WA State Vocational Counselor

[ath20s]

Hi - On 4/08 my wife was injured in an auto accident while working. The L&I Claim was processed with no problems. We were contacted by a third party stating she is required to have a "Vocational Counselor"?? During our initial visit, the vocational counselor requested we sign some release / legal documents (of which we have not signed yet). I specifically asked her if WA State Law requires a claim like this to have a vocational counselor.....She stated no, it was decided by the L&I Claims manger.

At this point we feel it is much too premature to be pressured by a third party, attempting to get my wife back to work, or to find other work. My wife is not interested at this time in a vocational counselor, and feels competent enough to determine her eligibility to return to work or seek alternative employment.

Our questions are:

1)Does WA State Law require a case like this to have a Vocational Counselor?

2)If no, what is the best way to address the L&I Claims Manager - Letting her know we do not want a vocational counselor?

3)What happens if we don't sign these documents? (documents included a right to service agreement, a release for medical records, a release for work history).

Thanks in advance for your help!