Joint Health Command

Directorate of ADF Rehabilitation Services
Australian Defence Force Rehabilitation Program

The purpose of the ADF Rehabilitation Program (ADFRP) is to reduce the impact of occupational injury, illness and disease, thereby maximising Defence's capability.

The ADF has a responsibility to provide Health Care to ADF members in order to maintain the required level of operational readiness. Rehabilitation is a key component for facilitating the return of members to a state of readiness as soon as is practicable after injury or illness.

Rehabilitation has two purposes:

• The restoration of physical and mental functioning, and
• The restoration of productive work functioning.

Through effective rehabilitation, the ADF maximises the personnel dimension of capability with the intent to return an injured or ill member to maximum effectiveness within the ADF environment, or if this is not possible, the civilian environment.

The ADFRP has been developed to ensure Defence meets its duty of care and its responsibilities under legislation.

How do you start a Rehabilitation Program?

A webform PM546, Request for Rehabilitation Assessment, must be completed and faxed to the local ADF Rehabilitation Coordinator:

1. By the treating medical officer due to the nature of the injury or illness, or
2. By the serving member if they want to request an assessment, or
3. By the member's commander if they have a concern about the member's ongoing injury or illness and return to work options, or
4. By the treating medical officer if the member is placed on medical restrictions, absence due to illness, or absence due to convalescence, for a period greater than 28 days, or
5. By the Rehabilitation Coordinator if they receive advice from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) that a needs assessment has recommended a rehabilitation assessment.

ADF Rehabilitation Program (ADFRP) Awards Received

26 October, 2009