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Minnesota Workers Compensation Rules
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by: David Whitney3
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Word Count: 495
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, employers—through their insurers—must 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 employee’s 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 employee’s family.
I. Home Remodeling
Where an employee is permanently disabled, an employer must pay for remodeling of the employee’s 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.
Article Source: StepsIT
About the Author
David Whitney is the author of this article on Minnesota workers comp. Find more information about Minnesota workers compensation here.
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