Risk Management

Workers' Compensation (CARO) State Agencies' Resources

Missouri Early Return to Work Program: Agencies Responsibilities

• Designate a departmental coordinator responsible for leading the Early Return To Work Program within the department.
• Provide temporary modified duty that accommodates the physical limitations of employees who are recovering from a work-related injury or occupational disease.
• Identify possible alternative modified work or other projects prior to the need to utilize modified duty.
• Communicate with the employee and supervisor their responsibilities in regard to the program and ensure that all parties respond accordingly.

• It is the state’s goal to accommodate the employee’s temporary restrictions. While a temporary modified assignment cannot be guaranteed to the employee, an assignment will be offered if available and if possible within the agency. Only as a last resort should administrative leave be utilized. However, contact the RTW Coordinator in OA Division of Personnel to ensure all avenues have been exhausted to possibly locate a temporary modified duty position.
• Monitor the temporary assignment and communicate with CARO in returning employee to full duty assignment.
• If an employee sustains permanent limitations as certified by the authorized treating physician that will not allow the employee to perform the essential functions of the position, the temporary assignment will cease and further action will be taken.

Please direct questions to the following:

CARO
P.O. Box 809
Jefferson City, MO  65102
Phone: (573) 751-2837
1-888-622-7694
Fax: (573) 751-5262
Email: CARO@oa.mo.gov