December 7, 2009 Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council meeting at mnasca.org

December 7, 2009 Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council meeting

By admin | December 8, 2009

Workers’ Comp Advisory Council Meeting
Monday, December 7, 2009
9:30 – 10:45 AM
DOLI, Minnesota Room

Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI)

WCRI compared Minnesota with 14 other states
Initial findings highlighted the following four items:
- Our dispute resolution process is too complex (consistent with OLA findings)
- Use of vocational rehab more costly
- Medical costs continue to increase (consistent across all states)
- Costs per claim slightly lower in Minnesota – faster “return to work”, partial disability payments
These four items may be something for policymakers to consider
Final form of the WCRI report will be released at the end of December

Proposed Rules (Medications and Treatment Parameters)

Clarify PPD by updating terminology, make technical corrections, fix errors – it will not increase or decrease payments
Treatment parameters will be updated based on specific court decisions, update different medications – approved by MSRB
Due to the number of comments submitted, there will be a hearing to review these proposed rule changes at the end of February

Housekeeping Legislation

DOLI acted on the OLA’s recommendations internally – doesn’t require legislation
One item being proposed for legislation – require insurers/employers to submit 1st report of injury in electronic format

H1N1

MDH discussed with the council how it is virtually impossible for health care workers to get workers’ comp when they contract H1N1 from patients
A work group will be formed to examine what other states are doing on this issue

Next Meeting: January 13, 9:30 AM at DOLI

Topics: Worker's Comp | No Comments »

Comments are closed.