Which statement about the return-to-work process is correct?

• A. An employee decides when to return to work without medical input
• B. The attending physician typically determines fitness to return to work
• C. The manager always decides based on attendance
• D. Insurance adjuster handles return-to-work only

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that deciding when an employee can safely return to work relies on medical input. The attending physician reviews the employee’s health status, notes any temporary or ongoing restrictions, and determines whether a full return, a modified/temporary duties arrangement, or a phased return is appropriate. This medical clearance guides the employer in planning accommodations, ensuring safety for the employee and coworkers, and estimating a realistic timeline for resuming normal duties.

The other scenarios don’t fit because the employee can’t safely decide on return without medical input, and authorities shouldn’t base the decision solely on attendance. The manager’s role is to manage operations, not to determine fitness to work without medical guidance. Insurance adjusters handle claims and financial aspects, not the medical determination of when a person can return to work.