The employee's treating physician releases him to return to work after removal of his patella and indicates his condition is permanent and stationary. You should:

• A. Document the file and go on to other work
• B. Cut off TTD and begin advancing PD
• C. Request a report regarding the extent of disability if any
• D. Cut off TTD

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the move from temporary disability to permanent disability when a treating physician says the condition is permanent and stationary. In California workers’ comp, once a patient is deemed permanent and stationary (and is released to return to work), temporary total disability benefits end. If there is any permanent impairment, permanent disability benefits should begin, based on the impairment rating and earnings history. So, with a knee injury where the patella was removed and the physician states permanent and stationary, the correct action is to stop TTD and start processing permanent disability payments. This reflects the transition from temporary to permanent impairment, acknowledging that while the employee can return to work, there may still be lasting impairment that warrants PD benefits.