. 2015) – Queen’s Park press conference on release of “Prescription Over-Ruled” and why a group of Ontario psychologists felt compelled to speak out
- “MD Claims WSIB Fired Her Over Medical Opinion: Lawsuit Claims Employer and Insurance Board Wanted Doctor to ‘Participate in a Fraud’ Regarding Worker’s Injuries” (Toronto Star, 23 Sep. 2015). Despite Dr Brenda Steinnagel’s refusal to change her medical report, the Board obtained one that resulted in injured hospital worker being denied his benefits