Review shows denial of North Carolina frontline employees’ workers’ comp claims
A WCNC Charlotte review of North Carolina and city of Charlotte pandemic workers’ compensation claims has revealed most who apply for benefits are getting denied, including frontline employees. State records show North Carolina has only paid COVID workers’ comp to seven out of the 35 employees whose claims went to its third-party administrator. WCNC
Supreme Court considering certiorari in workers’ comp medical cannabis cases
Medical cannabis is being legalized in an increasing number of states, which will have an impact on a variety of employment issues, including workers’ compensation, writes attorney Nicole Mayo. The Supreme Court appears to be considering providing clarity to employers and employees alike regarding payment in workers’ compensation claims. Mondaq
Philadelphia psychiatrist to pay $3M to resolve allegations of false workers’ comp claims
A US attorney has announced that a Philadelphia psychiatrist and his wife have agreed to pay a total of $3 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act. The alleged violations include submitting false billing to the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs for psychiatric services that were not provided, as well as upcoding and double-billing patient claims. MyChesCo
Letter of interpretation addresses travel injuries
A Fed-OSHA letter of interpretation states some travel injuries are recordable, even though injuries during normal commutes have long been held to not be recordable. Based on the letter, injuries that occur during travel to the workplace that is mandatory, unscheduled or not the first commute of the day, other than the commute home, are likely recordable, according to Micah Dickie, an attorney with Fisher Philips in Atlanta. SHRM