Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Practice Exam

Under what conditions may an injured worker's pay be reduced when accepting a modified duty assignment?

1. Only if the injured worker is temporarily stationed at a job that normally pays a lower rate

2. It depends on the laws of the state in which the injury occurred

3. Only if they are doing so for a nonretaliatory reason

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

The correct answer is inclusive of all the choices provided because each condition outlines a legitimate factor that can affect an injured worker's pay in the context of accepting a modified duty assignment. When an injured worker takes on modified duties, the nature of the work and its compensation can change based on several circumstances. If the modified position entails tasks that are typically compensated at a lower rate, it is reasonable for the worker's pay to be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, the variability of state laws plays a significant role in determining workers' compensation policies, which can dictate the specifics of pay adjustments when a worker is assigned to modified duties. Different jurisdictions may have unique regulations regarding wage loss compensation, making the laws of the state a critical factor. Additionally, factors regarding the motivation of duty reassignment—ensuring that any pay reduction is non-retaliatory—can further complicate the pay adjustment process. If reductions in pay are made for reasons that could be construed as retaliatory, this can present legal and ethical challenges. Considering all these factors together, it becomes clear that the reality of an injured worker's pay can be influenced by job location, state laws, and motivations behind the modified duty assignment, thus leading to the conclusion that all of the outlined conditions are valid.