What is return-to-work and modified duty in Rhode Island?

• A. It means the employee remains on leave until fully recovered.
• B. It is the process of returning an injured employee to work, possibly in a job with restrictions that fit medical status.
• C. It requires the employee to find a new job independently.
• D. It only applies after all medical treatment ends.

Answer: (B)

Return-to-work and modified duty is about bringing an injured employee back to the job in a way that fits what the medical professional says the worker can safely do during recovery. Modified duty means adjusting tasks, hours, or the work environment so they align with medical restrictions—so the person can contribute while still healing. In Rhode Island workers’ compensation practice, this approach helps the employee stay connected to the workplace, supports a quicker recovery, and can align with the benefits that may be available while the worker is limited. It is not about staying off work until fully recovered, not about the employee finding a new job on their own, and not something that only happens after all treatment ends.