Important changes to the Return to Work Regulations 2015 have come into effect with the introduction of theReturn to Work (Permanent Impairment Assessment Costs) Amendment Regulations 2025. These amendments clarify responsibilities for costs related to permanent impairment assessments for injured workers.
Under the new regulations, compensating authorities (including ReturnToWorkSA and self-insured employers) must cover:
- Reasonable costs for diagnostic tests or medical investigations required or recommended by the Impairment Assessment Guidelines for a permanent impairment assessment under section 22 of the Return to Work Act 2014.
- Necessary and reasonable travel and accommodation expenses for the worker to attend these tests or investigations, with maximum daily caps of $301 for accommodation outside South Australia, or $215 otherwise.
These obligations apply regardless of whether the worker’s medical expenses entitlement period has ended.
For further information, the official regulations can be viewed by clicking the buttons below: