The Parties agree that the goal of an Early Intervention Program is to complement the existing disability plans by facilitating a proactive and customized service for ill and injured employees to effectively return to work in a safe and timely manner.

WHEREAS the objectives of the Early Intervention Program are:

(a) to initiate early contact with the ill/injured employee;

(b) to identify and provide appropriate case management of the ill/injured employee's health issues;

(c) to facilitate the rehabilitation of ill/injured employees while expediting a safe and timely return to work through an early return to work plan;

(d) to convey the message that employees are valued; and

(e) to reduce the costs of sick leave and the Long-Term Disability Insurance Plan.

AND WHEREAS the parties agree to promote open discussion and support for the Early Intervention Program.

THEREFORE the parties agree on the following principles for establishing an Early Intervention Program:

1. A joint Steering Committee, with equal representation, shall be established within thirty (30) days of ratification. The purpose of the Steering Committee is to develop an agreement for the delivery/implementation of an Early Intervention Program that has a case management component. The Steering Committee will also consider how the Early Intervention Program will integrate with existing programs, including PEARS. The Committee shall call upon advisors, as required, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Agency and the Healthcare Benefit Trust. 

   In the event other health sector Collective Agreements include an Early Intervention Plan Steering Committee similar or identical to the Committee described above, PAR-BC will make every effort to work with HEABC and the other Union Associations to develop a health sector wide Early Intervention Plan.

    

2. An implementation committee will be established with the following mandate:

   (a) implement the Early Intervention Program by December 5, 2006;

   (b) promote the Early Intervention Program to employees, Unions, and

   (c) Employers; develop and implement a communications plan for the Early Intervention Program;

   (d) receive and analyze quarterly data reports to evaluate the effectiveness of the Early Intervention Program and its impact on sick leave and the Long-Term Disability Insurance Plan;

   (e) discuss issues arising from the implementation of the Early Intervention Program referenced in this Memorandum of Agreement.

    

3. The parties agree that the implementation of the Early Intervention Program will be effective on December 5, 2006. In the event the Steering Committee has not agreed on the elements of the Early Intervention Program, they will refer the matter to mediation/arbitration with Donald Munroe by October 1, 2006 for a hearing by November 15, 2006. Donald Munroe shall also be available to the parties, if necessary, to facilitate the resolution of parties at the local level to resolve any disputes regarding the implementation of the Early Intervention Program.

    

4. The LTD Plan carrier will administer and provide Early Intervention Program case management unless the members of the Steering Committee voluntarily agree to a different provider.

    

5. An Early Intervention Program provides assistance to employees, including the proper completion of any required forms. Non-participation in the Early Intervention Program may result in complications, delay or denial of LTD Plan claims and/or benefits. The parties agree that ill/injured regular employees shall participate in the Early Intervention Program and cooperate by:

• completing all required forms;

• speaking with Early Intervention Program coordinators and/or Union representatives to discuss the potential for early return to work or accommodation plans;

• participating in an agreed upon early return to work/accommodation plan if approved by the ill/injured employee's physician; and

• cooperating with any recommended medical and rehabilitation intervention plans, if approved, by the attending physician.

(a)The parties agree that for the purposes of the Early Intervention Program, an independent service provider engaged for the Early Intervention Program will be bound by the B.C. Personal Information Protection Act and have strict confidentiality policies and procedures. Information that the ill/injured employee provides to the Early Intervention Program service provider is confidential.

However, the agreed to accommodation plan including limitations will be shared with the Employer and the Early Intervention Program Coordinator where required for early return to work plans.

(b) The Steering Committee will only receive aggregate and summary data in order to measure the effectiveness of the Early Intervention Program.