How to Read the R-2 and R-3 Rehab Forms (Minnesota Workers’ Comp)
The R-2 rehabilitation plan and R-3 plan amendment are not bills. Learn what the fields mean, what the cost estimates are, and what to do if you disagree.
If you just opened an R-2 or R-3 and thought, “What the hell is this?” you’re not alone.
Quick offer: Call or text The Comp Guys at (612) 568-5291. You’ll talk to an attorney right away. If you only want one specific question answered and don’t want to hire anyone, that’s OK. Just tell us and get right to it.
First: the R-2 and R-3 are not bills
The employee generally does not pay
In Minnesota workers’ compensation, vocational rehabilitation services are generally paid by the employer/insurer (see Minn. Stat. § 176.102, subd. 9; Minn. R. 5220.1900).
So if you’re staring at an R-2 with “Projected Cost: $8,000” and you’re panicking-that’s not your bill.
Then why is there a cost section at all?
Because the system requires the plan to describe what services will be provided and to estimate the time/cost. It’s meant to:
- budget rehab services,
- document what the QRC intends to do,
- and create a record if the plan later needs to be amended.
Important nuance: a plan is not a promise that every line item will happen exactly as written. But it is supposed to be reasonable-and if reality changes, the plan should be updated (that’s what the R-3 is for).
What is the R-2?
The R-2 is the initial Rehabilitation Plan. Think of it as:
- the “game plan,” and
- the official starting point for several key deadlines (including the 60-day QRC change window).
Sample R-2 (redacted)
Samples are not published on this site right now. If you want to see an R‑2, ask your QRC/adjuster for the copy filed in your case (or for a blank copy of the current form).
What is the R-3?
The R-3 is a Rehabilitation Plan Amendment. It’s used when something changes, such as:
- work restrictions changed,
- the employer can/can’t accommodate,
- the goal changes (return to same employer → new employer → retraining),
- job search services begin,
- the QRC adds a vendor,
- timelines or projected costs change.
Sample R-3 Plan Amendment (redacted)
Samples are not published on this site right now. If you received an R‑3, ask for the full packet and any cover letter that explains deadlines or objections.
The “15-day” issue: when plans become “approved”
Many R-2 and R-3 packets include a cover page/letter that references a 15-day window.
The basic concept is:
- the plan is circulated,
- parties have a window to object,
- and if nobody objects, it can become effective without a hearing.
The exact rule language and timelines matter (see Minn. R. 5220.0410), and deadlines can be misunderstood. If you’re trying to object, don’t guess-get legal advice fast.
R-2 cheat sheet: what the fields mean
Different versions of the form exist, but most R-2s include numbered boxes like these:
1–3: Employee identifiers
These include things like WID/SSN/ID, name, address, phone.
Why it matters: This is where filing mistakes happen. If the wrong person/claim is listed, get it corrected.
4–11: Employer/insurer claim information
Employer/insurer contact, claim number, date of injury, and similar basics.
Why it matters: If rehab is being denied or delayed, these boxes tell you who to press.
12–18: QRC information
Who the QRC is, their registration number, and contact details.
Why it matters: This tells you who is responsible for the plan and who must respond when you have questions.
19–22: What this plan is trying to accomplish
This is usually where you’ll see:
- the vocational goal (return to date-of-injury job? new job? retraining?),
- the plan start and end dates,
- the “suitable gainful employment” target.
This section is the heart of the form.
If the goal doesn’t make sense (or ignores your restrictions), that’s a problem.
The service table
This is where the plan lists:
- the service category (job development, placement, medical management, etc.),
- a description,
- projected cost,
- projected completion date.
How to read it:
- Look for real next steps (not vague “monitoring”).
- Look for timelines (“by March 15…”).
- If the plan is heavy on “job placement” but nobody is helping you apply, that’s a mismatch.
Signatures and comments
There are often boxes for employee, employer, and insurer comments and signatures.
Tip: If you disagree, don’t just refuse to sign and go silent. Put the issue in writing and ask about the dispute process.
R-3 cheat sheet: what’s different
R-3s usually repeat the core claim/QRC information, then focus on:
What is being amended
The amendment should tell you:
- what changed,
- why it changed,
- what services are being added/removed,
- and what the updated timeline/cost is.
The “brief summary” box
This box matters because it becomes part of the record. If the summary is misleading (“employee refuses work”), you should address it immediately.
Updated service table
Same idea as the R-2-look for specifics, not vague promises.
The single biggest mistake people make with these forms
They ignore them.
An R-2 can affect:
- your right to change QRC within 60 days,
- the official rehab goal,
- what the insurer later argues you “refused.”
An R-3 can affect:
- whether job search is being required,
- whether retraining is still on the table,
- whether closure is coming next.
If you’re confused, it’s worth a 5‑minute call before you sign or do nothing.