Disability and Return-to-Work Flashcards
7 cards from real COHN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Disability and Return-to-Work flashcards as text
Which of the following is an example of an 'undue hardship' that might excuse an employer from providing a requested ADA accommodation?
Answer: The accommodation would require extensive restructuring that fundamentally alters the nature of the business operation
Undue hardship under the ADA considers significant difficulty or expense relative to the employer's size, resources, and the nature of the business — not mere inconvenience.
Early return-to-work programs have been shown to benefit employers primarily by:
Answer: Reducing total disability costs, maintaining worker productivity, and preserving employee skills and morale
Early RTW programs reduce total claim costs, maintain productivity, prevent deconditioning, and support employee morale and retention.
When reviewing a physician's return-to-work restrictions, a COHN notices the restrictions are vague (e.g., 'light duty'). What is the BEST action?
Answer: Contact the treating physician to clarify specific functional limitations in measurable terms
The COHN should contact the treating physician to obtain specific, measurable restrictions (e.g., maximum pounds lifted, hours standing) to properly match the worker to available duties.
A nurse who suspects a supervisor is pressuring an injured worker to return to work before medically appropriate should FIRST:
Answer: Document the concern and discuss it with the occupational health medical director or appropriate supervisor
The COHN should document concerns and escalate through appropriate channels, such as consulting with the occupational health medical director or raising the issue with HR or management.
Under workers' compensation, 'temporary total disability' (TTD) benefits are typically paid when:
Answer: The worker is completely unable to work while recovering from a work-related injury
TTD benefits are paid when an injured worker is temporarily unable to perform any work while healing from a work-related injury or illness.
Which of the following BEST describes the role of an 'ergonomic job modification' in a return-to-work program?
Answer: Redesigning the workstation or work methods to reduce physical demands and accommodate restrictions
Ergonomic job modifications redesign workstations, tools, or work methods to accommodate a worker's restrictions and reduce physical demands, enabling safe return.
A COHN is asked to develop a stay-at-work program. Which element is MOST critical for its success?
Answer: Early identification of injured workers, prompt medical intervention, and supervisor involvement
Successful stay-at-work programs depend on early injury identification, prompt medical care, and active supervisor support to keep workers productively engaged.