What do vocational rehabilitation services aim to achieve for injured workers under Hawaii's workers' compensation laws?

Vocational rehabilitation services play a vital role in supporting injured workers under Hawaii's workers' compensation laws by focusing on their return to suitable employment. These services are designed to help individuals who have suffered work-related injuries regain their ability to work, either by assisting them in finding new jobs or facilitating their return to their previous positions if possible.

The ultimate goal of these services is to help injured workers regain financial independence and rebuild their careers, which is critical for their overall well-being and reintegration into the workforce. This may involve providing training, job placement services, or skills assessments to ensure that the injured workers can transition effectively back to work.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary mission of vocational rehabilitation. While financial support for long-term care may be necessary for some injured workers, it is not the primary aim of vocational rehabilitation. Legal advice during compensation claims is also outside the scope of vocational rehabilitation services, as it pertains more to navigating the claims process rather than returning to work. Lastly, facilitating medical treatment options is crucial for recovery but does not directly address the vocational aspect that rehabilitation services focus on. Therefore, assisting in returning to suitable employment is the correct focus of vocational rehabilitation under Hawaii's workers' compensation framework.