Recommendation of Care (ROC) Network – Additional Employer Option for Employee Medical Direction of Care

The Recommendation of Care (ROC) Network in New York is the employer’s recommendation of a designated network of health care provider(s) and is defined as actively endorsing or promoting the use of a designated network or health care provider(s) for the treatment of an injured employee.

Subpart 325-2.2: “Recommendation of a designated network or health care provider shall mean the act of actively endorsing or promoting the utilization of a designated network or health care provider for the treatment of an injured employee”

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) discounts are available on all claims where ROC rules have been followed (12 NYCRR § 325-2).

Employee Communication Requirements

Any ROC materials for employees MUST clearly indicate that:

  • The use of the specified network or providers is strictly voluntary
  • Employees may obtain a list of authorized health care providers from the Workers’ Compensation Board
  • Employees may choose or change their provider at will without jeopardizing medical or indemnity benefits

Employee Consent Form (C-3.1) Notice of Right to Select a Workers' Compensation Board Authorized Health Care Provider:

The employer shall provide the injured employee with a copy of this signed form and shall maintain the original form in the employer's records where it may be inspected by the Workers' Compensation Board at any time. This form shall not be submitted to the Workers' Compensation Board nor shall it be executed prior to the occurrence of this employee's work-related injury or illness.

  • Signed by employee
  • Signed for each new injury, even if employee is the same
  • Delivered at time of injury or after the injury occurs
  • Retained (original) for 18 years (copy provided to employee)
  • The employer is responsible for giving the employee the C-3.1 for his/her signature at the time of, or after, the injury
  • Mailing of the C-3.1 form, by the employer is another method of distribution of the form to an employee for his/her signature
  • Requirement is in the administration/delivery of the C-3.1 to the injured employee, not in its execution
  • Completion of the C-3.1 must not hinder any injured employee in securing timely, appropriate treatment for a work-related injury/illness

Please click on this text to download the Employee Consent Form (English/Spanish).