Types of Certificates of Capacity

First Certificate of Capacity

Only a medical practitioner can issue the first certificate of capacity. It can be valid for a maximum of 14 days off work unless there are special reasons provided on the certificate, such as where the worker has a severe injury or illness.

Subsequent Certificate of Capacity

A medical practitioner, physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath can sign a subsequent certificate of capacity. It can be valid for a maximum of 28 days unless the WorkSafe agent is satisfied that there are special reasons for the certificate to cover a longer period.

Victorian workers compensation legislation provides that a subsequent certificate of capacity can only be issued by a:

• Medical practitioner
• Physiotherapist
• Chiropractor
• Osteopath

Note: No other healthcare providers can issue a certificate of capacity at any time.

Attendance certificate

An attendance only certificate can be issued to confirm attendance for treatment with a medical practitioner, physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath.

Medical certificate for worker living overseas

A medical certificate and statement of identity, signed and witnessed by the healthcare provided issuing the certificate, can be issued if a worker has approval for continuing payments before they move overseas.

Note: The certificate cannot exceed 3 months.