Minnesota Workers Compensation Rules

by

David3 Whitney3

Injured employees and workers have several different Minnesota workers compensation benefits available following a work related injury. As a general rule, under the Minnesota Workers Compensation Act, employersthrough their insurersmust pay for medical treatment for employees who suffer a personal injury while at work. In workers compensation cases, a personal injury is defined as an injury arising out of and in the course of employment. It includes injury caused by occupational disease. There are several caveats to the general rule, however.

First, all medical treatment must be reasonable and necessary. Treatment that is unreasonable or unnecessary will not be approved. Generally speaking, however, treating doctors will not recommend a certain medical procedure if it is not reasonable and necessary. Second, all medical treatment for a work injury must be casually related to the injury. This means that if it were not for the work injury, an employee would not need the treatment. The following specific types of treatment are allowed under the Minnesota Workers Compensation Act for a work-related injury: A. Chiropractic Treatment Generally, employees are allowed 12 weeks of treatment with a maximum treatment frequency of five times per week of the first 1-2 weeks and decreasing treatment frequency thereafter. After the first 12 weeks, an additional 12 visits over the next 12 months are allowed if certain requirements are met. B. Podiatric Treatment Actual podiatric treatment and podiatric orthotics are approved under the Workers Compensation Act. C. Christian Science Treatment Employees may receive Christian Science treatment instead of medical treatment for a work injury, but must notify the employer of the election in writing at the time employment is accepted. D. Psychological and Psychiatric Treatment Psychological treatment, as well as psychiatric evaluation and medications for psychological disorders, are allowable. Disputes often arise, however, in cases where an employees recovery from an injury becomes lengthy and the treating doctor refers the employee for counseling or prescriptions for psychotropic medications. E. Physical Rehabilitation Physical rehabilitation, including the use of health club facilities, is allowed under the Workers Compensation Act. F. Medical Supplies and Appliances Employers are required to provide, replace or repair artificial members, glasses, hearing aids, canes, crutches and wheelchairs. G. Medications and Related Supplies and Treatment The Workers Compensation Act provides for prescription and non-prescription medications. However, hospital beds, recliners and hot tubs are not covered. H. Home Nursing Services In cases where an employee suffers from a permanent and total disability, the employer must pay for the reasonable value of nursing services provided by a member of the employees family. I. Home Remodeling Where an employee is permanently disabled, an employer must pay for remodeling of the employees principal residence as is reasonably required to accommodate the disability. J. Surgery Surgery is specifically referenced in a statute in the Workers Compensation Act for work-related injuries. K. Mileage and Travel Expenses Travel expenses, including mileage and meals, for medical treatments are provided for by the MN Workers Compensation Act.

Robert Whitney is the author of this article on Minnesota worker compensation. Find more information about Minnesota workers comp here.

Article Source:

Minnesota Workers Compensation Rules