| Employee Choice of Physician Legislation: As of January 1, 2008, employers must designate at least two medical providers to treat employees injured on the job. The two medical providers must be at two distinct locations without common ownership. Employers in rural areas where there are not four providers within 30 miles are required to designate one medical provider.
At the time of an injury, the following information must be provided to the injured worker in writing:
- Name and contact information of the two designated medical providers.
- Name and contact information of the employer’s authorized representative.
- Name and contact information of the employer’s workers’ compensation carrier.
If circumstances preclude providing the list at the time of injury, the list must be provided by verifiable means within seven business days of the injury notification date.
Safety Group: Colorado Nonprofit Association has formed a Safety Group in collaboration with Pinnacol Assurance. Participants purchase a workers’ compensation insurance policy through Nonprofit Resources and become eligible for a premium discount. Each organization that joins the Safety Group agrees to establish a safety program by completing the following steps:
- Formal declaration of a loss prevention and loss control policy.
- Creation of a safety committee or selection of a safety coordinator.
- Post clearly defined safety/loss prevention rules.
- Conduct employee safety training sessions.
- Select two medical providers.
- Develop written procedures for managing claims.
The steps outlined are the basis for Cost Containment Certification with the State of Colorado. This certification will entitle your organization to additional premium discounts. Resources including sample procedures to help complete the steps are available to Safety Group members through Pinnacol Assurance.
Early Reporting of Claims: Studies show that claims for injured employees reported seven days from the date of injury cost 11% more than claims reported within 24 hours. Early reporting saves money because the claims management process begins as soon as the claim is received. This creates early communication between the injured worker and the claims representative. Additionally, the employer and return-to-work specialist can plan for the worker’s return to the job. Employers need to be proactive in reminding workers of the importance of reporting injuries when they happen.
At Nonprofit Resources, our insurance programs offer a wide range of competitively priced workers’ compensation and liability packages. Remember, profits earned by Nonprofit Resources are used to support Colorado Nonprofit Association programs. Please contact us when you are purchasing insurance for your organization. You can reach us via phone at 303-894-0298 or toll-free at 866-537-1142.
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