News Digest 5-10-2021

 

Virginia expands first responders’ COVID-19 workers’ compensation

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation Thursday expanding first responders’ workers’ compensation. Prior to the law, the Virginia code covered only “ordinary diseases” for worker’s comp, not including COVID. WDVM

 

New Jersey: Medical cannabis reimbursable in workers’ comp scenario

Two attorneys at Troutman Pepper discuss a recent New Jersey Supreme Court case that addresses whether an injured employee is eligible to have medical cannabis reimbursed by the employer under New Jersey’s workers’ compensation laws. JD Supra

 

Denver Post identifies Pinnacol as top workplace

The Denver Post notes Pinnacol Assurance was quick to pivot as a health-focused company to keep its employees working from home when the pandemic hit. Barbara Brannen, vice president of employee services, estimates 99.5 percent of Pinnacol’s employees work from home while less than 1 percent come to the office. Denver Post

 

Workers’ comp bill covering mental health treatment for first responders alive in South Carolina Senate

A workers’ compensation bill that addresses the mental health challenges first responders face as a result of the job is making its way through the South Carolina legislature and has backing from some who responded to Mother Emanuel AME on the night of the tragic church shooting in 2015. State lawmakers said the bill has passed in the South Carolina House and is now in the state senate. ABC News 2 (Charleston) [with video]

 

Louisiana Workforce Commission enhances fight against fraud prevention with new partnership

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is partnering with a federally certified identity verification provider as part of its efforts to combat unemployment identity theft. The automated self-service ID verification process takes about five minutes to complete for about 85 percent of users. KLFY