Governing Legislation, Policy and Guidelines(7:II): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:57, 28 July 2021

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on June 30, 2021.

A. Legislation

The WCA is the legislation which creates and governs the Board. As set out above, the WCA replaced the Former Act on April 6, 2020. While there was no substantive change encompassed in this act revision, the section numbers of the WCA have changed significantly. As such, this chapter will refer to the section numbers of the current WCA as well as the section numbers from the Former Act.

There are a number of regulations passed under the WCA, the most important being the OH&S Regulation.

In 2004, the Administrative Tribunals Act, SBC 2004, c 45 (the “ATA”) came into effect. The ATA applies to any administrative tribunals in BC that adopt the ATA (or sections thereof) in their legislation. Under the WCA, certain sections of the ATA apply to WCAT including certain procedural requirements and a 60-day time limit for filing a judicial review from a WCAT decision. The ATA does not apply to Claims or Review Division decisions.

Citations for the WCA, key amendments and other relevant legislation are attached in the Appendix.

B. Binding Policy

The WCA sections 339 and 303 [Former Act, ss. 99 and 250] make Board policy binding on all Board decision-makers and appeal bodies (i.e. Review Division and WCAT). The courts have determined that the effect of these provisions is to give Board policy a legal status equivalent to subordinate legislation (see below).

The key documents setting out binding Board policy are:

1 The statements contained under the heading “Policy” in the Assessment Manual – these policies relate to Part 5: Accident Fund and Employer Assessment of the WCA [Former Act, Division 4];
2 The statements contained under the heading “Policy” in the Prevention Manual – these policies relate to Part 2: Occupational Health and Safety of the WCA [Former Act, Part 3]; and
3 The Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual Volume I and II (the “RSCM I” and the “RSCM II”) (other than explanatory material and the headings “Background” and “Practice”) – these policies relate to Part 3: Workers’ Compensation System and Part 4: Compensation to Injured Workers and their Dependants of the WCA [Former Act, Part 1];

All legislation and Board policies are available on the Board website at worksafebc.com

In practice, Board policy confines, or attempts to confine, the nature of relevant evidence and provides the framework for how evidence is to be assessed and weighed. Therefore, in appeals, it is important to identify the correct applicable Board policy whether or not it is identified in the initial Board decision.

This manual focuses on claims compensation issues. As such, the most important policy documents for the purposes of this manual are the RSCM I and the RSCM II. The current RSCM I and RSCM II are available at www.worksafebc.com under the “Law and Policy” tab, followed by the “Compensation Policies” link under “Claims & Rehabilitation”. On the sidebar, there are tabs for both RSCM Volumes I and II. The RSCM I applies to claims initiated before June 30, 2002 and the RSCM II applies to any claims initiated after June 30, 2002.

The RSCM II has eighteen chapters. Each chapter focuses on a particular entitlement issue or benefit and contains the policies relating to that issue. Each policy is numbered and dated and is typically 1-3 pages long. The RSCM II index (also available through the RSCM II link) is very helpful for locating relevant chapters and policies.

Board policies change from time to time. Each new version of a policy is passed by the Board of Directors and is published with both a specific effective date and a determination as to whether or not the changes apply to appeals. This information is set out at the end of each policy. Each new Board policy is incorporated into the electronic version of the RSCM II available on the Board website. When handling an appeal, students should determine the relevant applicable policy (especially for old claims) and should also review the electronic version of newer policy to ensure that it is still current. The Board website also contains all the former or “archived” policy manuals so that any relevant policy is accessible, even for old claims. It is important to ensure you have found the version of an applicable policy as it read at the time a particular decision was made.

If a particular Board decision quotes part of a policy, it is good practice to read the whole policy and also to look at the surrounding policies to understand the full framework for that type of benefit. Also, although a particular policy may be quoted in a decision, the decision-maker may or may not have applied the right policy. It is best to assess the worker’s issue and determine whether or not alternative policies may be the correct applicable policies.

Lastly, Board policy must be consistent with the WCA. If someone considers that a Board policy is inconsistent with the WCA, they are entitled to challenge that policy in a WCAT appeal in which it is relevant. If the WCAT panel agrees that the policy is not supported by the WCA, the panel will refer the matter to the WCAT Chair; if the Chair agrees, they will refer the policy to the WCB’s Board of Directors for ultimate determination and possible policy change. See section 304 of the WCA [Former Act, s. 251].

C. Binding Policy: Standard of Proof and Evidence

Section 339 (2) and (3) of the WCA require that the Board “make its decision based on the merits and justice of the case, but in doing this the Board must apply the policies of the board of directors that are applicable in that case” and “if the Board is making a decision respecting the compensation or rehabilitation of a worker and the evidence supporting different findings on an issue is evenly weighted in that case, the Board must resolve that issue in a manner that favours the worker”. This means that in WCB cases there is a unique standard of proof. Where a case is 50-50, it should be resolved in favour of the worker (an “as likely as not” standard). This is less than the standard of proof used in civil claims. The civil standard is on a balance of probabilities (“more likely than not” or 50% +1).

In practice, Board policy confines, or attempts to confine, the nature of relevant evidence and provides the framework for how evidence is to be assessed and weighed. Therefore, in appeals, it is important to identify the correct applicable Board policy whether or not it is identified in the initial Board decision.

D. Non-Binding Guidance

Both WCB and WCAT provide useful interpretive guides that combine policy, important decisions, and best practices. WCB issues Practice Directives that advise on many particularly complex issues such as chronic pain, mental disorders, and overpayments. These are accessible through the “Law and Policy” tab at worksafebc.com under the title “Compensation Practice Directives and Reference Guides”.

The Review Division Practices and Procedures manual (the “RDPP”) is an important document to review when dealing with a review of a Board decision. While the RDPP is not binding, it outlines standards and practices for the Review Division that may not be obvious on a reading of the relevant sections of the WCA.

WCAT’s guidelines are published in the Manual of Rules, Policy and Procedures (the “MRPP”), available on the WCAT website at www.wcat.bc.ca.

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 == A. Legislation ==
-The '''Workers Compensation Act [WCA]''' is the legislation which creates and governs the Board.  In April 2020, the WCA was revised with various provisions corresponding to new section numbers. As such, this chapter will refer to the revised section numbers as well as the previous section numbers.
+The WCA is the legislation which creates and governs the Board.  As set out above, the WCA replaced the Former Act on April 6, 2020. While there was no substantive change encompassed in this act revision, the section numbers of the WCA have changed significantly. As such, this chapter will refer to the section numbers of the current WCA as well as the section numbers from the Former Act.
-The WCA revised sections 339 and 303 (previously 99 and 250) of the Act to make Board policy binding on all Board decision-makers and appeal bodies (i.e. Review Division and WCAT).  The courts have since determined that the effect of these provisions is to give Board policy a legal status equivalent to subordinate legislation (see below).
+There are a number of regulations passed under the WCA, the most important being the OH&S Regulation.
-Since March 1, 2003, there are two levels of appeal for most Board decisions:
+In 2004, the ''Administrative Tribunals Act'', SBC 2004, c 45 (the '''“ATA”''') came into effect. The ATA applies to any administrative tribunals in BC that adopt the ATA (or sections thereof) in their legislation. Under the WCA, certain sections of the ATA apply to WCAT including certain procedural requirements and a 60-day time limit for filing a judicial review from a WCAT decision.  The ATA does not apply to Claims or Review Division decisions.
-*i. an internal review at the Review Division (RD); and
+Citations for the WCA, key amendments and other relevant legislation are attached in the Appendix.
-*ii. an external de novo appeal at the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT), which is an independent tribunal.
-In 2004, the '''''Administrative Tribunals Act'', SBC 2004, c 45 [ATA]''' came into effect. The ATA applies to all administrative tribunals in B.C., including WCAT. The ATA sets out certain procedural requirements for WCAT and also sets a 60-day time limit for filing a judicial review from a WCAT decision. The ATA does not apply to Claim or Review Division decisions.
-Occupational Health & Safety matters are primarily dealt with through the ''Occupation Health & Safety Regulation'', as interpreted by the Prevention Manual.
+== B. Binding Policy ==
+The WCA sections 339 and 303 [Former Act, ss. 99 and 250] make Board policy binding on all Board decision-makers and appeal bodies (i.e. Review Division and WCAT).   The courts have determined that the effect of these provisions is to give Board policy a legal status equivalent to subordinate legislation (see below).
-Citations for the WCA, key amendments and other relevant legislation are attached in the Appendix. All legislation and Board policies are available on the [http://www.worksafebc.com Board website]. Applicable ATA provisions and their effect on WCAT procedures are also incorporated in WCAT’s ''Manual of Rules, Policy and Procedures'' [MRPP], available on the [http://www.wcat.bc.ca WCAT website].
+The key documents setting out binding Board policy are:
-== B. Binding Policy for Compensation Claims and Appeals: RSCM II ==
+#1 The statements contained under the heading “Policy” in the Assessment Manual – these policies relate to Part 5: Accident Fund and Employer Assessment of the WCA [Former Act, Division 4];
-Section 339 (previously 99) of the WCA requires the Board to apply any applicable Board policy which has been passed by the Board of Directors.  This means that published Board policy is binding on all Board decision-makers, including the Review Division; a similar provision, s 303 (previously 250), makes Board policy binding on WCAT.
+#2 The statements contained under the heading “Policy” in the ''Prevention Manual'' – these policies relate to Part 2: Occupational Health and Safety of the WCA [Former Act, Part 3]; and
+#3 The Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual Volume I and II (the '''“RSCM I”''' and the '''“RSCM II”''') (other than explanatory material and the headings “Background” and “Practice”) – these policies relate to Part 3: Workers’ Compensation System and Part 4: Compensation to Injured Workers and their Dependants of the WCA [Former Act,  Part 1];
+All legislation and Board policies are available on the Board website at [http://www.worksafebc.com worksafebc.com]
-Section 339 (2) and (3) of the WCA also states that all decisions “make its decision based on the merits and justice of the case, but in doing this the Board must apply the policies of the board of directors that are applicable in that case” and “if the Board is making a decision respecting the compensation or rehabilitation of a worker and the evidence supporting different findings on an issue is evenly weighted in that case, the Board must resolve that issue in a manner that favours the worker”.  This means that in WCB cases there is a unique standard of proof. Where a case is 50-50, it should be resolved in favour of the worker (an “as likely as not” standard).  This is less than the standard of proof used in civil claims. The civil standard is on a balance of probabilities (“more likely than not” or 50% +1).
+In practice, Board policy confines, or attempts to confine, the nature of relevant evidence and provides the framework for how evidence is to be assessed and weighed.  Therefore, in appeals, it is important to identify the correct applicable Board policy whether or not it is identified in the initial Board decision.
-In practice, Board policy confines, or attempts to confine, the nature of relevant evidence and provides the framework for how evidence is to be assessed and weighed.  Therefore, in appeals, it is important to identify the correct applicable Board policy whether or not it is identified in the initial Board decision
+This manual focuses on claims compensation issues. As such, the most important policy documents for the purposes of this manual are the RSCM I and the RSCM II. The current RSCM I and RSCM II are available at www.worksafebc.com under the “Law and Policy” tab, followed by the “Compensation Policies” link under “Claims & Rehabilitation”.   On the sidebar, there are tabs for both RSCM Volumes I and II.  The RSCM I applies to claims initiated before June 30, 2002 and the RSCM II applies to any claims initiated after June 30, 2002.
-Compensation policy is set out in the '''Rehabilitation Services and Claims Manual, Volume II [RSCM II]'''. The current RSCM II is available at the [http://www.worksafebc.com WCB site] under the “Law and Policy” tab, followed by the “Compensation Policies” link under “Claims & Rehabilitation”.   On the sidebar, there are tabs for both RSCM Volumes I and II.  Volume I applies to claims initiated before June 30, 2002 [RSCM I] and Volume II applicable to any claims initiated after June 30, 2002.
+The RSCM II has eighteen chapters.  Each chapter focuses on a particular entitlement issue or benefit and contains the policies relating to that issue. Each policy is numbered and dated and is typically 1-3 pages long. The RSCM II index (also available through the RSCM II link) is very helpful for locating relevant chapters and policies.
-The RSCM II has eighteen chapters.  Each chapter focuses on a particular entitlement issue or benefit and contains the policies relating to that issue. Each policy is numbered and dated and is typically 1-3 pages long. The RSCM II index (also available through the RSCM II link) is very helpful for locating any relevant chapter and policy.
+Board policies change from time to time.  Each new version of a policy is passed by the Board of Directors and is published with both a specific effective date and a determination as to whether or not the changes apply to appeals.  This information is set out at the end of each policy. Each new Board policy is incorporated into the electronic version of the RSCM II available on the Board website.   When handling an appeal, students should determine the relevant applicable policy (especially for old claims) and should also review the electronic version of newer policy to ensure that it is still current. The Board website also contains all the former or “archived” policy manuals so that any relevant policy is accessible, even for old claims. It is important to ensure you have found the version of an applicable policy as it read at the time a particular decision was made.
-Board policies change from time to time.  Each new version of a policy is passed by the Board of Directors and is published with both a specific effective date and a determination as to whether or not the changes apply to appeals.  This information is set out at the end of each policy. Each new Board policy is incorporated into the electronic version of the RSCM II available on the Board website.   When handling an appeal, students should determine the relevant applicable policy (especially for old claims) and should also review the electronic version of newer policy to ensure that it is still current. The Board website also contains all the former or “archived” policy manuals so that any relevant policy is accessible, even for old claims.
+If a particular Board decision quotes part of a policy, it is good practice to read the whole policy and also to look at the surrounding policies to understand the full framework for that type of benefit.   Also, although a particular policy may be quoted in a decision, the decision-maker may or may not have applied the right policy.  It is best to assess the worker’s issue and determine whether or not alternative policies may be the correct applicable policies.
+Lastly, Board policy must be consistent with the WCA.  If someone considers that a Board policy is inconsistent with the WCA, they are entitled to challenge that policy in a WCAT appeal in which it is relevant.  If the WCAT panel agrees that the policy is not supported by the WCA, the panel will refer the matter to the WCAT Chair; if the Chair agrees, they will refer the policy to the WCB’s Board of Directors for ultimate determination and possible policy change. See section 304 of the WCA [Former Act, s. 251].
+== C. Binding Policy: Standard of Proof and Evidence ==
+Section 339 (2) and (3) of the WCA require that the Board “make its decision based on the merits and justice of the case, but in doing this the Board must apply the policies of the board of directors that are applicable in that case” and “if the Board is making a decision respecting the compensation or rehabilitation of a worker and the evidence supporting different findings on an issue is evenly weighted in that case, the Board must resolve that issue in a manner that favours the worker”.  This means that in WCB cases there is a unique standard of proof. Where a case is 50-50, it should be resolved in favour of the worker (an “as likely as not” standard).  This is less than the standard of proof used in civil claims. The civil standard is on a balance of probabilities (“more likely than not” or 50% +1).
+In practice, Board policy confines, or attempts to confine, the nature of relevant evidence and provides the framework for how evidence is to be assessed and weighed.  Therefore, in appeals, it is important to identify the correct applicable Board policy whether or not it is identified in the initial Board decision.
-If a particular Board decision quotes part of a policy, it is good practice to read the whole policy and also to look at the surrounding policies to understand the full framework for that type of benefit.   Also, although a particular policy may be quoted in a decision, the decision-maker may or may not have applied the right policy.  It is best to assess the worker’s issue and determine whether or not alternative policies may be the correct applicable policies.
-Lastly, Board policy must be consistent with the WCA.  If someone considers that a Board policy is inconsistent with the WCA, they are entitled to challenge that policy in a WCAT appeal in which it is relevant.  If the WCAT panel agrees that the policy is not supported by the WCA, the panel will refer the matter to the WCAT Chair; if the Chair agrees, they will refer the policy to the WCB’s Board of Directors for ultimate determination and possible policy change (s 304, previously 251, WCA).
+== D. Non-Binding Guidance ==
+Both WCB and WCAT provide useful interpretive guides that combine policy, important decisions, and best practices.  WCB issues Practice Directives that advise on many particularly complex issues such as chronic pain, mental disorders, and overpayments.  These are accessible through the “Law and Policy” tab at [http://www.worksafebc.com worksafebc.com] under the title “Compensation Practice Directives and Reference Guides”.
-== C. Non-Binding Practices ==
+The Review Division Practices and Procedures manual (the '''“RDPP”''') is an important document to review when dealing with a review of a Board decision. While the RDPP is not binding, it outlines standards and practices for the Review Division that may not be obvious on a reading of the relevant sections of the WCA.
-Both WCB and WCAT also provide useful interpretive guides that combine policy, important decisions, and best practices.  WCB issues Practice Directives (PD) that advise on many particularly complex issues such as chronic pain, mental disorders, and overpayments.  These are accessible through the “Law and Policy” tab at [http://www.worksafebc.com WCB site] under the title “Compensation Practice Directives and Reference Guides”.  WCAT’s guidelines are published in the MRPP discussed above.  These publications can be extremely useful and are worth exploring although neither are binding on their respective bodies.
-== D. Arguing Medical Evidence ==
+WCAT’s guidelines are published in the ''Manual of Rules, Policy and Procedures'' (the '''“MRPP”'''), available on the WCAT website at www.wcat.bc.ca.
-As in any legal arena, at all stages of the Workers’ Compensation process it is vital to support claims with evidence.  Often this can be especially challenging when dealing with medical issues for many reasons: for example, these issues require specialized knowledge, they often do not lend themselves to certainty even for professionals, and most injured workers have limited time and money to spend collecting evidence.  Conversely, WCB has salaried Board Medical Advisors (BMA) and WCAT is “presumed to be an expert in all matters over which it has exclusive jurisdiction” (''Fraser Health Authority v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal'', 2014 BCCA 499 (''Fraser Health'')).  Nevertheless, WCB and WCAT are not presumed to have medical or scientific expertise and as such they are not permitted to ignore uncontradicted expert advice (''Page v. British Columbia (Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal)'', 2009 BCSC 493) particularly in light of the “as likely as not” standard.  While it may be useful to document subjective claims of injury, pain, and limitations, workers should bring as much objective expert evidence as possible.  This may include evidence from physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and dentists in addition to a family doctor. If necessary and possible, ask to be referred to a specialist.
-Also, recall that medical diagnosis and medical causation does not need to be proved to the level of scientific certainty. The finder of fact is permitted to make common sense inferences (''Snell v Farrell'', [1990] 2 SCR 311; ''McKnight v. Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal'', 2012 BCSC 1820).
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