Work-Connected Recovery

Learn how the Work-Connected Recovery program puts workers first to help them get care faster.
An image that reads "A province-wide network that puts the worker first."

Today, people who experience a physical or psychological injury at work receive care from over 500 different health providers – physiotherapists, chiropractors, psychologists, occupational therapists, and others.

New in 2026: Work-Connected Recovery Program

In January 2026, we’ll officially launch the new Work-Connected Recovery Program, a network led by WCB and administered by Lifemark that will bring providers together for more coordinated and consistent care.

What workers can expect

Your care and recovery matter. Most workers will recover and return to work before we launch the new provider network in January 2026. If your care continues into 2026, we’ll work with you to make sure you continue to receive care that supports your recovery, ideally with your existing provider who has joined our network. Learn more about the Worker Experience in 2026.

Most people return to work within 90 days, especially for common injuries like sprains and strains. If you need to continue care into 2026, we’ll work with you to make sure you get the care you need – ideally with your current provider who joins our network.

Providers will be in each community, making care closer to home. Virtual care will also be available.

Yes, you can request a specific provider, as long as they’ve joined the network and can meet our service level agreements.

What providers can expect

WCB is establishing a province-wide provider network to deliver care to workers in 2026, administered by Lifemark. We encourage all current providers to apply to join. Joining the network means one point of contact for referrals, streamlined billing, standardized processes, standardized fee structure, and central support for admin and tech. Learn more about the process to join the network in 2026.

Lifemark has been selected to lead the new provider network. Visit their webpage to learn more about how to join.

There will be a transition plan for providers who do not join the network. We encourage you to explore the opportunity and connect with the Lifemark team to ask questions and learn more about what’s involved.

  • Being a provider on the network means:
  • streamlined billing
  • one point of contact for referrals
  • standardized processes, procedures, and reporting
  • central support for administration and technology
  • equal compensation under a single, standard fee structure

Starting in 2026, only providers who are part of the network will be able to treat people injured at work through the workers’ compensation system.

What employers can expect

Starting in 2026, the new network will mean one point of contact, standardized processes and reporting, and workers staying connected to work during recovery. If your organization works with a current provider, you can encourage them to apply.

Yes, if they join the provider network. We are encouraging all current providers to join.

Providers will be in each community, making care closer to home. Virtual care will also be available.

Getting your workers back sooner is the biggest win. But over time, this change will also help reduce employer premiums and improve worker benefits, which is important when employers in Nova Scotia face some of the highest premiums in the country.

Last updated: 2025-12-03
workers employers health service providers physical injuries psychological injuries return to work